Rules:
* All entries must be submitted via FilmFreeway.
* Works in progress will not be accepted.
* Films must be completed after January 1, 2025.
* To qualify for submission, the Director and most team members must be registered in a high school in Southwestern Ontario at the time of submission.
* We accept and celebrate the diversity of our country and encourage submissions in English, French, Newcomer and/or Indigenous languages. (Submissions must include English subtitles.)
* The decision of the Judges and Selection Committee is final.
Terms and Conditions:
* By submitting to the FCYFF, the entrant agrees to allow his/her work for consideration (hereafter known as the "Work") to be screened during the festival duration, at no charge to the festival. If any additional screenings are to take place, they will do so under mutual agreement between the entrant and the FCYFF.
* For all Works selected by the FCYFF, entrants will be asked to provide promotional materials, but we ask that no promotional materials be sent until selected and notified.
* By submitting to the FCYFF, the entrant admits and acknowledges copyright ownership of the Work. Further, the entrant admits and acknowledges he/she has obtained the necessary permissions for any copyrighted material used in the Work (e.g. music).
* By submitting your Work, the entrant hereby grants the FCYFF the following: non-exclusive, irrevocable rights to use and display the names, voices, photographs, likenesses and biographies of the entrant for use in advertising, publicizing and promoting the Work in any media.
* The entrant understands and acknowledges that, if under 18 years of age, a parent or guardian must agree to the terms of the Filmmaker/Guardian Release on your behalf.
* The FCYFF reserves the right to disqualify any submission at any time if there is any question of ownership, copyright infringement or any sign of disrespect (in any form of media) to the festival or its representatives. The FCYFF will not be held responsible for any inclusion of uncleared materials in your film. (e.g. copyrighted music used without permission.)
* All entrants understand and acknowledge that they will be automatically subscribed to the FCYFF's newsletter and may opt out at any time.
* Works posted on YouTube or other public video sites cannot be screened in the FCYFF competition. We ask that Works submitted to the FCYFF not be screened in the London region between August 15 and November 15 at venues outside of the FCYFF, and that they not be posted publicly online during that time.
* Works that are official selections are not permitted to withdraw from the FCYFF after September 15. The FCYFF reserves the right to update or modify these terms and policies without prior notice.
* We ask that entrants NOT USE SCHOOL EMAIL ACCOUNTS when submitting their Works. (Most communications with official selections occur during the summer period.)
* Please note that the films will be judged on how well they will play on a big screen. This means certain technical aspects must be met:
- The video must be filmed in high resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- The film should have proper lighting
- Avoid having a shaky camera, unless it’s done for effect (use a tripod or a flat surface for the camera when filming)
- The audio should be clear and crisp (i.e. people should be speaking clearly, sound levels should be high enough that we can hear what’s being said, make sure your “b”s and “p”s aren’t popping, avoid having your audio recording device too far from your subject etc.)
* If your topic is on something politically sensitive, please keep a few things in mind:
- Please show respect to your subject matter
- If you’re quoting stats, they should be cited on screen using reputable sources
- Hate speech, or intolerance will not be considered
* When you’re submitting your film, please also keep in mind our wide and varied audience. Although every film will be evaluated individually, certain things could make it ineligible for us to show:
- Underage or excessive drinking
- Illegal drug use
- Smoking or vaping
- Extreme violence
- Excessive swearing
- Delicate subject matters that aren’t properly or fairly explored
- Extreme flashing lights
* Every film will be considered on an individual basis, but ultimately the eligibility of the submitted films will be up to the discretion of the festival.
