The director(s) of a submitted film must be a student who was enrolled (full-time or part-time) in a college or university in the New England area sometime in the past three academic semesters (spring 2025, fall 2024, or spring 2024).
Only animated films will be accepted. Live-action films with only minor CG elements will not be accepted. A submitted film should be either wholly animated or predominantly animated. Please review the below FAQ for more information on this.
The work must have been finished within the current or previous year (2025 or 2024)
Films may have a runtime of up to 15 minutes (including credits).
We will only accept finished films, so please submit the film you would like showcased if accepted into the festival.
All students are eligible to submit a film, regardless of their enrollment in film classes, major, or level of experience.
Films that have previously screened in other festivals are eligible. Films made in and out of the classroom setting are eligible.
IMPORTANT: Our priority is showcasing the wide range of creativity that young filmmakers have to offer. If your film falls outside the scope of these requirements, or if you would like to request an exception, please don't hesitate to contact the festival directly at neuanimation@gmail.com.
It is expected that filmmakers hold all the respective rights required for their film before submitting. By submitting your film, you grant the festival permission to screen it at this one-night event and use still images for promotional purposes. Directors retain all rights to their films.
All entries are encouraged (but not required) to have English subtitles to make this festival as accessible as possible.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee to submit a film or attend the festival?
• No, film submissions and festival attendance are completely free!
What types of films can I submit?
• Submitted films MUST be animated, or have a heavy focus on animation/CG work. Live-action elements are permitted, but the film should primarily be animated. If you have specific questions about these requirements, please get in touch with neuanimation@gmail.com for individual review or clarification.
Do I need to be a film/animation student or have any prior experience?
• All students are eligible to submit an animated film, regardless of film classes, major, or experience. Films made in and out of the classroom setting are eligible.
What if my film has already been screened?
• Films that have previously screened in other festivals are eligible.
What if I’m a student outside New England, or my film exceeds the 15-minute limit? Can I get an exemption from any of the rules?
• Our priority is showing off the wide range of creativity young filmmakers have to offer, so we are definitely open to films that don’t follow the terms 100%. If your film falls beyond the scope of these requirements, contact the festival directly at neuanimation@gmail.com, and we’ll review on a case-by-case basis.
Do I need a ticket to attend the festival?
• The Northeastern Student Film Festival takes place on February 6th and is free to attend and does not require a ticket, but we do ask that those outside the Northeastern community fill out an RSVP form, which we’ll be putting out closer to the event.
