The NewsFest (true stories)

We are Accepting submissions focused on documentaries, feature films and scripts based on true stories and the news- local, regional, state, national or international. We are accepting film productions, written word, music and photography submissions. We want to read/see your work. If you are a documentary filmmaker, true story writer or filmmaker, news anchor, reporter, DP, AD, copywriter, producer, writer, editor, assignment editor, photojournalist, musician, etc. you can submit your work. We especially support and honor student work.

All entries will be judged on content, creativity, imagery, story and skill of the storyteller. News Productions, Historic pieces, and "True Story" films from created between October 2020 to October 2025 may be submitted. Works in progress will be accepted.
PAL SYSTEM IS NOT ACCEPTED.

All Accepted Films must be submitted on MPEG4 for exhibition. Screeners/thumbdrives are not returned.
We will NOT accept online Films for exhibition screening. Accepted Films must uploadable and in MP4 format

PAL system is NOT accepted.

Each entry must be submitted separately.
All entries must be uploaded to The NewsFest FilmFreeway sitet prepaid and, for your own protection, should be insured. Screening times are dependent upon receipt of the screeners Mp4 version, and support materials (stills, poster art, and trailer if available). Please note Support materials (postcards, posters promo items) are not returned.

Films and Screenplays SELECTED for The NewsFest will be announced no later than October 15, 2023 (exceptions may be made if deemed necessary by TNF).
Every Entry must include an Electronic Press Kit and Downloadable Trailer and trailer link.
WE DO NOT RETURN/SHIP screening materials or promo materials (posters, postcards, goody bag items).
We will NOT accept online screeners for exhibition purposes.
PAL Formatted discs will not be accepted.

Please notify us by email of any address changes. Failure to provide screening materials will result in disqualification and the film being pulled from screening.

Please note TNF will NOT return or ship materials back to the submitter once the festival has commenced (this includes thumb drives, DCPs, posters, postcards, or promo materials)

OFFICE ADDRESS
The NewsFest
C/O LAUREL ADLER
530 SOUTH LAKE AVE. #516
Pasadena, CA 91101

Submitting filmmakers acknowledge they have the legal right to exhibit the film and the collateral/promo materials at The NewsFest.

The NewsFest and ETHOS festival are hereby granted the right to utilize footage and promotional materials supplied by the submitting agent from any film submitted and accepted film, video, or project for exhibition at the Festival for promotional purposes. All accepted filmmakers agree that The NewsFest may use footage from their projects in order to promote the festival, their film or TNF Event via print, web and broadcast television. The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations.

The undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless TNF, its producers, vendors, sponsors, ETHOS, and supporters from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.
Written Word Submission Rules.

We are also currently accepting written word submissions: news-related scripts/ copy as: features shorts, short shorts, scenes, poetry, and prose.

One copy of an original screenplay or other written uploaded as a PDF file will be accepted. (Do NOT include more than 1 version). We do not accept hardcopy scripts.

The screenplay should be in standard industry format (12 point Courier).
Only one copy, draft, or version of any screenplay may be submitted by an entrant or entrants per submission.

Under no circumstances will substitutions of either corrected pages or new drafts of an entry screenplay be allowed under the original submission. Corrected or edited screenplays must be resubmitted as a NEW entry and will require a separate submission fee.

Multi-part scripts should be submitted as separate, stand-alone screenplays.
Features that are over 120 pages must be submitted as 2 different entries.
Entry fees will not be returned or adjusted.

Submissions must be the original work of the entrant(s) and may not be based, in whole or in part, on any other fiction or nonfiction material, published or unpublished, produced or un-produced.

Entries may, however, be adapted from the entrant’s (or entrants’) original work, which should be noted in the logline required on the application form.
Entries lacking a logline on the application form will be disqualified. Logline can be included on the cover letter or title page.

If the script is based on a true story, historical or contemporary, the "based on true story/events" button should be noted in the logline.

Collaborative work by two writers who share equally in its creation is eligible.
The collaborator’s name must be added during the online application process.
All entries must be received by or before the Extended Deadline of 10.30.22

Nominees/Winners will be announced at the Award Show. We do not ship Awards.

Entry fees will not be returned or adjusted.