KITFO Film Festival Rules & Terms
Eligibility:
The festival is primarily open to filmmakers of Ethiopian and Eritrean descent.
The festival is also open to filmmakers of non-Ethiopian or Eritrean descent, provided their films pertain to subjects relevant to Ethiopian and Eritrean communities and cultures.
Films must have been completed within three years of the festival date to ensure relevance and freshness.
All films must be the original work of the entrants and must not infringe on the rights of any other party.
Films previously submitted to other festivals are eligible, but they must not have had any commercial theatrical distribution in the United States.
Submission Guidelines:
Films must be submitted in one of the specified categories: Narrative, Documentary, Animation and Experimental.
Each film can be submitted to only one category, but filmmakers may submit multiple films if each film meets the eligibility requirements independently.
Submissions must include:
A completed entry form.
A non-refundable entry fee (amount specified on the festival website).
A digital screener accessible for judging.
Film Requirements:
All lengths accepted.
Non-English language films must have English subtitles.
Films must be submitted in a high-quality digital format.
Judging and Selection:
Films will be judged on creativity, production quality, originality, and storytelling.
The festival panel comprises industry professionals, including directors, producers, and critics.
Selected films will be notified via email and must be available for screening during the festival.
Rights and Permissions:
Filmmakers retain all rights to their films but grant KITFO Film Festival the non-exclusive right to screen their films at the festival.
By submitting, filmmakers consent to the use of clips and stills from the film for promotional purposes related to the festival.
KITFO TV Platform Submission Option:
In addition to festival participation, submitted films are eligible for consideration on the KITFO TV platform when it launches.
This dual submission does not require any additional fees or separate entry forms.
Selection for KITFO TV will be based on the film’s alignment with the platform's content strategy and audience preferences.
General Terms:
The festival reserves the right to change any dates or deadlines.
All decisions by the judging panel are final.
Participation in the festival implies agreement to all terms and conditions stated here.
