Get ready for an exciting cinematic experience at the Hilltop Film Festival of Diversity and Inclusion! This dynamic, one-day, in-person event is designed to bring together a vibrant array of filmmakers and film enthusiasts to showcase, view, and discuss groundbreaking works. Originally launched at Birmingham-Southern College in Alabama, the festival has now found new homes in Cleveland, Ohio and now Ithaca, New York as we spread our message of diversity through film throughout the United States.

Join us as we celebrate and amplify the voices that are often overlooked in the mainstream film industry. From the innovative creations of LGBTQ+ artists and racial and ethnic minorities to the bold visions of marginalized communities and trailblazing female directors and producers, this festival honors all narratives. Immerse yourself in a day filled with powerful stories, diverse cultures, and unique genres that challenge the status quo and inspire change. Don't miss out on this spectacular celebration of inclusivity and cinematic brilliance!

This event is student-led at Ithaca College and open to everyone worldwide!

Audience Award, Best Narrative Short, Best Documentary Short, Best Animated Short, Best Civil Rights Short, Best LGBTQ+ Short, Best Music Video or Experimental short, and Best Special Needs Short, Best Local Short, Best Vertical Short

- This production (narrative short or documentary, or other media) is not subject to any litigation nor is threatened by any litigation.
- I am duly authorized to submit this production to the competition;
- I hold the Hilltop Film Festival (HTFF), its management, juries, subsidiaries, agents, sponsors, affiliates, and etc. harmless from any and all claims of liability resulting from my entry.
- I certify that I have full rights to the use of the music in the production.
- I give permission for the HTFF to use excerpts of up to three minutes of the production for promotional purposes, unless otherwise noted in attached writing and submitted with entry.
- I give permission for the HTFF to use stills, titles, copy, and/or information from the production for promotional purposes.
- I give permission for the HTFF to screen the production at the HTFF event.
- Submitter must own all copyrights; (If requested) must be able to provide model/actor release verification if requested; must be able to provide music, product and other copyright licensing verification if requested. Submitter/Producer agrees to take on all copyright liability in regard to submitted film.
- I give my permission for the HTFF to share my film and contact information with HTFF festival partners unless I specify otherwise.
- Entry does not guarantee acceptance into HTFF festival or other HTFF events.

- MULTIPLE ENTRIES are allowed.
- PRODUCER / FILMMAKER / COPYRIGHTS: submitter (filmmaker or producer) will be referred to as producer or submitter. Producer must own all copyrights; must be able to provide model/actor release verification if requested; must be able to provide music, product and other copyright licensing verification if requested. Producer agrees to take on all copyright liability in regard to submitted film.
- ENTRY FEES: View the "Call for Entries"; to note fees and deadlines. Entry fees are non-refundable. If your entry fee is not received with or prior to your submission, your entry may be deemed disqualified at the discretion of the HTFF.
- PRESENTATION FORMAT: If accepted into the HTFF, producers must be able to provide a file for digital presentation. Other formats may be permitted.
- DATE OF COMPLETION : Open to ALL years.
- PREMIERE/DISTRIBUTION STATUS: We accept submissions that have premiered elsewhere; submissions may have distribution agreements already in place.
- ROUGH CUTS AND INCOMPLETE PROJECTS: Always try to send the best representation of your project. Rough cuts can be entered in contest, but must be completed and received within four weeks.
- HTFF MARKETING: By submitting producer is consenting for use and copying of accepted projects for the purpose of promoting the Hilltop Film Festival and future festivals. Producer is giving HTFF permission to use up to three minutes of submission to promote the festival.
- HTFF EXHIBITION AND SCREENING: By submitting to the festival, if chosen as an official selection, Producer is hereby granting permission for the HTFF to exhibit Producer's submission in the festival event.
- HTFF EXHIBITION AND SCREENING: By submitting, Producer acknowledges that the
number of films the festival selects and exhibits may vary from year-to-year based on, but not limited to, total number of entries, quality of entries, final sponsorship revenue, and venue availability. Decisions are final and at the discretion of the HTFF.
- HTFF EXHIBITION AND SCREENING: Producer further understands that there is no monetary compensation for entering, exhibiting or being chosen as an official selection to the festival.
- SCREENERS AND JURY: All screening, selection, and jury decisions are final. Our panel of jurors and our screening committee use a rating system on entries and official selections. They screen many fine films; however, as with all festivals there is limited programming availability. By entering the HTFF and any of its contests, Producers are verifying that you understand entry does not guarantee a screening. Additionally, being chosen as an Official Selection does not guarantee a screening in the theater either. Decisions are final and at the discretion of the HTFF.
- OFFICIAL SELECTIONS: If chosen as an official selection, the HTFF will request acknowledgment of your acceptance and additional materials. If any of the requested materials are not received by the festival in the time allotted, it is at the discretion of the festival to keep or remove the project as an Official Selection.
- Must be 18 years or older to enter this competition. Parents or Legal Guardians can enter on their child's behalf.
RULES:
a. Any genre can be entered.
b. Multiple authorship is allowed.
c. Multiple entries are allowed, but each entry must be accompanied by their own completed entry form and their own appropriate entry fee. You are allowed to mail them to us in one package.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • it was all wonderful thanks to everyone and honored to have been part of such a prodigious festival

    December 2024
  • shaho ahmadi

    When you don't send the certificate or you want to send it late, the credibility of your festival will be damaged and the news of your festival will not benefit the filmmaker.
    I hope to see a better festival from you

    December 2024
  • Pathetic experience. No communication. No website. Nor any detail of screening and all. The never responded to any mail.

    April 2023
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    Response from festival:

    We are so sorry for the experience you had at Hilltop. We are committed to creating a positive experience for our filmmakers and attendees. Our film festival relies on many part-time student volunteers, so any delays or lack of communication are due to a turnover in personnel. We sincerely apologize for our shortcomings and would love to offer you a fee waiver for a submission to our upcoming festival this December 8th, 2024. We will send this code via email. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us at thehilltopfilmfestival@gmail.com with any further questions, comments, or concerns. Have a nice day.

  • chirag balani

    I was informed that my film is selected but there was no further communication. The social media pages are dead and the website has no clarity.

    There was no further clarity on when my film is going to be screened, under which category, where can I witnes it ETC. Nothing was informed as such.

    April 2023
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    We are so sorry for the experience you had at Hilltop. We are committed to creating a positive experience for our filmmakers and attendees. Our film festival relies on many part-time student volunteers, so any delays or lack of communication are due to a turnover in personnel. We sincerely apologize for our shortcomings and would love to offer you a fee waiver for a submission to our upcoming festival this December 8th, 2024. We will send this code via email. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us at thehilltopfilmfestival@gmail.com with any further questions, comments, or concerns. Have a nice day.

  • Boudra Ali

    Very happy for selected our film Bouchaib, we hope that this edition will be wonderful.

    April 2023