1) Only submissions created by CURRENT HIGH SCHOOL AND MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS will be accepted (18 years of age or younger). Please fill out the FilmFreeway custom form during entry citing your school, gender, and age. All films must have been produced and completed in the 12 months prior to the film festival, while the director was enrolled in a secondary or middle school. UNIVERSITY STUDENTS CAN NOT COMPETE. Sorry!
2) Please include a short bio in your FilmFreeway cover letter that includes your school, age, and something about yourself.
3) Films must be submitted in the English language. However, foreign-language films with English subtitles will be accepted.
4) The festival will only accept films that are 5 minutes in length or shorter.
5) Films cannot contain any copyrighted materials, such as still photographs not taken by the filmmakers, advertisements, brand logos, moving images or music. Popular songs and music cannot be used within the production without the expressed written consent from the copyright holder. Most record labels charge exorbitant fees for use of music, even in student non-profit productions. It is best to go the royalty-free route. There are several sites where free music is available.
6) Students will submit their films via FilmFreeway.com
7) Films will be previewed and judged by event organizers/ selection committee. We reserve the right to refuse any film on any grounds.
8) Students will agree to release their films for viewing by a general audience. Selected films will also be made available on the Festival website after the conclusion of the festival.
9) Selected films will be listed on the website and filmmakers will be notified via email within two weeks prior to the festival. If your film is selected for the live screening, you will be required to submit a DCP format of your film. If you do not have a DCP format of your film, Reel Girls Film Fest can assist you in obtaining one. Filmmakers are encouraged to attend the festival. Filmmakers do not need to be present to win some of the awards.
10) Laurels and Awards will be awarded by the festival after being judged by an impartial panel whose decisions will be final. Entries will be judged on technical, creative, and content elements.
11) Submitted films may be broadcast on local access television, website, social media and other promotional venues/materials. Only those films that meet certain broadcast specs may be eligible.
12) We understand that the junior category participants will often have adult supervision or work within an arts program. These films are eligible if the majority of work is done by the young directors. Please include the info with your submission in the custom form.
13) Festival committee reserves the right to move festival to an entirely online event or modify dates as needed. Currently, we are hoping for a hybrid event with both online and in-person components.
