TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
Duration: 10 minutes maximum for “Short Length” category. Shorter is better, with 3–5 minutes being ideal. 30 minute maximum for “Medium Length.” 120 minutes maximum for “Feature Length.”
Video format: NTSC
Video resolution: 1920 × 1080 (1080 p). 4k can be delivered, though a 1920×1080 version must also be provided
Audio resolution: 2.0 Channel Stereo Mix, 48k, 16 bit
Frame rate: 24 fps preferred, but 23.98 or 29.97 will also be accepted
Encoding: H.264 with 15-30 mbps variable bit rate. 4k versions will need a 100-150mbps bit rate.
Container: .MP4 or .MOV
Deadline: September 15 for final, high resolution download link.
SUBMISSION CRITERIA
We aim to create a thoughtfully curated cinematic experience where fungi are clearly and consistently celebrated (even if via abstract or highly creative ways), while providing the viewer with a program that is richly engaging. As such, several recurring reasons have been identified over the years as to why a film is not selected for a final FFF program.
Please read the following before submitting your film for consideration:
• While we welcome and encourage films of all styles and from filmmakers of all backgrounds, in our effort to curate an engaging program, we often must decline films that are too long relative to the idea being presented (i.e. they “drag on”). Be sure to show your film to several people of various backgrounds for feedback on the pacing of your piece before submitting. Many of the films we decline seem to have not been edited for “tightness.” As noted above, a 3–5 minute duration is ideal as shorter films are more likely to be accepted, especially if the content is very abstract.
• Many films that are not accepted lack a sense of completeness. For narratives and non-fiction films, this implies structure, a sense of conclusion, an arc to the though-story, and/or a message of some sort. For abstract or experimental films, we are looking for consistency and intentionality in the piece, regardless of the creative styling.
• Films with poor audio quality (i.e. clipping sounds or very muffled dialogue) will likely be declined as audio is equally important to the imagery of a film when creating an entertaining experience.
• If fungi are only a minor component of a film and not more-or-less central to the overarching narrative or creative intent, the piece will likely not be selected.
• “Rough cuts” will be considered as they are presented and not based on a proposed or described final version. We will consider a rough cut as-is and base our determinations on the quality of that piece. We strongly recommend sending the final, fully edited version of your film by August 31 to have the best chance of consideration. If selected, you will then have until September 15 to send us a high-resolution file of that piece. Final files that vary notably from their original submission may be removed from the final program.
HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR FILM
If you are unable to meet the above requirements, just let us know. We can likely modify your file to match these specs, but if you can do it from the start, that will make your film look its best!
