Mt Gretna IFF

Entries must have a maximum run time of 15 minutes. This includes title and credits, which are optional. In alignment with our commitment to accessibility, close captioning is encouraged. It is not required.
 
Creation Timeframe: films entered into the festival must have been produced during or after August 2023.
 
Entering Filmmakers must be 14 years of age or above. 

Student rates are applicable to High School students. High School student category applies to the summer after graduation (2025).  College students must apply as the Standard Fee. 
 
To be considered for the High School entry awards, filmmakers must submit photo of a valid student ID within the submission process. To be considered for the High School film category, filmmakers must have produced the short film while they attended high school that was created during the creation timeframe. Students in the graduating class of 2025 who created short films in the spring of 2025 WILL be considered for the high school film category. Films that are eligible for the High School category awards will still be in consideration for the overall Drama, Horror, Comedy, and High School Awards. 
 
Films in competition for the Lebanon County Spotlight Award must be made by filmmakers currently living in Lebanon County, Pa.  Any film submitted to this category will be considered for other applicable categories.
 
There are no limits to the size of the crew.
 
Entries must have a genre designated by the filmmaker, (done within the entry process) and awards will be chosen with that designation in mind. 
NOTE: It is ultimately up to the final discretion of the judges as to the specific genre that the short film will be judged. 
 
Filmmakers have a maximum of TWO entries into the festival. 
 
Copyright material is not permitted within short films. It is up to the individual filmmaker to ensure that all copyright guidelines are followed. Submitted films infringing on any creative rights will be disqualified. 

Please submit in mp4 or mov format.

By applying, you agree to the use of your film by the Mount Gretna International Film Festival for promotional purposes. We will communicate with you if we do so.

Content Guidelines:
o   For the most part, entered films should follow a PG-13 rating.
o   Profanity is permitted as long as it is not gratuitous, hateful, or in poor taste.
o   Violence is permitted as long as it is not gratuitous and overtly gruesome.
o   Depiction of drugs and alcohol are permitted as long as it is not gratuitous.
o   Sexually explicit content is not permitted.

We aim to create a viewing experience that is not unnecessarily uncomfortable for the audience. We intend for the content guidelines to not overly restrict the creative freedom of the filmmakers, but if entered films are found to be blatantly offensive, they will not be considered for selection. All decisions made by the judges regarding adherence to the content guidelines are final.

In person attendance at the film festival, especially by makers of films selected to be screened, is strongly encouraged. It is not required.