Categories
Animation - Any length
Narrative Feature - Longer than 45 Minutes
Narrative Short - Less than 45 Minutes
Documentary Feature - Longer than 45 minutes
Documentary Short - Less than 45 minutes
Heartland Student Short - Less than 45 minutes
Read the Awards and Prizes section for more information on prizes.
The Andy Entwistle Spirit Award is for new filmmakers over 40 years old at the time of submission. The 'new filmmaker' can be the screenwriter, director or producer of a feature or short film. Interpretation of 'new filmmaker' is at the discretion of the festival committee. To be considered for the Andy Entwistle Spirit Award, e-mail the festival staff at firstcityfilm@gmail.com AFTER submitting through FilmFreeway.
The Heartland Student Short category is open to Kansas and Missouri area Middle and High School students (grades 6-12). Submissions for students is free but an access code will be needed, email the festival at firstcityfilm@gmail.com for more information.
Submissions for the Heartland Student Short category need to be in by Feb. 14, 2025.
Submissions are accepted only through electronic submission via FilmFreeway.
More than one entry may be submitted. However, each entry must be accompanied by a separate entry form and entry fee.
Films not in English must have English subtitles.
Entries must be received on or before the deadlines and submission fee payment must be made in full at time of the submission. All entry fees are non-refundable.
Entrants are responsible for obtaining any necessary licenses, royalties, release forms, clearances and permits necessary to present their work. The First City Film Festival is not responsible for any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits or royalty infringement related to the work.
The following must be source referenced in credits at the end of the production:
* All music, sound effects, pictures and reference footage, whether original and/or non-original
* Original third party music, sound effects, pictures and reference footage may be used if permission by the owner/author is documented in writing and sent in with entry form
* Music, sound effects, pictures, and video clips purchased or available through filming or editing software is acceptable and must be referenced in the credits
All film entries selected for the festival grant the First City Film Festival the rights to use footage, stills, titles and information from the film for promotional purposes.
All filmmakers will be notified via email regarding their acceptance into the Festival.
All genres are welcome. For screenings festival staff will place your film in the appropriate category.
Submissions will be accepted beginning August 31, 2024
·Early bird deadline - September 30, 2024
·Regular deadline - October 31, 2024
·Late deadline - November 30, 2024
·Extended deadline - December 31, 2024
·Student Deadline - February 14, 2025
Works in Progress are accepted for extended deadlines only. WP should be clearly marked on the submission disc “Work in Progress” or “RoughCut” and also indicate when exactly the final edited version will be available.
·Early deadline shorts $20 Features $30
·Regular deadline shorts $25 Features $35
·Late deadline shorts $35 Features $45
·Extended deadline Shorts $45 Features $55
Payment MUST be made through FilmFreeway
Submitted materials will not be returned and there are no refunds.
Multiple Submissions: When sending in more than one project, each one must have its own submission material. Submission fees apply to each individual entry and category.
Official selections (except student shorts) will be will be made by January 10, 2025 and notifications will be sent via email. Those not selected will also be notified via email.
****PLEASE NOTE: EMAILS ARE SENT VIA FILMFREEWAY, PLEASE MAKE SURE THE EMAIL YOU USE FOR THE PLATFORM IS ONE YOU ACTUALLY MONITOR!!
The selection committees’, jury’s and festival director’s decisions are final.
Once selected as a part of the official festival, a film may not pull out of the festival or withdraw its submission.
If selected you should be able to provide the following material:
1. Exhibition video
2. 60 Seconds Digital Video clip or trailer for promotional press
3. The project synopsis with cast and crew credits.
ALL SUBMISSIONS MUST BE SENT THROUGH FilmFreeway.
If your project is selected, you are responsible for delivery of the exhibition video to our office by the designated date OR links for download.
If you have questions regarding the submissions process, please email: firstcityfilm@gmail.com
Filmmakers who have their films selected for the festival will receive an admissions package ABOUT ONE MONTH BEFORE THE FESTIVAL. The admissions package will include instructions for delivering exhibition video, attending the festival, etc.
