The Deaf Way Film Festival accepts both features and shorts, that are defined as follows:
· A SHORT film has a total run time of 40 minutes or less.
· A FEATURE film has a total run time of 41 minutes or more.
Films can be narrative fiction, documentary or hybrid.
To be eligible for consideration, each film submission MUST satisfy the following criteria:
1) Films must be created by Deaf filmmakers or collaborations between Deaf and hearing creators. (The term “Deaf” is inclusive of Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Hard of Hearing individuals). Collaborations must follow the TWO Deaf cast/crew rule below.
2) Film must feature a prominent element of Deaf Culture, sign language, or deafness, OR must have at least TWO cast and/or crew members who are Deaf. (The term “Deaf” is inclusive of Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Hard of Hearing individuals).
3) All films MUST have subtitles in English for every signed AND spoken word, as well as background audio. It is the responsibility of the filmmaker to provide a copy of the film with burned-in subtitles, in addition to a separate SRT file as an attachment. The SRT files will be used and converted into transcripts for DeafBlind attendees. Deaf Way Festival will not be responsible for the accuracy of the subtitles.
4) All films must be submitted through FilmFreeway.
5) Films must be no older than 2023
The Deaf Way Film Festival reserves the right to determine the eligibility of any projects submitted.
NOTE: If your film submission does NOT adhere to the above criteria, it will NOT be considered. If you have any questions about submissions, please contact the Programming team at contractor.apassafiume@gallaudet.edu
PRESS MATERIALS
If your film is selected for inclusion, the Deaf Way Film Festival will require an Electronic Press Kit (EPK) to include high-resolution production stills, key art, bio and filmography of the director(s), production notes, and full cast and crew credits.
LIABILITY
Every precaution is taken when handling your film once submitted, but we cannot accept responsibility for lost or damaged files that are submitted to us.
REPRODUCTION AGREEMENT
If your film is accepted to screen at the festival, you are agreeing to allow the Deaf Way Film Festival to use clips from the film to be used for promotional activities related to the Deaf Way Film Festival, including film trailers.
NOTIFICATIONS
Filmmakers whose films have been selected for the Deaf Way Film Festival will be notified via email by July 18.
