Rock City Film Festival

AI: Filmmakers are prohibited from using Generative AI to create their film—specifically, filmmakers are not permitted to use AI to create writing, scripts, music, images, special effects or footage. Definition: Generative AI is any system that produces new content (text, image, audio, video, code, etc.) in response to a prompt.

Filmmakers are permitted to use Non-Generative AI tools (Assistive AI) that assist with technical post-production tasks, specifically noise reduction, audio cleanup, color correction, upscaling, stabilization, rotoscoping, and similar enhancement functions embedded in editing software. These tools may only improve human-created source material; they may not generate new content (i.e., prompt-based Generative AI features in all apps are prohibited).

All use of AI must be:
Legal in your jurisdiction
Limited to material for which you hold all necessary rights
Disclosed on your festival submission form. You'll be prompted to list every AI tool used in any phase of production.

PREMIERE STATUS: We will now accept films that are available online or on streaming platforms, but they will be ineligible for awards consideration and, if accepted, will play out of competition.

LENGTH OF FILM:
Micro-shorts: 1-6 minutes in length.
Short films: 6-25 minutes in length.
Short Form Feature: 40-60 minutes in length
Feature films: 61/90min. in length.
These times may vary depending on the category.

For the 2027 Festival, we will accept films that were completed on or after January of 2024. While newer films may be given priority, ALL submitted films will be given serious consideration. Please note that a newer film will not be given consideration over an older film based on age alone.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: Only digital online screener submissions will be accepted using FilmFreeway's digital submission process (Vimeo, FilmFreeway, Google Drive, or a Dropbox link). PLEASE DO NOT EMAIL LINKS TO YOUR FILM. Only screeners with links in FilmFreeway will be considered.

You may submit more than one film. Each submission must be accompanied by its own entry form and entry fee.

All submissions are final. No refunds will be given.

Notification of selection for screening at the Rock City Film Festival will be made approximately 2-4 weeks prior to the screening date.

SELECTED FILMS: All films selected for screening will be required to have the following on their film's FilmFreeway submission: one still from the film; a short description (1-2 sentences) of the film, and a trailer if available. These items will be sourced through the FilmFreeway film pages. PLEASE DO NOT EMAIL THESE MATERIALS. If you have not supplied these materials with your submission, you will need to upload them upon acceptance of your film to the festival.

COPYRIGHTS: It is the sole responsibility of the Applicant to obtain all necessary copyrights. By submitting the film, you maintain that you have obtained all necessary rights for public exhibition.

LICENSE: Upon submitting their film, the Entrant grants Rock City Film Festival a non-exclusive, royalty-free license for use for screening virtually or before a live audience, and to publish excerpts in print or electronic media to promote the event in any and all media. The filmmaker must secure all rights and clearances.