San Francisco Sex Worker Film and Arts Festival

Qualifying Entries:
Films and videos must be:
1) directed or produced by someone who has worked in the sex industries;
OR
2) about any aspect of sex work.
Please note: We are interested in art, experimental work, music videos, narratives, documentaries and all works that challenge stigmatizing stereotypes regarding prostitution and other forms of sex work. If your work does not fit into this description, please don't submit it.

Upon filmmakers consent, all such works will be included in our location-based library of films about sex work, available for researchers and activists. http://www.sexworkermedialibrary.org/about

A separate application must accompany each work.

Deadline:
The next Festival will be in 2023. The first deadline for the 2023 Festival will be in late winter/ early spring of 2023. The festival usually sponsors ongoing screenings at festivals around the world and formerly accepted work on an ongoing basis, but we are waiting until planning.

Entry Fees:
A separate entry fee and application form is needed for each work. The entry fees are:
First deadline (postmarked by March 1, 2023) $10.00 for the first film or video, and $5.00 for each additional film or video up to 3 total submissions. Additional submissions can be made in consultation with the festival organizers.

The second deadline (April 1, 2023) $15.00 for the first film or video, and $10.00 for each additional film or video up to 3 total submissions. Additional submissions can be made in consultation with the festival organizers.

Checks or money orders should be in U.S. funds. Entry fees will be waived based on financial need upon request. Fees are waived if needed (email us), and always for makers in developing countries with no access to US dollar currencies.

Formats:
Screening: Preferred: Quicktime files (high quality h.264)

Preview- Preferred- 1) web links for viewing online

Also accepted for screening by special arrangement: DVD, Film-16, or 35mm

Language and Accessibility:
We encourage all submissions to include subtitles (in English) to ensure all our attendees can experience your film and videos. If you have difficulty doing so, please reach out to the festival to coordinate how we can add subtitles to the submission.

Foreign language film and video should be made available with the original language soundtrack and English subtitles, however we may consider works in that have not been subtitled (by prior arrangement only).

Judging:
Entries will be reviewed by festival curating director and production team. We will notify all entrants of acceptance beginning May 1st. Post-deadline submissions (by prior arrangement) will be handled on individual basis.

Mailing Information:
Include address label on both tape and container. Movies must be shipped prepaid and packed in proper containers to arrive at the Sex Worker Fest office. DO NOT send films for preview. Do not send submissions in fiber-filled envelopes, as the dust damages equipment.

If a FILM is invited to participate, the film must be shipped prepaid, insured and packed in proper containers. FILM media is only accepted by prior arrangement. The San Francisco Bay Area Sex Worker Festival will be responsible for return shipping charges for 16 and 35mm films only when pre-arranged with the filmmaker. The Sex Worker Fest will not pay for international shipping for domestic films (USA). The Sex Worker Fest does not assume any liability for damage to prints due to improper containers or otherwise. 16 mm and 35 mm films (only) in our possession must be insured by the film maker against damage or loss while participating in the festival.

Upon acceptance, film cassettes and videos sent from outside the United States must be accompanied by a commercial invoice or b&w, value of shipment and sender's name and address. Cassettes should be marked: 'For Festival Screening Only.'

Publicity Materials:
Materials (photos, image files, etc.) of films and video clips (short promotional excerpts only) selected for screening become the property of the SF Bay Area Sex Worker Fest and can be used to promote SF Bay Area Sex Worker Fest and the programs of SF Bay Area Sex Worker Fest indefinitely, in all mediums including film, television, radio and the internet.