SFS FILM FEST RULES AND REGULATIONS
We devised a set of rules in order to make sure no one wastes time. To have a legitimate query is another thing altogether, and we, like all festivals, welcome those questions and calls.
2. FILMMAKERS WHO DON’T COMPLETE SUBMISSION DETAILS
Filmmakers who only partly complete their submission forms do two things: firstly, their submission can’t be considered and goes into the“Incomplete Submission” pile where it won’t be watched and secondly, this ties down admin time by chasing after the details. Please fill out the entire form and you will be golden!
3. FILMMAKERS WHO SEND WRONG OR INCORRECT EMAIL AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Review your contact details carefully. Be sure those details are correct.
4. FILMMAKERS WHO ARE FORTHCOMING
If you went through all of the efforts of submitting your film, the least we expect is that you can be reached within a reasonable time, as in a couple of days.
5. FILMMAKERS WHO ARE INCESSANT
Filmmakers start calling us to see (a) if we have received the film (b) what our decision is and (c) why we haven’t entered it onto our database. We will confirm that your application has been received as soon as it’s entered via electronic submission when we have had a chance to review your submission.
6. FILMMAKERS WHO ARE HAVING AN ALTERCATION WITH THEIR TEAM
We get plenty of films submitted each year which are then withdrawn (or disqualified) because the person who submitted the film didn’t have either the rights or permission of the rest of the cast and crew. This seems like a basic thing to get straight BEFORE you started filming, not when someone on your team hears your film is heading to a festival.
7. FILMMAKERS WHO HAVEN’T CLEARED MUSIC RIGHTS
We can’t screen your film unless the music rights are cleared.
8. FILMMAKERS WHO SEND BAD PRODUCTION STILLS
The most difficult task we have is finding great production stills from the movie to print in our commemorative catalog as well as for our website and social media outlets. We want to show your film off - give us your very best stills so we can brag!
9. FILMMAKERS WITH NO SOCIAL NETWORK
A festival’s objective is to bring a crowd, so a filmmaker who has established or budding social network is preferable! Alert followers of our upcoming festival screening. At SFS ART FEST, we welcome, and work with, filmmakers to try and pack the screening room!
10. FILMMAKERS WITHOUT A PRESS KIT
The evaluation of each submission is based on the quality of the film. Once a film is selected for the programme, it’s reviewed and a PR campaign strategy for each and every film is created – highlighting your vision. We want to see you shine!
11. FILMMAKERS WHO ARE DISCOURTEOUS
We work hard to try and make every single screening a success. Sometimes, it becomes an organizational challenge because of unforeseen dilemmas and behind-the-scene situations. It’s part of screening at a festival and we ask for your polite patience.
12. FILMMAKERS WHO DON’T UNDERSTAND THE ROLE OF A FESTIVAL
Our job is to try and deliver a room full of people to appreciate your work. Your job is to deliver an engaging and entertaining film - and if you attend the festival, be available for an interview, along with a Q&Asession with an interested panel, after your screening.
13. FILMMAKERS WHO IGNORE RELATIONSHIPS
The film industry is all about relationships and networking. It is also about utilizing your social networks. A camaraderie can spring up and if you nurture those relationships - let’s say with people whom you’ve met a festival - they are certain to pop up at other festivals, perhaps even the Oscars years later!
It doesn’t matter if you’re a budding filmmaker or an established director with a portfolio of successful work – one of the best places to find and connect with your audience is at film festivals.”- Daisy Webb, author for FilmDaily.com
