Premiere Status – All films must be a Wyoming premiere.
Run Time –
• Short films and short docs: 0–25 min.
• Feature films and feature docs: 45-120 min.
• Wyoming films and docs: 0-120 min.
• Music videos: 0-8 min.
• Web series: 0-15 min.
English Language or English Subtitles – All films submitted to the Wyoming International Film Festival must be in English or have English Subtitles.
Delivery – Films must be delivered in .mov or mp4 format. We do not accept any other formats.
Genre – The Wyoming International Film Festival accepts films of all genres. This includes but is not limited to; action, animation, biographical, comedy, documentary, drama, experimental, genre (horror, sci-fi, fantasy, etc.) musical, music video, mystery, political, romance, sports, thriller, web series, western or period piece, etc.
Web Series – This category is for narrative or documentary episodic series produced exclusively for distribution on the web. Filmmakers may submit multiple episodes totaling up to 15 minutes. Episodes must be contained on the same screener. For awards purposes web series will be considered in the “Short Film” categories. Web Series made in Wyoming may submit under the “Wyoming Film” category for a discount.
Music Videos – Filmmakers must have permissions from the band, musician, or artist to use their music in the music video. Music must be an original song or an original cover of a pre-existing work provided all proper rights have been secured. For awards purposes music videos will be considered in the “Short Film” categories. Music videos made in Wyoming may submit under the “Wyoming Film” category for a discount.
Wyoming Films – To qualify as a Wyoming Film or Wyoming Documentary the project must meet one of the following criteria. The programming committee reserves the right to disqualify films that do not meet the criteria.
• The director of the film is a current resident of Wyoming.
• At least 50% of the film was shot in Wyoming.
• Wyoming strongly features as a character, setting, or plot point in the film.
Student Film Discount – If submitting a film or documentary with the student film discount, filmmakers must provide a copy of a valid student ID from an accredited school. Failure to provide a copy of a valid student ID will result in disqualification. The student film discount is only applicable if the student receiving the discount is the director, producer, or writer of the project.
Waiver Requests – WyoIFF generally does not grant waivers. Waivers requests are rarely approved, and typically only under specific circumstances. Examples include: International films incapable of payment due to economic sanctions, non-fiction educational films produced by qualified non-profits for the benefit of Wyoming residents, films produced specifically and exclusively for WyoIFF using public domain footage or with public funding, non-fiction filmmakers considered political refugees or in political exile. Before sending a request please carefully consider your reasons for a waiver. A film with low/no budget is not a qualifying reason for a waiver. All waiver requests are reviewed by the WyoIFF team and the decision to grant or reject a waiver is final.
Agreement of Use – Selected films agree to allow the festival to use screen shots, clips, trailers, posters, or other materials to promote the film and festival. Filmmakers and guests agree to allow the festival to use their likeness in any photo, video, or audio recordings to promote the film and festival.
Age of Film – Films cannot have been produced any later than January 1st, 2019. Films produced in 2018 and older are ineligible.
Copyright – By submitting filmmakers acknowledge they own the full copyright to their film, soundtrack, and all other elements contained within the film, and have the legal right to exhibit the film in the United States. The festival takes no responsibility for any copyright violations, and the filmmaker agrees they are the sole responsible party of their work.
Non-Discrimination – The Wyoming International Film Festival has a strict non-discrimination policy and has zero tolerance for films promoting discrimination. Any film that actively promotes hate speech or discrimination against any protected class (Race, Ethnicity, Nationality, Gender, Sexual Orientation, Religion, Ability, Age, etc.) will be immediately disqualified.