Dublin Smartphone Film festival

**Production Requirements**

All films must be captured exclusively using a smartphone or tablet. Submissions filmed entirely on DSLR cameras, action cameras, camcorders, cinema cameras, or any other non-mobile devices are not eligible for competition.

Drone footage is permitted, but must not exceed 5% of the total film. The other 95% of footage must be shot on a smartphone.

The use of additional production equipment, including lighting, tripods, gimbals, microphones, and other audio or camera support accessories, is permitted and encouraged to help filmmakers achieve the highest possible production quality.

Post-production may be completed using any editing software and may include visual effects, colour grading, sound design, and creative filter applications. The use of artistic filter and enhancement apps is also permitted.

AI Usage Policy

AI-assisted films are open to submission provided that all AI-generated content is created, and assembled, in conjunction with footage filmed on a smartphone or tablet.

Films that incorporate footage captured on a smartphone or tablet and subsequently enhanced, modified, or augmented using AI tools are eligible for submission.

The filmmaker must retain primary creative control throughout the production process. AI tools should be used to support and enhance the storytelling process, rather than replace the filmmaker's creative decision-making.

To ensure compliance with festival rules and maintain the integrity of the competition, the festival team and judging panel reserve the right to request behind-the-scenes materials, screen recordings, project files, or other supporting documentation to verify the authenticity of the production process and the use of mobile devices.

All entries must be an original production and must not infringe on the copyright, trademark, or intellectual property rights of any individual or entity.

Films must **not exceed 15 minutes in total runtime**.

Any film with a runtime of **more than 15 minutes** will be automatically disqualified and will not be considered for judging or included in the festival screening programme.

Please ensure you verify your film’s runtime before submitting, as submission fees for films exceeding **15 minutes** are strictly non-refundable.

We welcome films in any language. However, English subtitles are required for entries not in English. Films submitted without burnt in English subs will be automatically disqualified and will not be considered for judging or included in the festival screening programme. Submission fees for films excluding English subs are strictly non-refundable.

A small entry fee is charged to help cover the administrative costs of running the festival.

It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all content has been cleared for use prior to submission. Any copyright infringement issues are the responsibility of the filmmaker. The Dublin Smartphone Film Festival and its team accept no liability for any such violations.

By submitting a film, participants agree to the reproduction and dissemination of their work for promotional purposes, including display in social media, at other film festivals, and on television.