Stafford Film Festival

The authorised representative of the project named below (hereafter called the “Project”) submitting to Stafford Film Festival Institute (hereafter called the “Institute”) for consideration for Stafford Film Festival (hereafter called the “Festival”), hereby acknowledges the following:

1. Rights & Permissions
1. The undersigned represents and warrants that:
a) They are duly authorised, on behalf of all Project Owners, to permit the Institute to exhibit this Project in the Festival and to make the representations and warranties set forth herein.
b) Exhibition of the Project in the Festival will not violate any law or any right or consent of any person or entity, whether such exhibition is theatrical (live), digital, or any combination thereof.
c) The Project is not subject to any litigation, arbitration, or other adversarial claim or proceeding, nor is the Project the subject of any threat of litigation.
d) The Project may be screened in full at a physical location or digitally, including across social media platforms, at the discretion of the Institute.

2. Screening & Festival Participation
2. Stafford Film Festival reserves the right to screen or not screen any submitted film, including those of finalists and winners. Submission does not guarantee screening at the live event, digital platforms, or in any format.
3. Stafford Film Festival is in no way obliged to conduct interviews with filmmakers or participants of the festival. Requests for interviews, press coverage, or additional exposure are granted solely at the discretion of the Festival.
4. Stafford Film Festival reserves the right to inform or not inform participants of the results of the Festival. While we strive to maintain communication, we are not obligated to provide individual feedback, results notifications, or detailed explanations regarding selection decisions.

3. Intellectual Property & Legal Clearances
5. The undersigned warrants that the Project’s exhibition in the Festival, whether live or digital, will not infringe any copyright, patent, privacy right, publicity right, trademark, service mark, or any other personal or property right of any person or entity.
6. The undersigned acknowledges that the Festival assumes no obligation to provide compensation for the exhibition of any Project, except for official festival awards, which may include cash prizes.

4. Code of Conduct & Disqualification Policy
7. Disrespectful, rude, or abusive behaviour towards the staff of Stafford Film Festival or anyone associated with the Festival will result in immediate disqualification and forfeiture of the submission fee. Stafford Film Festival maintains a professional and inclusive environment, and any behaviour violating this standard will not be tolerated.
8. The Festival reserves the right to rescind invitations, awards, and participation privileges from individuals or films that violate our Code of Conduct.

5. Liability & Indemnification
9. The undersigned and the Project Owners agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Institute, the Festival, and all related parties from any and all claims, losses, liabilities, damages, fees, and expenses arising from the Project’s participation in the Festival.
10. The submission of a Project does not impose any obligation on the Festival to accept, exhibit, or provide feedback on the Project.

6. Prize Money & Payment Conditions
11. Any prize money awarded can only be paid to a PayPal account. It is the responsibility of the recipient to ensure they have an active and valid PayPal account to receive payments. The Festival will not make payments through bank transfers, cheques, or any other financial platform.

7. Arbitration & Legal Matters
12. Any claim or dispute relating to the Project, Festival, or these Terms and Conditions will be subject to binding arbitration. The arbitrator will have no power to award punitive or exemplary damages, and any awarded relief shall not exceed a refund of the submission fee.

8. Final Agreement & Acceptance of Terms
13. By submitting a Project to Stafford Film Festival, the undersigned acknowledges they have read and accepted these Rules & Terms. No oral representations or assurances outside of this agreement will be deemed valid.
14. If accepted, the Project Owners will enter into a Festival Participation Agreement incorporating all terms herein.
15. Postage for awards (if applicable) is to be covered by the recipient.

By submitting a film, all entrants agree to abide by these terms and conditions.