GRASSROOTS ETHICS ARE AT THE HEART OF OUR FESTIVAL.
We will always endeavour to:
1. Provide entrants with regular festival updates
2. Watch all entries from start to finish, so they’re judged fairly.
3. Share our judging and selection process transparently
4. Take feedback and constructive criticism with grace and always try to do better than before
5. Build accessibility into the festival to normalise these practices as industry standard
CATEGORISATION
UDFF differentiates itself by ensuring that our film categories champion the communities our filmmakers identify with and represent in their work. You may submit your film into whichever category/ies you see fit. However, by submitting your film to UDFF, you acknowledge that our judging panel and committee will make the final decision regarding the category in which your film will be nominated for our final program. Any changes will be communicated to finalists before the publication of our program to ensure consent.
AI USAGE
Submissions must be the filmmakers’ original work. Films created wholly or substantially with AI are ineligible for selection. UDFF may request supporting materials, including production documentation, to verify authenticity.
Substantial or Wholly AI Use Includes:
- Script, screenplay or dialogue generation
- Creation of primary characters or performances
- AI-generated voice acting or voice cloning
- AI-generated live-action or animated footage
- AI-generated cinematography or virtual environments used as principal visuals
Example tools:
Midjourney, DALL·E, Stable Diffusion, Runway Gen-2, Pika, Sora, ChatGPT, Sudowrite, ElevenLabs, Descript
We understand that many industry-standard software suites have their own integrated machine learning features for editing and analysis purposes - this is different to Generative AI and not applicable to the above statement on disqualification.
Non-Substantial Use:
- Spellcheck, grammar correction, formatting tools
- Non-generative (eg. prompt based) editing software/tools
- Standard color correction or sound mixing/mastering
- VFX cleanup that does not create new performances/narrative content
Whilst there are no perfect methods for determining whether Generative AI has played a part in creating a film, the judging committee will use their best judgement and reach out to filmmakers if further clarification is required.
SUBMISSIONS
Accessibility is important to us. If your film is selected for the festival program, you will be required to provide a version with hardcoded English subtitles to ensure the screening is accessible to all audiences.
We are only accepting submissions via FilmFreeway with the payment of the entry fee.
TOP DOGS SHORTLIST
A shortlist of all top entries will be decided by our committee and passed on to our judging panel. You’ll receive a shout-out on all our online channels, along with a digital honourable mention laurel and certificate if you do not progress past this selection phase.
FINALISTS
In each category, our industry panel of judges will select several finalists to make up our program. All finalists will receive an Underdog Finalist laurel and a digital certificate, as well as free entry to the screening of their film at the festival and our Awards Night. All finalists are also eligible for the People’s Choice Award.
WINNERS
In each category, our industry panel of judges will select one work to win. The winning films will be announced at our Awards Night; Winners will receive a digital Underdog Winner’s laurel, engraved trophy, framed certificate and prize valued at $500-$2,500.
*Only finalists and winners will be screened at the festival.
Files must meet these minimum specifications:
Type: .Mov or .mp4
Standard aspect ratio of 16:9
Resolution: 1080x1920
H.264 video codec, and AAC-LC audio codec
Films must be made in or after 2022 and must not exceed 21 minutes including credits.
Films are to be submitted in their original version for the selection process.
Any technical issues with the submitted films are 100% the responsibility of the filmmakers. If at the time of judging, your video file doesn’t work or doesn’t have English subtitles (if in a language other than English), we will reach out personally to ask entrants to amend this within a time frame disclosed on contact, otherwise the film will be automatically disqualified.
Filmmakers are responsible for adhering to all guidelines and deadlines needed to ensure the highest quality exhibition of their film.
CLASSIFICATIONS
Film classifications are listed where applicable. However, most UDFF films are unclassified. Unless otherwise indicated, we recommend a minimum viewing age of 15+ or 18+.
The committee will review all finalist films for potential trigger warnings, including coarse language, strong content, or adult themes, which will be displayed prior to screenings.
We recommend audiences check individual film classification details before purchasing tickets. Proof of age must be shown upon request at the time of booking and/or upon entry to the theatre.
COPYRIGHT & USAGE
Filmmakers are responsible for all copyrighting aspects of their film (including music). Submission of the film means entrants give consent to having it screened in front of live and/or online audiences at the Underdog Film Festival.
Participants declare and ensure that they own all usage rights required for the use of the film by submitting their film to the festival. Participants certify that any third parties engaged in the film's production and distribution have approved, where necessary, to its usage in the context of the Underdog Film Festival.
Entrants agree and accept that UDFF may use parts of your film (such as film titles, log lines, film frames, film posters, etc) for event promotion and/or in print media.
Individuals who participated in the production or promotion of any of the competing films will not be eligible as panel members.
All decisions are final.
SUBMISSIONS OPEN: 1 March 2026
EARLY BIRD DEADLINE: 6 April 2026
FINAL DEADLINE: 1 June 2026
FESTIVAL DATE: 12-13 September 2026
