General Rules
1. Films must be short narratives of 5 - 10 minutes. Any film outside these parameters will be immediately disqualified without exception.
2. All films must be in English or have English subtitles at the time submitted.
3. Films must be submitted as an online streaming video via a participating submission platform (FilmFreeway).
4. The authors, producers and distributors give the right to free use of the work for dissemination by TRT World, including, but not limited to, the purposes of advertising and promotion, whether via Internet, TV, or other media platforms.
5. Films must have been completed after January 1, 2017.
6. Films with public distribution (obtained prior to being selected for screening) or films produced, financed or initiated by a major film studio or television network are ineligible for the competition. Films that have screened on any network or cable television station or distributed to theaters prior to the competition completion date are also ineligible for competition.
7. Short Films that are publicly available online are not eligible for the competition.
8. TRT World reserves the right in its sole discretion to reject or disqualify any entries.
Originality and Permissions; Indemnity
1. Films must be the original work of the applicants. If a film is based upon another person’s life or upon a book or other underlying work, applicant(s) must secure any necessary rights to make such adaptations. However, it is not necessary to submit the adaptation rights agreements to TRT World. Neither TRT World nor its jurists investigates or attests to the authenticity of an applicant’s statement of authorship or rights secured. By entering the competition, you are acknowledging that you have secured all necessary rights.
2. Applicants are solely responsible for obtaining all necessary rights and permissions for third-party materials included in the film, including but not limited to music, trademarks, logos, copyrights, and other intellectual property rights. TRT World expressly disclaims all liability or responsibility for any violations of the foregoing.
3. By submitting the material, the applicant hereby agrees to indemnify, hold harmless, and defend TRT World, it’s employees, directors, representatives, and affiliates from any liability, claims, and damages in connection with the submission and from any fees and expenses, including but not limited to reasonable attorney’s fees, that any of them may incur in connection therewith.
Selected Films and Winner
1. TRT World has no obligation (other than as stated in these rules or on our website) to disclose any of the following information: i) identities of screeners or judges; ii) notes, feedback, or information relating to the submitted project; and/or iii) details regarding the submission review or selection process.
2. TRT World explicitly disclaims any liability or responsibility for any comments, notes, or opinions expressed about a submission, whether by TRT World or by its volunteers.
3. Winners will be announced at the Annual TRT World Citizen Awards. The judges’ decision is final.
4. Winners receiving cash prizes are solely responsible for payment of all applicable local, state, and federal taxes.
5. Any individual selected to travel to Istanbul must be 18+ years of age. Must be available on the necessary dates. Contingent upon the prizewinner’s ability to obtain a Visa to visit Turkey.