FEATURE FILM CONDITIONS OF ENTRY.
Gold Coast Film Festival (Australia) will take place April 22 - May 3 2026. By submitting your film (Film) to Gold Coast Film Festival (Festival), which is organised by Film Fantastic Ltd (A.C.N. 098 091 260) (GCFF), you (Filmmaker) agree to the following:
1. Queensland Premiere Status, if your film screens elsewhere in Queensland prior to GCFF in any public arena or festival it will be automatically disqualified. The only exceptions to this requirement are for film-school graduation screenings. Exemptions may be considered by the programming team on a film by film basis but the premiere status will be necessary in order to comply and screenings at other Queensland festivals will automatically disqualify films.
2. All the information provided either through the online entry form or through email correspondence with GCFF is true and accurate.
3. You either own the rights to, or have permission to use, the footage, sound, music, images, and all other contributions that are part of the ‘Film’ to the extent necessary to submit the ‘Film’ to the festival and, if accepted, screen the ‘Film’ at the festival. Please note: if you have any doubts about any of the rights in the ‘Film’, you must notify the festival at the time of submission.
4. We discourage entries which may be considered corporate or marketing documentaries.
5. To be eligible for consideration, all submissions must meet the following requirements:
‘Film’ must not be theatrically released prior to or during the period of the festival. Nor have been (or will not be) available commercially online and accessible from the state of Queensland, Australia, either for free or via on-demand services prior to or during the festival dates.
Screenings as part of a digital or online festival are permitted if the festival is for a limited run and geo-blocked such that access by Australian viewers is prohibited. Exemptions may be considered by the programming team on a film by film basis.
WORK IN PROGRESS FEATURE FILM SUBMISSIONS.
Our programmers are accustomed to viewing work in progress. If you need to send the film when there is still post-production work left to do, then please let us know what is left to be done (e.g. colour grade, sound mix, vfx). However, please note that we will not re-view different cuts of the same film, so it is best to wait until you have a cut you are happy with. If you are submitting a work in progress, please ensure a final completed ‘Film’ will be delivered to the festival (if the ‘Film’ is selected) by the content delivery date.
Feature films must be completed in the past two years with completion date after April 2024.
OFFICIAL SELECTION OF FEATURE FILMS.
Should your feature film be officially selected, you will be notified via Film Freeway.
Then, an Official Term Sheet will be sent for your completion, to confirm the invitation has been accepted and all film assets have been provided to GCFF.
The festival will screen the feature to a minimum of one and a maximum of four individual screenings at HOTA or the festival’s affiliated venues. Permission for any additional screenings will be discussed with the filmmaker/distributor and the GCFF programming team.
All officially selected International and Australian feature films, will be paid a standard screening fee calculated as a percentage of box office that shall be outlined in the Official Term Sheet.
GST - please note all box office ticket prices listed are inclusive of a 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST). As is a standard industry practice in Australia this 10% will be subtracted from gross box office receipts before splits.
GCFF ultimately holds the right to reject a selected film for any unforeseen circumstances or issues, even after official selection has been made and accepted. In the unlikely event that this situation arises and the festival withdraws the offer. The GCFF will not commercially compensate the filmmaker or distributor. Nor will the submission fee be refunded.
IF YOU FEATURE FILM IS SELECTED.
1. As the unencumbered rights holder of the film in the territory you grant GCFF a non-exclusive, Australian license to screen the Film between April 22 - May 3 2026.
2. You agree to provide GCFF with a downloadable English Language subtitled version of the Film or DCP of the feature Film by no later than 1st April, 2026. Regardless of the language of origin an English language subtitled version must be provided to the festival.
3. The GCFF screening must be the Queensland Premiere of the Film, and this first screening for a public audience. (GCFF recommends that local filmmakers hold a cast and crew screening post-premiere as this may impact our selection process.)
4. As is necessary the GCFF will prepare professional session compilations at its own cost for screening at its venues. You grant GCFF all necessary rights to copy and otherwise reproduce the Film for the purpose of making such compiles in order to screen the Film and promote the Festival.
5. You must notify GCFF immediately if any of the rights in the Film become disputed or a claim is made against you in relation to the Film.
6. By submitting to the festival you undertake to indemnify GCFF from all possible claims made against the film. For the avoidance of doubt this includes any claims made against the film or the relevant production entity for any known or unforeseen issues regarding the production. This includes any type of infringement of intellectual property that could potentially impact the screening of the Film as part of the Festival.
7. The party that submits the film will be the GCFF’s primary contact during the event, should this change during the period of communication, written notification to the festival’s programmer will be necessary before the festival can enter into any communication, for any reason, with a third party.
8. You grant GCFF a royalty-free, non-exclusive Australian license to use film excerpts, film stills, press kits, and other promotional materials from the Film for publicity and promotional purposes in relation to the Festival, including on its website, social media and relevant printed materials.
9. You agree to sign the Official Term Sheet.
SHORT FILM CONDITIONS OF ENTRY.
1. We accept Australian and International short films up to a maximum 20 minutes in length, including credits.
2. Queensland Premiere Status, if your film screens elsewhere in Queensland prior to GCFF2026 in any public arena or festival it will be automatically disqualified. The only exceptions to this requirement are for film-school graduation screenings. While exemptions may be considered by the programming team on a film by film basis, the programming team reserves the right to remove any films from the schedule that do not comply.
3. We discourage short film entries which may be edited versions of longer length films or short film entries which may be considered corporate or marketing documentaries.
4. To be eligible for consideration, all submissions must meet the following requirements:
Films must not be theatrically released prior to or during the period of the festival. Nor have been (or will not be) available commercially online and accessible from the state of Queensland, Australia, either for free or via on-demand services prior to or during the festival dates.
Screenings as part of a digital or online festival are permitted if the festival is for a limited run and geo-blocked such that access by Australian viewers is prohibited. Exemptions may be considered by the programming team on a film by film basis.
WORK IN PROGRESS SHORT FILM SUBMISSIONS.
Our programmers are well accustomed to viewing work that is near completion. If you need to send the film when there is still post-production work left to do, then please let us know what is left to be done (e.g. colour grade, sound mix, vfx).
However, please note that we will not review different cuts of the same film, so it is best to wait until you have a cut you are happy with. If you are submitting a work in progress, please ensure a final completed film will be delivered to the festival (if the film is selected) by the content delivery date (noted below).
Short films must be completed in the past two years with completion date after April 2024.
OFFICIAL SELECTION OF SHORT FILMS.
a. If selected, all films regardless of their language of origin must have English Language subtitles.
b. SIPFEST is an all ages curated short film programme and films with strong themes may not be selected for the final programme.
c. If your short is selected it may be programmed in SIPFEST or an alternative programming strand, yet to be determined.
d. Entry fees are non-refundable.
In the event of your short film being officially selected, you will be notified by FilmFreeway. At that point an Official Term Sheet form will be sent for your completion, to confirm the invitation has been accepted, and to gather all the information necessary for the presentation and marketing of the film in the Festival.
IF YOU SHORT FILM IS SELECTED.
1. As the unencumbered rights holder of the film in the territory you grant GCFF a royalty-free, non-exclusive, Australian license to screen the Film between April 22nd - May 3rd, 2026
2. The festival will screen the short film to a minimum of one and a maximum of four individual screenings at HOTA or the festival’s affiliated venues. Permission for any additional screenings will be discussed between the filmmaker and the GCFF programming team.
3. You agree to provide GCFF with a downloadable English Language subtitled version of the Short Film DCP by no later than 1st April, 2026. Regardless of the language of origin an English language subtitled version must be provided to the festival.
4. The GCFF screening must be the Queensland Premiere of your Film, and this first screening for a public audience. (GCFF recommends that filmmakers hold a cast and crew screening post-premiere as this may impact our selection process.)
5. As is necessary the GCFF will prepare professional session compilations at its own cost for screening at its venues. You grant GCFF all necessary rights to copy and otherwise reproduce the Film for the purpose of making such compiles in order to screen the Film and promote the Festival.
6. You must notify GCFF immediately if any of the rights in the Film become disputed or a claim is made against you in relation to the Film.
7. By submitting to the festival you undertake to indemnify GCFF from all possible claims made against the film. For the avoidance of doubt this includes any claims made against the film or the relevant production entity for any known or unforeseen issues regarding the production. This includes any type of infringement of intellectual property that could potentially impact the screening of the Film as part of the Festival.
8. The party that submits the film will be the GCFF’s primary contact during the event, should this change during the period of communication, written notification to the festival’s programmer will be necessary before the festival can enter into any communication, for any reason, with a third party.
9. You grant GCFF a royalty-free, non-exclusive Australian license to use film excerpts, film stills, press kits, and other promotional materials from the Film for publicity and promotional purposes in relation to the Festival, including on its website, social media and relevant printed materials.
10. You agree to sign the Official Term Sheet confirming the festival's terms and conditions on acceptance of an offer.
FEATURE FILM SCRIPT CONDITIONS OF ENTRY.
By submitting your Script to Gold Coast Film Festival (Festival), which is organised by Film Fantastic Ltd (A.C.N. 098 091 260) (GCFF), you (Filmmaker) agree to the following:
1. All scripts must be submitted in English.
2. Length of script submitted must be at least 70 pages. It is recommended it is below 120 pages, however there is no maximum page number that will be accepted.
3. Applicants must submit a synopsis paragraph at approximately 100 words, and a log line at 30 words max.
4. Submitters must be Australian residents.
5. Entrants may submit more than one script but each script must be submitted as a separate submission and payment.
6. All scripts must be submitted in PDF format and formatted in industry standard.
7. All scripts submitted must be the applicant's own original work and the applicant must have all rights to submit script.
8. Entrants agree, that if chosen as the winner, they will take part in a live script read of their entry script in front of an audience at the Gold Coast Film Festival during the festival dates. The festival will organise and source local actors for the read.
9. A $500 cash prize will be awarded to the winner via bank transfer upon receipt of account details. (Winner announced at the 2026's GCFF Awards Gala). Tickets to the Awards Gala may be purchased on the festival website.
10. Submissions must be made online. No mailed or emailed entries are accepted.
11. No revisions will be accepted after the screenplay has been submitted.
FEATURE FILM SCRIPT JUDGING.
a. Scripts will be judged on several different criteria (including, but not limited to, structure, premise, and entertainment value). Awards, selections, and decisions are final.
b. Co-Authors: If a screenplay has more than one author, The party that submits the screenplay will be the GCFF’s primary contact during the event, should this change during the period of communication, written notification to the festival’s programmer will be necessary before the festival can enter into any communication, for any reason with a third party.
FEATURE FILM SCRIPT SUBMISSION FEES.
a. Each script must be registered separately and the nominated fee paid.
b. The festival does not offer waivers or discounts to authors who submit multiple scripts.
c. GCFF and the judging panel do not provide feedback on submitted scripts.
IF YOUR SCRIPT IS SELECTED:
1. A prize of $500 will be deposited to the winner's account on receipt of banking details.
2. Please email these details to programming@filmfantastic.org.au and advise the festival programmer.
3. You give the GCFF the right to hold a single public reading of your project at the Script to Screen event that will take place during the festival dates.
4. GCFF will organise all aspects of this reading, including casting.
5. The winning screenwriting team is encouraged to attend this event at their own cost.
WEB SERIES CONDITIONS OF ENTRY:
By submitting your Web Series (Series) to Gold Coast Film Festival (Festival), which is organised by Film Fantastic Ltd (A.C.N. 098 091 260) (GCFF), you (Filmmaker) agree to the following:
1. Premiere Status: the festival does NOT require a premiere status for web series.
2. The Series must be completed in the past two years with completion date after April 2024.
3. All the information provided either through the online entry form or through email correspondence with GCFF is true and accurate.
4. You either own the rights to, or have permission to use, the footage, sound, music, images, and all other contributions that are part of the Web Series to the extent necessary to submit the Series to the Festival and, if accepted, screen the Series at the Festival. Please note: if you have any doubts about any of the rights in the 'Series', you must notify the Festival at the time of submission.
5. We discourage entries which may be considered corporate or marketing documentaries.
6. The first eight (8) episodes must be submitted for the Series to be considered
To be eligible for consideration, all Series submissions must not be screened as part of a digital or online festival during the festival dates.
WORK IN PROGRESS WEB SERIES SUBMISSIONS.
Our programmers are well accustomed to viewing work that is near completion. If you need to send the Series when there is still post-production work left to do, then please let us know what is left to be done (e.g. colour grade, sound mix, vfx).
*However, please note that we will not review different or multiple cuts of the same Series, so it is best to wait until you have a cut you are happy with. If you are submitting a work in progress, please ensure a final completed Series will be delivered to the festival (if the Series is selected) by the content delivery date (noted below).
OFFICIAL SELECTION OF WEB SERIES.
1. In the event of your Series being officially selected, you will be notified by invitation. At that point an Official Selection form will be sent for your completion, to confirm the invitation has been accepted, and to gather all the information necessary for the presentation and marketing of the Series in the Festival.
2. Our Web Fest Event will screen up to eight first episodes of the web series in competition, on a date and time to be announced by the festival. The winning entry will win a cash prize of $500, to be announced at the GCFF Awards Gala. Prize paid via bank transfer upon receipt of winner's account details. Tickets to the Awards Gala may be purchased on the festival website.
3. The festival ultimately holds the right to reject a selected Series should any unforeseen circumstances or issues, politically themed or otherwise come to light that the festival programming team was not aware of at the time of selection. In the unlikely event that this situation arises the festival will not commercially compensate the filmmaker or distributor for withdrawing the title from the festival. Nor refund the submission fee.
IF YOUR WEB SERIES IS SELECTED.
1. As the unencumbered rights holder of the film in the territory you grant GCFF a non-exclusive, Australian license to multiple screenings of the Series between April 22nd - May 3rd, 2026 at HOTA or the festival's affiliated venues.
2. You agree to provide GCFF with a downloadable English Language subtitled version of the Series or DCP of the feature Series by no later than 1st April, 2026. Regardless of the language of origin, an English language subtitled version must be provided to the festival.
3. As is necessary the GCFF will prepare professional session compilations at its own cost for screening at its venues. You grant GCFF all necessary rights to copy and otherwise reproduce the Series for the purpose of making such compiles in order to screen the Series and promote the Festival.
4. You must notify GCFF immediately if any of the rights in the Series become disputed or a claim is made against you in relation to the Series
5. By submitting to the festival you undertake to indemnify GCFF from all possible claims made against the Series. For the avoidance of doubt this includes any claims made against the Series or the relevant production entity for any known or unforeseen issues regarding the production. This includes any type of infringement of intellectual property that could potentially impact the screening of the Series as part of the Festival.
6. The party that submits the film will be the GCFF’s primary contact during the event, should this change during the period of communication, written notification to the festival’s programmer will be necessary before the festival can enter into any communication, for any reason with a third party.
7. You grant GCFF and the festival a royalty-free, non-exclusive Australian license to use excerpts, stills, press kits, and other promotional materials from the Series for publicity and promotional purposes in relation to the festival, including on its website, social media and relevant printed materials.
