FEATURE FILMS and FEATURE DOCUMENTARIES must be by an IRISH filmmaker working anywhere in the world OR a filmmaker of ANY nationality working in IRELAND.
SHORT FILMS must be by an IRISH filmmaker working anywhere in the world OR a filmmaker of ANY nationality working in IRELAND
IRISH HERITAGE SHORT FILMS maybe by an IRISH filmmaker or a filmmaker of IRISH heritage that created a film reflective of their IRISH background, the IRISH people or IRELAND's history.
ALL FILMS must have been completed in either 2023 or 2024 and be a Chicago premier, but Midwest and U.S. premiers are greatly appreciated! Date of completion must be included in the submission. Please contact the festival with any questions about production dates at: info@chicagoirishfilmfestival.com
Films must not be available for public viewing on television or the internet in the US prior to March 2025 with the exception of films that are screening at online and hybrid film festivals.
Films in any language other than English, including Irish Language must have English subtitles.
Filmmakers may only submit a maximum of 2 films : each separately and pay entry fee for each film.
The CIFF cannot acknowledge receipt of entries.
Applicants will be notified if their submissions have been successful by email after the selection process has taken place.
Due to the number of submissions received The CIFF cannot enter into discussion regarding films that are not selected for the festival.
Filmmakers of selected films should note that screening links might be made available to members of the festival and marketing team as necessary ahead of the public screening. The CIFF respects the filmmakers' copyrights and will make every effort to protect the film from piracy. The CIFF abides by the European Privacy Act of 2018 (GDPR).
▪ SUBMITTING A FILM ▪
1: For those films not accessible directly through the FilmFreeway submission page
please include a working YouTube or Vimeo link of the film AND password that does
not expire prior to the festival notification date!
Note: Filmmakers will be notified if the password fails one time and then eliminated
from consideration, without refund, if a new password is not provided.
2: Please include a synopsis of the film
3: Please include at least 3 images from the film: large hi-res / 300 dpi.
4: Please include a YouTube or Vimeo link of the film's trailer if applicable.
5: All content must be the filmmakers', including footage, music, images etc.
Films w/ unauthorized use of copyrighted material will be disqualified!
6: Film must not contain any objectionable, vulgar, libelous, obscene or gratuitous
violent material!
7: Filmmakers will be notified by December 15, 2024 of the judges’ selections.
Judges may disqualify any film they feel does not comply with the above
stated guidelines.
8: The CIFF cannot acknowledge receipt of entries.
9: Due to the number of submissions received The CIFF cannot enter into discussion
regarding films that are not selected for the festival.
▪ SELECTED FILMS ▪
If selected the filmmaker must provide before January 15, 2025:
Option A: WeTransfer / Dropbox etc. in one of the following formats:
MP4 / Codec H264, or Apple Pro Res – 25fps
Option B: DCP from filmmaker, studio or distributor
Films must be delivered no later than January 15, 2025 either by transfer or shipment.
Films delivered after this date maybe dropped from the festival program.
The filmmaker is responsible for the shipment of the film to Chicago.
The festival will return the film upon request or forward it to another festival if information is provided prior to the start of the CIFF.
PLEASE CONTACT THE FESTIVAL DIRECTLY PRIOR TO SHIPPING A FILM.
▪ Publicity
The Festival reserves the right to use extracts from selected films for
publicity and promotional purposes related solely to the festival and its archives.
Filmmakers of selected films should note that screening links might be made available to members of the festival and marketing team as necessary ahead of the public screening. The CIFF respects the filmmakers' copyrights and will make every effort to protect the film from piracy. The CIFF abides by the European Privacy Act of 2018. As of May 2018 the CIFF acknowledged the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) law and will continue to respect our filmmakers and their privacy. We do not share or sell any personal data or information.
▪ Rights
By submitting a film to the festival the filmmaker/producer assumes sole responsibility of the acting and authorized agent and that exhibition of the film will not violate or infringe on any rights including but not limited to the images, music and content.
▪ Submission of a film constitutes an understanding of the guidelines and requirements of the festival. Please note that films that are submitted that do not comply with the stated guidelines will be disqualified. In the event of a disagreement concerning the rules and regulations regarding submission the festival's interpretation will take precedent.
These regulations are subject to change without prior notice.
Thank you for your submission.
