12th ANNUAL WATSONVILLE FILM FESTIVAL: MARCH 7-10, 2024

We believe in the transformative power of film. We showcase LATINE filmmakers and stories that illuminate our shared humanity and inspire positive change.

From filmmakers to audiences, we redefine what a film festival is and the transformative impact it can have in communities through the Latine and indigenous lens.

In 2024, our annual festival will take place at various venues in Watsonville, with additional screenings online via Eventive.

The Watsonville Film Festival (WFF) is a non-profit, community-based film festival located in the heart of California's Monterey Bay. We recognize that the arts help all communities to thrive. Film, in particular, is necessary for the Latine community to have agency over their own representation and to offer their own vision of the world.

2024 WFF GUIDELINES
We are looking for films that are creative, inspiring, powerful, entertaining and reflect the LATINE experience.

SUBMITTING YOUR SHORT FILM:
Open to Latine & indigenous filmmakers.

SHORT FILM TIME LIMITS:
• Indie Filmmakers: 30 min.
• College/University Students: 30 min.
• Youth Films (Elementary through High School): Under 10 minutes

• SUBMISSION FEES:
- FREE for students through University level.
- $10 per film for Indie Filmmakers

GENERAL FILM INFO:
• We accept documentary, fiction & experimental shorts. To get an idea of what we screen, visit our past festival selections: http://watsonvillefilmfest.org/film-archive/
• You may submit more than one film, each one with its own entry form.

• We prefer new films, but we also accept films finished in the last few years (we hesitate to put a time limit on quality).

• If you've recently graduated, you may still send in your student-produced film(s) in the student category for free.

• Films in a language other than English must have English subtitles.
• No film re-submissions from previous years unless the work has been significantly changed.

• Please contact us if you have questions before submitting your film.

• WFF reserves the right to reject the film if digital file for Festival screening is not received by posted deadline.

• Film Distributors: Do not use this submission form, please email us regarding screeners.

SELECTED FILMS:
• If accepted, we will contact you on or around Jan. 20, 2024. If accepted, we will require a high-res digital file of your film and promo materials by February 7, 2024.

• Accepted filmmakers are encouraged to attend; our in-person screenings include Q&A time for filmmaker/audience engagement.

• WFF also hosts year-round screenings, there is the possibility that your film may be accepted to screen at a stand-alone event outside of the annual festival.

LEGAL - PLEASE READ!
• By submitting to the Watsonville Film Festival, you agree that you have the authority & rights to submit the film. You guarantee that you have obtained all rights & clearances that are necessary for a Film Festival screening and indemnify and hold harmless the Watsonville Film Festival from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses which may be incurred by reason of any type of claim whatsoever involving film entered.

• If the film is selected by the Watsonville Film Festival, you grant permission for public exhibition of the film (possibly more than once, in-person and/or online) during the Watsonville Film Festival.

• The Watsonville Film Festival is also granted the right to utilize an excerpt & stills from any film accepted for current & future promotional purposes.

• WFF reserves the right to reject the film if digital file for Festival screening is not received by posted deadline.