SUBMISSIONS
Byzanfest accepts short-films (less than 30 minutes) and feature-lengths (longer than 30 minutes) of all genres. All films must have been made within or after 2018.
Byzanfest accepts unproduced screenplays for both short and feature-length films.
The person submitting film/screenplay and all related materials will be known as “Authorised Submitter”. The Authorised Submitter is responsible to ensure the film/screenplay complies with all domestic and international laws.
Submission fees are non-refundable.
DEADLINE
All films/screenplays and accompanying materials must be received by 16th August 2023.
SCREENING & STREAMING
Physical screenings will be hosted within Australia and possibly overseas.
Streaming will run for a 9-day period. Short-films will stream at no charge. Feature-length films will stream (or choose not to stream) where audiences can rent films individually for 24-hours (or for free) and/or rent an all-inclusive Festival Pass with 14-days access.
Screenplays will only be shared with judge/s and not released publicly.
ELIGIBILITY
Byzanfest is looking for films/screenplays that express Eastern Orthodox Christian themes, beliefs, culture, values and/or inspiration. Storyline does not have to be directly religious or spiritual.
A film/screenplay is deemed "Orthodox”:
1) created by an Orthodox Christian filmmaker who maintained an Orthodox phronema during the creative process, whether or not it contains an express spiritual message, or
2) the subject matter/plot is about Orthodox themes, beliefs, culture, values and/or topics, but the filmmaker is not an Eastern Orthodox Christian.
Byzanfest is open to all ages – those under 18 years old must have an adult submit on their behalf.
Up to 3 films/screenplays can be submitted individually.
FORMATS
The Authorised Submitter may be asked to provide film files well in advance before the deadline to avoid technical issues.
The Festival requires the film in the following formats:
• MP4, highest resolution, English subtitles hardcoded (if English is not the spoken language)
• MP4, highest resolution, no subtitles
• SRT files
• ProRes 422 in its original framerate with English subtitles hardcoded (if English is not the spoken language)
• DCP (if available)
Screenplays can be submitted as Word or PDF documents.
AWARDS, PRIZES & REVENUE
Each category will be awarded a certificate and prize money. Categories, so far, for short-film and feature-length: Best Film, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Screenplay and Audience Favourite.
If selected, revenue split will be outlined in the Release Form.
DISCLAIMER
Byzanfest is not responsible for any civil and/or criminal infringements associated with the submitted film/screenplay and/or Authorised Submitter.
The Festival reserves the right to edit information provided by Authorised Submitter.
By submitting, the Authorised Submitter agrees to all Terms and Conditions and to receiving marketing emails relating to the Festival.
The Festival reserves the right to update Terms and Conditions without notice.