Vancouver International Women in Film Festival (#VIWFF)

All films submitted must have a woman in at least three of the following eight key creative roles: Writer, Producer, Director, Cinematographer, Editor, Composer, Lead Performer and Production Designer. Films completed after March 2018 are eligible.

Should the submitted film not adhere to this eligibility requirement or to the following rules and terms, WIFTV retains the right to disqualify said film and is under no obligation to contact the submitting party and/or refund the submission fee.

Please carefully read the following terms and rules, including Selection and Notification, Submission Rules, and Terms and Conditions.

The Vancouver International Women in Film Festival accepts documentary, narrative, animated and experimental films (including music and dance) in any genre and any length.

To be eligible, at least three or more of the following key creative roles must be filled by women: Writer, Producer, Production Designer, Cinematographer, Editor, Composer, Lead Performer.
• The same woman may fill more than one role.
• In the event that any of the three eligible roles are shared, they must be shared by women, with the exception of the producer role, where 50% of the producers must be women.
• Films must reflect these credits in their submitted material including the credits of the film.

“Women” includes all those who identify as a woman.

Films completed after March 2018 are eligible.

Films that have received a theatrical release in the Vancouver, BC area prior to the festival are not eligible. (Festival screenings are not considered as theatrical release, although we prefer our films to be Vancouver premiers.)

Films that have received other forms of distribution, such as subscriber television or online platforms, are eligible. Please note that a film’s ability to generate audiences is a programming consideration.

Submitted films that are not eligible will be withdrawn. Please check eligibility before submitting. Questions may be sent to submissions@womeninfilm.ca.

Selection and Notification:

1. Submissions will be reviewed by a selection of judges appointed by the Festival Programming Committee, a committee of the Board of Directors of Women in Film and Television Vancouver.

2. Filmmakers will be notified of the decision by late January 2021.

3. All communications will be sent electronically, including selection and notification letters. Please make sure the email address and phone number provided as the submission contact on the entry form are correct!

4. If selected for VIWIFF 2021, acceptance of the invitation to screen at the festival must be received within one week of notification.

5. If selected for VIWIFF 2021, exhibition copies must be delivered to WIFTV by February 3, 2021.

6. Exhibition copies must be accompanied by a link to a password protected site where festival organizers and press can view your film.

7. Filmmakers, or their representatives, of selected films must cover the cost of shipping to the festival. The festival will cover return shipping.

8. Exhibition formats will be accepted in one of the following: DCP (preferably unencrypted) or a QuickTime compliant file. (Note we do not accept DVD’s or Blu-rays).

9. At the time of acceptance, the following electronic promotional materials must be delivered: a short synopsis, a minimum of one (1) still photograph from the film, a list of the film’s credits, links to any social media sites or reviews related to the film, a list of awards (if any) the film has received, a list of all places the film has or will have screened prior to VIWIFF 2021.

10. If selected by VIWIFF 2021, a short clip or clips from the film (up to two minutes), in high resolution, must be delivered by February 5, 2021, preferably via downloadable link. These will be used for the festival trailer and other promotional opportunities.

11. Promotional materials of films selected for VIWIFF 2021 become the property of VIWIFF 2021 and can be used to promote VIWIFF 2021 in all media, including film, television, radio, print, and the Internet.

Submission Rules:
1. Submissions are accepted through FilmFreeway.
2. Submission must include:
• The name and gender of the key creative credits (Writer, Producer, Director, Cinematographer, Editor, Composer, Production Designer and Lead Performer). Please be specific; names will not suffice as gender identification.
• A short synopsis
• Running time
• Genre
• Screening history (with links to any online platforms where the film is currently available, if applicable)
• Any changes to the screening history (post-submission) must be provided to the festival
• A press kit is not required at the time of submission

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
The Vancouver International Women in Film Festival will make every effort to ensure the safekeeping of all films and videos submitted for exhibition. However, the applicant, in applying to the Festival, agrees to release the Festival, its Officers, Directors and other representatives from any and all claims arising in any way from the submission of materials by, or on behalf of, the Applicant, whether film, video or otherwise to the Festival.

Your submission implies that you have the legal right to represent and submit this film for consideration, along with your acceptance of VIWIFF Rules &Terms. By submitting to the festival, you confirm that the film is authorized to use all images, sounds and music appearing in the film. Your submission also implies that you have read and understood the festival regulations. Finally, you agree to allow VIWIFF the use of your film and publicity materials from your film for promotional purposes.