Rules and Terms – Florida South Asian Film Festival (FL-SAFF)
* Films must be created by South Asian filmmakers, originate from South Asian countries, or thematically/culturally reflect South Asian experiences or diaspora.
Countries include: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives, Afghanistan, and with special consideration to Myanmar (Burma) and Iran.
* All films not primarily in English must include English subtitles.
* Films must have been completed within the last three (3) calendar years from the year of the current festival edition. Films completed outside this rolling 3-year window will not be eligible.
* FLSAFF is designed as a hybrid festival, incorporating both online screenings and in-person showcases at designated partner venues. However, the Festival reserves the absolute right, at its sole discretion, to modify the format of the event, including conducting the festival partially or entirely online, should circumstances beyond the Festival’s control or other operational considerations require such changes. No claims for compensation, refunds, or damages shall arise from such modifications.
* Festival dates, venues, and formats (online or physical) are subject to change without prior notice.
By submitting your film, you agree to these Terms and Conditions and confirm that you have secured all necessary rights and clearances.
1. SUBMITTING CONTENT
“Content” refers to any films, videos, media, images, publicity stills, or other materials you submit. By submitting, you confirm acceptance of all FL-SAFF terms, including this Agreement.
Content must meet all formatting, technical, and eligibility requirements as listed on our submission platform (e.g., FilmFreeway). FL-SAFF is not responsible for lost, unreadable, or damaged submissions.
Only films made by South Asian filmmakers, in any South Asian language, or with origins or cultural themes tied to South Asia are eligible.
2. AGE REQUIREMENT
You must be 18 years of age or older to submit a film to FL-SAFF. Submissions from individuals under 18 will not be accepted.
3. CONTENT REQUIREMENTS
You are solely responsible for your content. The views expressed in submitted films do not represent those of FL-SAFF.
Do not submit content that is:
Libelous, defamatory, obscene, pornographic
Sexually, racially, culturally, or ethnically offensive
Harassing, threatening, or abusive
Commercial in nature or that interferes with festival partnerships
FL-SAFF reserves the right to remove or reject any content at its sole discretion, without notice. If we receive a valid copyright claim, we may remove your content and notify you.
You are responsible for clearing all rights, including music, footage, graphics, and third-party content. If contacted by rights holders, we will direct them to you.
4. COPYRIGHT AND VIOLATIONS
If you believe any content submitted to FL-SAFF violates copyright law or your rights, you may notify us at nitap@thefridayfilms.com.
5. RIGHTS GRANTED TO FL-SAFF
By submitting, you grant FL-SAFF the non-exclusive, royalty-free right to host, store, screen, and promote your film (in full or part) for a period of up to one (1) year from the date of submission.
This includes:
Inclusion in showreels, trailers, ads, or promotional media
Compression or transcoding for online/offline presentation
Screening at associated events, theaters, online platforms, and partner broadcasts
If third-party opportunities arise (e.g., additional screenings, licensing, or marketing partnerships), FL-SAFF will inform you and seek permission where applicable.
6. OWNERSHIP
FL-SAFF does not claim ownership of your work. You retain all rights to your film.
You must hold (or have secured) all rights, licenses, and permissions required to submit and authorize FL-SAFF’s use as outlined in this Agreement.
7. FINANCIAL CONSIDERATION
By entering this agreement, you acknowledge that:
FL-SAFF does not offer monetary compensation for screenings or awards
The festival may benefit from exposure and partnership opportunities related to your content during its official run.
8. INDEMNIFICATION
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless FL-SAFF and its affiliates from any claims or liabilities arising from your submission, content, or use by the festival.
9. DISCLAIMERS AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
You submit content at your own risk. FL-SAFF disclaims liability for:
Data loss or hardware issues
Unauthorized third-party use
Damages of any kind, whether direct or indirect, foreseeable or not.
10. GENERAL TERMS
This Agreement and our Terms of Use constitute the full understanding between you and FL-SAFF. We may update or terminate this agreement or your submission access at any time, without prior notice.
The Florida South Asian Film Festival may host screenings, showcases, or partner events in other states/cities including New Jersey.
There are no cash prizes; award winners receive a trophy and/or certificate.
11. GOVERNING LAW
This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of New Jersey, USA, and subject to its courts’ non-exclusive jurisdiction.
12. JUDGING
FL-SAFF’s programming and awards decisions are made by a qualified selection team. All decisions are final and non-negotiable. Awards are announced on the final day of the festival.
13. CHANGES TO TERMS OR FORMAT
By submitting your film, you agree to any future changes in these Terms and Conditions, including changes to festival dates, format (online or in-person), or venue.
In the case of public health concerns or unforeseen circumstances, FL-SAFF reserves the right to host the event entirely online without additional notice.
