Tswa Film Festival

1. Eligibility
- The festival is open to filmmakers of all nationalities and backgrounds.
- Films must reflect bold storytelling, innovative voices, or underrepresented perspectives.
- Films from Nigeria and the African continent are strongly encouraged, but international submissions are also welcome.

2. Categories
Submissions are accepted in the following categories:

Narrative Feature (60 minutes or longer)
Narrative Short (under 60 minutes)
Documentary Feature (60 minutes or longer)
Documentary Short (under 60 minutes)
Student Film (must provide valid student ID)

3. Completion Date
- Films must have been completed on or after January 1, 2024.
- Works-in-progress will be considered only if they are close to completion and clearly marked as such.

4. Language
- Films in languages other than English must include English subtitles.
- Subtitles must be embedded or provided as a clearly linked subtitle file.
5. Premiere Status

Nigerian premieres are preferred but not required.
Films already released online or widely available for streaming may be ineligible for certain competitive sections.
6. Submission Format

All submissions must be made via a secure online screener (e.g., Vimeo, YouTube, or platforms like FilmFreeway).
Ensure screener links are password-protected and remain active until the festival ends.
Do not send physical media (DVDs, USB drives, etc.).

7. Entry Fees
- A non-refundable entry fee applies per submission.
- Fee waivers may be granted to filmmakers from low-income countries, marginalized communities, or for special partnerships.
- Contact the festival team with supporting documentation for waiver consideration.

8. Selection Process
- All submissions are reviewed by a diverse programming team.
- Films are selected based on originality, artistic merit, thematic relevance, and technical quality.
- Submission does not guarantee selection.
- All decisions made by the selection committee are final and not subject to appeal.

9. Notification
- Official selections will be notified via email by [Date, e.g., August 30, 2025].
- Selected films will receive additional information on technical requirements and screening formats.

10. Exhibition Formats

- Selected films must be available for screening in HD digital format (e.g., .MP4, .MOV, DCP on request).
- Filmmakers are responsible for delivering the screening copy by the specified deadline.
- The festival reserves the right to adjust the format for exhibition purposes.

11. Rights & Permissions
- The filmmaker must hold all necessary rights to the film, including music, visuals, and third-party content.
- The festival is not responsible for any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, or any other legal liability.
- By submitting a film, you grant the festival permission to use clips (up to 2 minutes), stills, and promotional material for publicity and festival-related purposes.

12. Screening & Awards
- Selected films may be screened at physical venues and/or online (depending on festival structure).
- Competitive categories may be eligible for jury and/or audience awards.
- Awards are announced at the festival closing and are final.

13. Festival Attendance
- Attendance is encouraged but not required.
- Travel support may be available for selected filmmakers (subject to funding and discretion).

14. Withdrawal Policy
- Once a film is selected, it may not be withdrawn from the festival lineup after confirmation.
- If you must withdraw your submission prior to selection, notify the festival team in writing.

15. Agreement
- By submitting your film, you agree to these rules and terms in full. You affirm that all information provided is accurate and that you hold the rights to the work submitted.