Blue Hill International Film Festival

Rules & Terms

1. Entry fees are non-refundable under any circumstances.
2. Filmmakers are required to submit films online only through FilmFreeway.
3. Films can be of any genre and in any language. All non-English films must have English subtitles for festival presentation.
4. All formats and languages are accepted, but subtitles are compulsory for non-English films.
5. No inquiries or arguments will be entertained regarding non-selected films. The decision of the festival selection committee will be final.
6. In case of copyright or any other legal dispute, the responsibility shall lie with the respective producer/filmmaker. The festival will not be held liable.
7. The organizers reserve the right to modify rules or regulations if necessary, without prior intimation. Such modifications will be binding on all participants.
8. Entries must be submitted in proper formats only. The festival will not be responsible if a film cannot be screened due to issues with the format.
9. Accepted formats include HD, MOV, MP4/H.264. Films must be available in HD for preview by the technical committee, selection committee, and jury panel.
10. The festival does not follow a specific theme. Filmmakers may submit films on any subject or genre.
11. Multiple entries are allowed, but each entry must have a separate submission form, preview copy, synopsis/description, still photographs, and press kit. Each film is considered a separate entry.
12. The festival reserves the right to use excerpts, trailers, posters, stills, and other material from selected films for promotional purposes. Copies of selected films will be retained as part of the festival library.
13. Once a film is officially selected and submitted for final screening, it cannot be withdrawn until the festival concludes.
14. All entries must include publicity material (brochure, stills, poster, synopsis). Entries without these materials may be disqualified.
15. The decision of the jury will be final and binding. Films not eligible for the final round will not be reconsidered, and no correspondence will be entertained.
16. Filmmakers agree not to take any legal action against jury members or festival organizers regarding the selection process or results.
17. Selection criteria for winners will be based on creative and technical merit, including storyline, narrative, subject treatment, direction, cinematography, screenplay, acting, music, and overall execution.
18. Films are judged on originality, creativity, plot, pacing, structure, characters, cinematography, entertainment value, message effectiveness, and the filmmaker’s ability to engage the audience.
19. Films submitted must not contain content that promotes hate, violence, or discrimination of any kind. The festival reserves the right to reject any film on ethical or legal grounds.
20. Screening schedule and order are decided by the festival management. Once scheduled, no change requests will be entertained.
21. The festival may organize both physical and online screenings. By submitting, the filmmaker agrees to their film being part of either format.
22. The festival does not pay screening fees to filmmakers. Participation in the festival is considered voluntary.
23. If a film is selected, the filmmaker must provide a high-quality screening copy and promotional materials within the deadline given by the festival. Failure to do so may lead to disqualification.
24. Winners must collect their trophies and certificates at the festival venue. If unable to attend, they may request shipping at their own expense.
25. The festival reserves the right to disqualify any entry if it does not comply with the rules or is found to contain false information.
26. The festival reserves the right to make the final decision regarding all matters not specified in these rules. Submission of a film implies full acceptance of these Rules & Terms.