1. General Eligibility
The Hollywood Afterdark Film Festival accepts submissions from filmmakers and screenwriters worldwide. All entries must be original works, and applicants must hold all necessary rights, including music, images, and underlying intellectual property.
The festival presents awards in the following categories:
Best Short Film
Best Short Documentary
Best Short Script
Best Documentary Script
Short films and short documentaries must have a runtime of 40 minutes or less. Scripts must be intended for short format productions (typically under 40 minutes of screen time).
2. Submission Requirements
Films
Films must be submitted via an online screener.
Films may be in any language, but non-English films must include English subtitles.
Submitted works must be completed within the past 5 years.
Multiple submissions are allowed, but each entry requires a separate submission and fee.
Scripts
Scripts must be submitted in PDF format.
Scripts must be original works and not infringe on any copyrights or rights of third parties.
Adaptations must have proper authorization from the original rights holder.
3. Premiere Status
Premiere status is not required. Films and scripts may have been screened, distributed, or awarded elsewhere.
4. Selection Process
All submissions will be reviewed by the festival programming team and jury. Selected entries will be notified via email and listed on the official festival website.
The decisions of the festival selection committee and jury are final.
5. Screening and Presentation
Selected films may be screened at the Hollywood Afterdark Film Festival live event and/or online screening platform.
By submitting, entrants grant the festival the right to use excerpts, stills, titles, and promotional materials for marketing and promotional purposes.
Scripts selected as winners or official selections may be featured in festival materials, readings, or promotional showcases.
6. Awards
Winners will receive official festival laurels and digital certificates. Additional prizes may be announced at the discretion of the festival organizers.
Awards are presented in the four official categories listed above.
7. Entry Fees
Submission fees are non-refundable. Fee waivers are not guaranteed and are granted at the sole discretion of the festival.
8. Rights and Permissions
The submitter confirms they have full legal authority to submit the work and that all necessary permissions and releases have been obtained.
The festival is not responsible for any copyright violations committed by submitters.
9. Disqualification
The festival reserves the right to disqualify any submission that:
Contains false or misleading information
Violates copyright laws
Fails to meet eligibility requirements
Is deemed inappropriate or unlawful
10. Liability
The Hollywood Afterdark Film Festival is not responsible for technical issues, corrupted files, or submission errors.
The festival reserves the right to make necessary changes to event dates, venues, or format.
11. Agreement
By submitting to the Hollywood Afterdark Film Festival, the applicant agrees to all rules and terms outlined above.
