GIFF.DEBUTS is a standalone contest of the GIFF festival. It accepts entries from students and debutants in the world of filmmaking.

The winners of GIFF.DEBUTS will be shortlisted for the main GIFF festival and screened at the final screening.

Our goal is to create a community of students from different film schools to communicate, collaborate and share their experiences. We also give the chance for emerging filmmakers to show their work to established industry creators. And we give experienced professionals the opportunity to find young talents for collaboration.

Awards & Prizes

Winners will receive laurels, customized statuettes, diplomas or other prizes (depending on the nomination). The best debut/student film will be shortlisted for the main GIFF festival (https://genesisfilmfestival.com).

▸ SHORT FILMS (30 min. max)
🥇 Best Short Film – Grand prix
🏆 Best Short Film – Drama
🏆 Best Short Film – Comedy
🏆 Best Short Film – Animation
🏆 Best Short Film – Experimental
🏆 Best Short Film – Arthouse / Indie film
🏆 Best Short Film – Fantasy
🏆🚀 Best Short Film – Sci-fi (science fiction) - Organizer award

🎬 Best Director
🙍‍♀️ Best Actress
🙎‍♂️ Best Actor
🎥 Best Cinematographer
🎞️ Best Editing
🎼 Best Music or Score (Soundtrack, OST)
🏅 Best Visual Effects (VFX) - Organizer award
📝 Best Short Screenplay (filmed)

▸ SEPARATE CONTESTS
📌 GIFF.DOCU: Documentary
To submit your documentary film, please go to: https://filmfreeway.com/GenesisFestivalDocu

🥇 GIFF.SHORTS: films and scripts from active directors
If you have a lot of experience in filmmaking, please submit your work here: https://filmfreeway.com/GenesisFestival

Rules & Terms

▸ Eligibility
- All films must be submitted in English or with English subtitles.
- All producers and/or directors who own the rights to the film they are submitting are eligible for competition.
- Each filmmaker or producer may submit as many films as desired.
- An entry form for each work must be submitted on FilmFreeway.

▸ Entry fee
- There is an entry fee required for each submission.
- Festival participation fees are non-refundable.

▸ Duration
- Films must meet the following duration criteria:
- Short films must be no longer than 30 minutes;
- Documentaries must be no longer than 100 minutes;
- Scripts must be no longer than 100 pages.

▸ Format
- Films must be submitted in a high-resolution file format.
- Accepted formats for visual artwork are: .mp4 files, Vimeo/YouTube links, Dropbox links or any cloud storage link.
- To submit films for consideration to the Film Selection Committee, fill out the online entry form on FilmFreeway.
- If the film is not in English, it is highly recommended to provide SRT subtitles in English for screening.

▸ Selection
- Films will be selected by a committee of experts appointed by the GIFF festival.
- Selected films will be notified via email in order to continue in the competition.
- Not all nominated films will be screened.
- The festival reserves the right to decide on the section and programme in which the selected films will be presented.

▸ Restrictions
- The festival does not accept films with political or religious themes (without artistic value), films promoting drugs, violence or hate speech.

▸ Rights
- By submitting an application, the participant grants the festival the right to show the film online and in front of a live audience during the festival period and for promotional purposes afterwards.
- The participant also warrants that they are authorized to commit the film for screening and that they have obtained all necessary rights and permissions for the film and its content.

▸ Acceptance
- Participation in the festival implies acceptance of these rules and terms.
- The festival reserves the right to amend or modify these rules and terms at any time without prior notice.
- Any dispute arising will be settled by the festival directorate in accordance with current rules and terms.
1 Review
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  • Space Boy MX

    We are very grateful because our short film 10:35 was finalist at the GIFF. This achievement inspires us to continue striving for excellence in our projects and we look forward to sharing more exciting content with you in the future. We thank the organizers and everyone involved in the festival for their dedication and effort to make it happen.
    Space hugs. Space boy.

    www.spaceboy.mx
    https://linktr.ee/spaceboymx

    July 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you!