Varsity Film Expo

ELIGIBILITY:

The Varsity Film Expo is dedicated to showcasing impactful films that resonate with themes of sustainable development. We welcome films from around the world that tell vital stories, challenge perceptions, and inspire action towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2063.

FOR THE 2025 VARSITY FILM EXPO, WE WILL CONSIDER FILMS THAT ARE:
Short Films Only: Each entry must be no longer than 15 minutes in maximum running time.
Documentary or Narrative: Both documentary and narrative short films are accepted.
Student-Produced or Professional: We encourage submissions from university students, emerging filmmakers, and seasoned professionals alike.

Selected films will be showcased at our partner venues and online to reach a wider audience.

CATEGORIES:
The Varsity Film Expo 2025 will recognise excellence in short filmmaking across various categories, with a focus on impact, storytelling and aesthetics.

- Best Documentary
- Best Live Action
- Best 2D Animation
- Best 3D Animation
- Best Stop Motion

RULES & TERMS:

1. FILM THEMES:
Focus on Sustainable Development: Films must relate to one or more of the SDGs or Agenda 2063.
Diverse Topics: We encourage submissions that explore various aspects of human life, technology, health, spirituality, and their intersections with sustainable development.

2. PREMIERE STATUS:
Encouraged but Not Required: While premieres are encouraged, the Varsity Film Expo accepts films that have been screened at other festivals or platforms. We do, however, prioritise films making their African premiere.

3. LANGUAGE AND SUBTITLES:
English Subtitles Required: Non-English language films must include embedded English subtitles. For any online screenings, closed captions are required.

4. SUBMISSION FORMAT:
Films must be submitted through our designated submission platform, FilmFreeway, using a secure online screener. https://filmfreeway.com/VarsityFilmExpo
Passwords for private links must not expire before February 10, 2026.

5. SELECTION STATUS:
Notification: Filmmakers will be notified about their selection status by 30 February 2025, via FilmFreeway or email.

6. RIGHTS & RELEASES:
Ownership and Authorization: By submitting a film, the entrant confirms they own or control the film’s copyright and are authorized to submit the film to the Varsity Film Expo.
Promotional Use: The Varsity Film Expo reserves the right to use any publicity materials (such as photographs, film stills, trailers, and film segments up to 3 minutes) for non-commercial promotional purposes and archival material at no additional cost.
Liability: The Varsity Film Expo and its partners are held harmless from any claims connected to the film.
Screening: By submitting, you give Varsity Film Expo the right to screen or rebroadcast your submission at Varsity Film Expo events, physical or virtual, we may hold.

7. FINAL PROVISIONS:
Submission Fee: Submission to the Varsity Film Expo is free of charge.
Multiple Submissions: Filmmakers may submit multiple entries, but each entry must be no longer than 15 minutes in maximum running time and must be accompanied by a separate submission form.
Deadline: The final deadline for submissions is February 10, 2024.

Varsity Film Expo 2025 Theme
The Varsity Film Expo supports the United Nations’ Global Goals for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063, Africa’s masterplan for sustainable development and economic growth. The theme "Lights, Camera, Sustainable Action" challenges filmmakers to create content which motivates action towards sustainable development.