The Way International Film Festival – Rules & Terms
1. Mission & Content Guidelines
Faith-Based Content: All submissions must align with Christian values and themes. We seek films that inspire, challenge, and reflect a biblical worldview.
Family-Friendly Standard: While we welcome honest storytelling, submissions containing excessive profanity, graphic violence, or explicit sexual content will be disqualified.
No Rough Cuts: Only finished films will be considered. Works-in-progress, rough cuts, or films with missing "temp" elements (audio/VFX) are not eligible.
2. Submission Eligibility
Originality: The submitter must be the primary creator and hold all legal rights to the film, including music licensing and talent releases.
Language: Films in any language are welcome, but English subtitles are mandatory for all non-English dialogue.
Recency: Films must have been completed within the last 18 months to ensure the festival showcases current creative works.
3. Categories & Runtime
Feature Films: 45 minutes or longer.
Short Films: Under 30 minutes.
Documentaries: Real-life stories of faith or mission-led work (any length).
Youth Category: Specifically for filmmakers aged 18 and under.
4. Selection & Rights
Annual Selection: As an annual event, our selection process is highly competitive. All decisions made by the Jury are final.
Promotional License: By submitting, you grant the festival a non-exclusive license to use film clips (up to 2 minutes), posters, and production stills for promotional purposes across our website and social media.
Screening Rights: Selected films will be screened once during the annual festival. Any additional screenings will be negotiated separately with the filmmaker.
5. Fees & Logistics
Non-Refundable: All entry fees are non-refundable, regardless of selection status or disqualification due to content violations.
Digital Delivery: We only accept digital submissions (via FilmFreeway or secure Vimeo/YouTube links
