RULES AND GUIDELINES FOR 2026 SUBMISSIONS
The following is an explanation of the Rules and Guidelines governing film submissions to the 2026 Northern California Short Film Festival (NorCal Shorts Fest). Compliance with these Rules and Guidelines is necessary in order to participate in the Festival. Submission of a film implies unconditional acceptance of the Rules & Guidelines, therefore, please read carefully prior to submitting your film.
The Northern California Short Film Festival accepts submissions for short fiction LIVE ACTION films only.
1. Short films must be 45 minutes or less in total runtime.Films over 40 minutes will not be considered.
2. The Entrant(s) submitting the film must hold all legal rights for the submission, including all necessary clearances for public exhibition.
3.The Filmmaker(s) retain all submission and intellectual property rights.
4. Films must be submitted electronically via FilmFreeway.
5. The Filmmaker(s) is/are responsible for ensuring that all submission materials are submitted by the listed deadline. If your film is not uploaded by the deadline for which you registered, you may be required to pay a higher submission fee or your film may be withdrawn.
6. The following concerns submission deadlines and fees. Note that deadlines refer to the date received, not the postmark. Each submission must be accompanied by the appropriate fee. Submission fees are in U.S. Dollars, are non-refundable, and may be paid via FilmFreeway using Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express). Cash is not accepted.
7. Please test your media before submission to ensure it plays properly. Keep screener links and passwords current, and notify the festival promptly of any changes.
8. Filmmakers may submit more than one film, but each must be submitted separately and must meet the festival guidelines.
9. Filmmakers may re-submit a previously submitted film only if significant changes have been made and all eligibility requirements are met. A brief cover letter must outline the changes.
10.Student Films
We sincerely appreciate the hard work and creativity that student filmmakers bring to the art form and are accepting student films at this time.
11. All personal contact information will remain confidential and will not be shared with third parties.
12. The Northern California Short Film Festival reserves the right to use images or clips from selected films for marketing and promotional purposes.
13.All decisions regarding awards are final and non-negotiable.
14.Submitted films must have been completed between 2022 and 2026.
15. Officially selected applicants must provide project's DCP file or other wise risk disqualification.
16. Applicants acknowledge that the Northern California Short Film Festival reserves the right to modify screenings or events due to public health concerns or government regulations. In such cases, no refunds will be issued.
