1. Eligibility
• The festival is open to filmmakers of all nationalities and backgrounds.
• Films must be 20 minutes or less, including credits.
• Films must have been completed after January 1, 2026.
• Films may have screened at other festivals or online prior to submission.
• Multiple submissions from the same filmmaker are allowed, but each film must be submitted separately.
• Student films are welcome and must be clearly identified under the Student Category at the time of submission.
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2. Submission Process
• All submissions must be made through the festival’s official submission platform (such as FilmFreeway).
• A secure online screener must be provided at the time of submission.
• Films in languages other than English must include English subtitles.
• Submission fees, if applicable, must be paid in full at the time of submission.
• Submitted screeners must remain accessible until official selections are announced.
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3. Deadlines and Notifications
• The final submission deadline is September 15, 2026.
• Selected filmmakers will be notified no later than October 5, 2026.
• If accepted, filmmakers must provide a high-quality screening file in the format specified by the festival.
• The festival reserves the right to determine the final screening schedule and order of films.
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4. Copyright and Permissions
• By submitting a film, the filmmaker confirms that they hold all necessary rights, releases, and permissions for the film. This includes music rights, talent releases, and any copyrighted material used.
• The festival is not responsible for copyright violations or unauthorized use of materials included in submitted films.
• The filmmaker accepts full responsibility for the content of their submission.
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5. Festival Screenings and Awards
• Accepted films may be screened during the official festival event as scheduled by the festival organizers.
• Screening times and film order will be determined by the festival.
• Awards will be presented in selected categories determined by the festival team.
• Audience voting may be used to determine the Audience Choice Award.
• All selection and award decisions are final.
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6. Promotion and Publicity
• By submitting a film, filmmakers grant the festival permission to use film stills, trailers, titles, and short clips for promotional and marketing purposes.
• Filmmaker names, film titles, and promotional materials may be used on the festival website, social media, and printed materials related to the event.
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7. Festival Conduct
• Filmmakers, guests, and attendees are expected to behave respectfully during festival events.
• Harassment, discrimination, or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the event.
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8. Liability
• The festival will take reasonable care when handling screening materials but is not responsible for technical issues, loss, or damage beyond its control.
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9. Agreement to Rules
• By submitting a film to the festival, the filmmaker confirms that they have read, understood, and agreed to comply with all festival rules and terms.
