F/Stop Film Festival announces its debut in historical downtown Florence, Ala., Jun. 6-10, 2018, representing a diverse celebration of southern culture, talented filmmakers, and established musicians. The Shoals Area Film Alliance (SAFA) hosts, working to establish The Shoals area of northwest Alabama as a cultural arts center, where people from all backgrounds feel free to create and learn.

Headlining a special jury of competitive categories for music videos, music documentaries, and original song, are songwriter and producer Walt Aldridge, musician John Paul White, and Ben Tanner of the Alabama Shakes. In addition, panels of notable music supervisors will be held for those interested in gaining a greater understanding of music in television, film, and video games.

Awards & Prizes

Awards and Prizes to be determined shortly.

Rules & Terms

1. A feature film runtime typically exceeds 40 minutes, while a short film runtime does not.

2. Student film entries are accepted from students enrolled in a degree-granting college or university program during the time of production. A COPY OF THEIR STUDENT ID OR TRANSCRIPT IS REQUIRED UPON SUBMISSION FOR CONFIRMATION. THE FESTIVAL RESERVES THE RIGHT TO DISQUALIFY ENTRIES THAT ARE NOT SUBMITTED WITH CORRECT DOCUMENTATION.

3. Multiple entries are accepted, but a complete submission entry will need to be completed for each individual project.

4. Submissions may be in HD, Vimeo, or YouTube format.

5. All films selected for screening grant the F/Stop Film Festival the rights to use them for promotional purposes.

6. The F/Stop Film Festival is permitted to retain copies of each film selected as part of our festival library and for media educational use.

7. The earliest arriving promotional materials stand a more reasonable chance of receiving press screenings or highlight within promotions for the festival. This is due simply to our access to these items and does not reflect preference by the festival or judges.

8. Submission of materials for consideration does not guarantee inclusion in festival screenings.

9. The festival reserves the right to disqualify from competition any entry in which categorical qualifications of contributors have been misrepresented. If the eligibility of an entry is questioned the festival is authorized to make determinations.

10. Noncompliance with any rules, terms and conditions may affect entry qualifications.

11. All entries must have been completed after January 1, 2017.

12. A press kit is required after acceptance, but requested at the time of submission. It should include:

Film Press Kit Requirements
- Synopsis of plot and premise (not to exceed 150 words)
- Bio and filmography information for contributors
- Complete list of film credits
- Digital high resolution images: on set production stills, film screen captures, promotional art (such as postcards, fliers, and posters), press clippings, etc. – 300+ dpi resolution is requested
- Clip (not to exceed one minute in length) to be used for publicity and/or at the awards show ceremony (acceptable extensions: “.avi”; “.mpg”; “.mov”)
- OPTIONAL: Trailer (not to exceed two minutes in length) to be used for publicity and/or at the awards show ceremony