Los Angeles Fantasia Fest

Los Angeles Fantasia Fest (LAFF) - Submission Guidelines and Rules

Main Rule for Screening Eligibility: The festival will only screen films with representatives present at the event in Los Angeles, USA. If no representative is available, the film will still be selected, but it will only be showcased online. Priority will be given to films with representatives attending the festival, including local filmmakers from the USA.

Rule: Timely Filmmaker Engagement and File Submission

As part of our commitment to running a well-organized and professional festival, filmmakers are required to stay engaged and respond promptly to all communication. This includes submitting files, attendance forms, and other requested materials by the stated deadlines.

Failure to meet these deadlines may result in your film being excluded from the schedule, as we cannot make adjustments once the final program is locked. It is the filmmaker's responsibility to provide the necessary materials on time. After the deadlines have passed, no further accommodations can be made.

STUDENTS: We are proud to support student filmmakers worldwide by offering a discounted submission fee. However, if you submit your film under the student category, you must be prepared to provide valid proof of your student status upon request. Failure to do so will result in your film being removed from the selection, nominations, and schedule, as it constitutes a violation of our terms and rules.

Late Submissions and Screening Limitations:

If you submit your film within two months of the festival’s start date, please note that selected films will primarily be scheduled for online screenings due to constraints with the finalized in-person schedule. While we will make every effort to accommodate your film for an in-person screening if space becomes available, this cannot be guaranteed. Please keep this in mind when submitting close to the festival date.

Nominations Eligibility for Late Submissions:

Films submitted within one month of the festival’s start date may still be selected for screening ONLINE only but will not be eligible for nominations in any award categories. This is to ensure fairness and allow adequate time for the selection committee to review all submissions thoroughly.

We encourage filmmakers to submit their projects as early as possible to ensure the best possible experience at the festival.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in ensuring a successful festival experience for everyone.

Eligibility Requirements for Film Selection:

1. Feature Films:
Minimum running time of 40 minutes.
2. Short Films:
Maximum running time of 39 minutes.
3. Final Selection Requirements:
All films selected for screening must be submitted in HD format (H.264, MP4, or MOV) via WeTransfer (preferred) or any other link from which we can download the files.
4. Foreign Language Films:
Films in a foreign language must be subtitled in English.
5. Preview Screening Format:
The only acceptable format for preview screenings is an online screener via our partner filmfreeway. DVD screeners will not be accepted.
6. Multiple Submissions:
If submitting more than one film, a separate, completed entry form must be submitted for each title.
7. Completion Date:
All films must have been completed on or after January 1, 2021. All films must have been completed on or after January 1, 2021 and no later than 2025. This ensures that films from Love & Hope International Film Festival, The North Film Festival - New York City, and The North Film Festival - Sweden (2021 to 2025) can also be eligible for LAFF.
8. If your film is selected by our festival, you automatically agree that we may use images from your project for marketing purposes for our festival. If you do not agreed, and do not consent to give us promotional rights to your material, please let us know with a call or via email; and then we will withdraw your film from the promotion of our festival. If we do not receive any notification from you within 48 hours after your film is selected, we will assume that you agree this policy.
By official selection, you agree to be publicly recognized as an official selection project through social media.
9. The festival will not pay any fee for screening a film.
10. The festival WILL NOT cover any filmmaker expenses. Please note, you will be totally responsible for your airfare, accommodation and other travel expenses.

Entry Fees, Deadlines, Notification, and Scheduling:

1. Entry Fee:
An entry fee is required for all submissions. The submission must meet the deadlines specified in the call for entries for the current year.
2. Notification:
Submitters will be notified of their film’s acceptance or rejection through the contact information provided in FilmFreeway. It is the submitter’s responsibility to ensure that the contact details are correct and to regularly check their email for updates.
3. Scheduling:
Films are scheduled at the discretion of the Los Angeles Fantasia Fest. The festival retains the right to adjust the schedule as needed. Films may be screened more than once.
4. Festival Date and Venue:
The festival reserves the right to change the date or venue of the festival due to special circumstances. Filmmakers will be notified promptly via the festival website, social media platforms, or email if changes occur.
5. Entry Fee and Acceptance:
By submitting your film to LAFF, you acknowledge that the film submission fee does not guarantee acceptance into the festival. No refunds will be provided if a film is not selected.

General Terms and Conditions:

1. Respectful Environment:
LAFF is committed to maintaining a respectful and positive environment. The festival reserves the right to unselect any film, even if it has been nominated, if we find any form of disrespect or violation of our code of conduct.
2. Acknowledgment:
By submitting your film, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the Los Angeles Fantasia Fest rules and terms. You agree to abide by the festival's guidelines throughout the selection and screening process.