Rules & Terms
1 Films made anywhere in the world are eligible to be submitted for consideration in one of the following categories:
2 If the Film’s final running time is more than 2 minutes and less than 30 minutes including credits if any, the Film may only be submitted as a Short film. Even if the Film has been submitted as a Feature film, it will be included for consideration only in the Short category.
3 If the Film’s final running time is more than 60 minutes and less than 90minutes including credits if any, the Film may only be submitted as a Feature film. Even if the Film has been submitted as a Short film, it will be included for consideration only in the Feature category.
4 The Festival does not require première status for submissions.
5 The Film may have been previously screened in its entirety at a theatrical exhibition anywhere in the world, in which tickets were available to the public.
6 The Film may have been previously released on DVD or broadcast on television or the internet anywhere in the world.
7 It is the sole responsibility of the Applicant to secure clearance from the copyright holders of any copyrighted materials included within the submitted Film. The Organizers will not be held responsible for the unauthorized inclusion of any copyrighted materials within or relating to the submitted Film. The Organizers reserve the right to disqualify, without refund of any or all submission fees previously collected from the Applicant, any Film with any unauthorized inclusion of any copyrighted materials.
8 Applicants submitting Films that contain significant non-English spoken dialogue must provide on-screen English subtitles. The Organizers reserve the right to disqualify, without refund of any or all submission fees previously collected from the Applicant, any Film that contains significant non-English spoken dialogue that does not include accompanying on screen English subtitles.
9 If your submission is accepted we may require an electronic copy for screening purposes which WILL NOT BE RETURNED.
10 The Organizers reserve the right to disqualify, without refund of any or all submission fees previously collected from Applicant, any Film that is not submitted on one of the recommended standard formats.
11 Your submission must have been completed after January 2017
**IT IS OUR POLICY THAT ALL ELECTRONIC VIDEO FILES OF FILM MAKERS' PROJECTS WILL BE DELETED AND NO COPIES HELD ON FILE ONCE THE FESTIVAL FINISHES**
MUSIC VIDEO
A video that accompanies a complete piece of music or song.
Requirements: Your Submission must be a music video that has been purposely created as a visual representation of a chosen piece of music or song. Submissions must be an original interpretation created for a band or artist, either a narrative or abstract representation of the music or performance. We will accept unofficial, ’spec’ music videos. All rights to the music used in the video must be cleared with the applicable owners/licensors.
Judging considerations: We are looking for entries that visually represent the accompanying music in a complementary, fresh and highly creative way, in both concept and execution.
FEATURE/SHORT FILM
A live action narrative fiction told through the medium of video.
Requirements: Your Submission must be an original live action narrative video that exemplifies the art of fictional storytelling. Submissions may come from, but are not limited to, the following genres: comedy, action, drama, musical, horror, etc. Your submission should be a complete story that is presented in a clear, creative, and original way.
Judging considerations: We are looking for creative excellence in videos that push the boundaries of narrative filmmaking and storytelling
DOCUMENTARY FEATURE/SHORT
A video that presents a factual report on a chosen subject or idea.
Requirements: Your submission must be an original documentary that exemplifies the art of non-fiction storytelling. Submissions may include a variety of storytelling methods: presenter led or narrated, fly on the wall, point of view, ambient, or personal stories, etc. Your submission should be a complete idea that is presented in a clear, innovative and original way.
Judging considerations: We are looking for an engaging, creative video that provides insight into a real person, lifestyle, cause, belief, or situation through nonfiction filmmaking methods.
ANIMATION
A story told by giving life to inanimate objects or character designs using computer technology or frame by frame animation.
Requirements: Your submission must be an original animated short video that illustrates the art of animated storytelling. Submissions may include the following styles of animation: 3D, 2D, mixed media, or any form of stop motion.
Judging considerations: We are looking for animation that deploys a high level of technical, conceptual, and aesthetic innovation in order to enchant the viewer with a strong, engaging story.
EXPERIMENTAL
A video that experiments with new ideas and/or techniques, often characterized by the absence of a linear narrative.
Requirements: Submissions may include video art, abstract works, or any other non narrative-based work that breaks new ground in moving image.
Judging considerations: We are looking for videos that explore new ideas or techniques to further filmmaking as an art form, free from the constraints of the traditional narrative form.
We are looking for Submissions that:
• Are based upon an interesting concept;
• Are innovative;
• Are well crafted; and
• Create an emotional resonance