VTIFF does not accept works-in-progress.
All submitted films must comply with the Submissions Guidelines including deadlines, exhibition format, entry material, etc., as detailed in our listing. Please check our website for further details (vtiff.org).
1. For the Festival we accept documentaries of any style. Films must be 70 minutes or longer. Films must have been completed after January 1, 2017.
2. For the Regional Film Showcase we accept films of any style and and any length 5 minutes and over.
Rules affecting both submission categories:
We are offering secure online screening of submitted films through FilmFreeway.com and we strongly encourage you to take advantage of this fine service. Submission fees vary by deadline so make sure to upload your film prior to a particular deadline to qualify for that fee level. In no case will your film be considered if you upload it after the final deadline of the Extended Window.
Any films submitted without a paid entry fee by the given deadline will be disqualified from the submission screening process.
Because of the heavy volume of submissions, we will not email you when we receive your submission. Once it is securely up on FilmFreeway, you can safely assume we have been notified by the platform.
Films submitted must be available in English or in the original language with English subtitles.
Submit your film as early as possible, please. This gives us more time to consider your work.
Entry fees are payable by credit card or Paypal to VTIFF and are non-refundable. Fees for foreign entries should be paid by credit card or Paypal in U.S. dollars, again payable to VTIFF.
Entrants are responsible for obtaining any necessary licenses, royalties, release forms, clearances and permits necessary to present their work. The Vermont International Film Festival is not responsible for any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits or royalty infringement related to the work. If your work is accepted into the Festival, we must be able to screen it without any encumbrances whatsoever.
Accepted films must be available in the designated exhibition formats: BluRay or DCP.
Accepted films may screen in limited engagement theatrically prior to Festival exhibition, but cannot already be involved in clearly monetized distribution deals in the USA, e.g., iTunes, Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Cable VOD, PBS broadcast or cable telecast, prior to October 18, 2018. Distribution deals concluded prior to the Festival but that don't go into effect until after the Festival do not affect consideration for acceptance at VTIFF.
Notification of acceptance will be emailed. We ask you not to call the Festival office. All correspondence will be done through email and only with the original submitter.
If your film is selected, you will be asked to provide a digital press kit which includes: headshot and brief bio of director, color and/or B&W stills from the film, brief description of the film (75 words max) and a video trailer (downloadable and cleared for use on the Festival website).
The date, time and location of the screenings of films are solely at the discretion of the Vermont International Film Festival.
If a film is invited to participate in the Festival, the film must be shipped prepaid, insured and packed in proper containers.
• VTIFF will be responsible for return shipping charges of films screened at the Festival. VTIFF will not pay for international shipping of domestic films.
VTIFF does not assume any liability for damage to prints due to improper containers or otherwise. All films in our possession will be insured against damage or loss while participating in the festival.
VTIFF is not responsible for any claim involving copyright, trademarks, credits or royalty infringements related to the work. Submission of an entry to this Festival signifies that the entrant understands, accepts and agrees to these conditions.
Materials of all submissions become the property of the VTIFF, and can be used for review purposes and to promote the film and programs of the Society in all mediums including film, television, radio and the Internet.
