1. Official Selection
1.1 Eligible Works
Only NZ animated works created using frame-by-frame techniques qualify.
This includes: hand-drawn animation, digital animation, stop-motion, clay animation, cutout animation, pixilation, rotoscoping, pin screen, and experimental frame-by-frame methods.
Not eligible: motion capture alone and real-time puppetry without frame-by-frame manipulation.
Runtime specifications: Maximum 20 minutes with an ideal runtime of around 5 minutes.
1.2 Use of AI
WAFF aims to showcase your art, your personal touch, and your creative identity.
Filmmakers may use AI-assisted tools (e.g., for color correction, compositing aids, cleanup tools, or workflow enhancements).
However, fully AI-generated imagery is not permitted.
All visual and animated elements must be created directly by the filmmaker or animation team.
1.3 Eligibility Conditions
-Films must be created between January 1, 2025 and January 31, 2026.
-Director(s) must have been enrolled in an accredited tertiary education program during production.
-Only student work produced as part of formal academic study is eligible.
-Films may have screened elsewhere prior to submission.
1.4 Language & Captions
Entries may be in any language. However, if your entry is not in English, you must submit a version that includes English captions. (subtitles)
2. Submission Guidelines
2.1 Submission Procedure
-Submissions are accepted exclusively via Film Freeway.
-There is no submission fee.
-Only properly registered films will be considered.
2.2 Rights Declaration
Filmmakers must hold all necessary rights to submit and exhibit their film.
WAFF may request proof of rights ownership and reserves the right to reject any submission lacking sufficient documentation.
2.3 Notification
All participants will be notified of their selection status one month before the festival.
Selected filmmakers will be notified with details regarding their film’s participation.
WAFF hopes to welcome selected filmmakers in person so that awards can be presented during the festival.
Films receiving awards will be announced and informed on the day of the event.
2.4 Confidentiality
The selection results must remain confidential until WAFF officially announces the program and winners. Any breach of confidentiality may result in removal from the lineup.
3. Juries and Awards
3.1 Jury Composition
A National Jury will be composed of experienced professionals from the fields of animation, film, and culture will evaluate the selected projects.
Jury members cannot have personal involvement or vested interest in any submitted work.
4. Technical & Promotional Requirements
4.1 Screening Materials
Selected films must provide:
-Provide your own DCP for screening, or the festival will author your DCP if you don't have one. However, in this case, you may not have the opportunity to tech check it before the screening.
-WAFF Student Awards - Visual Press Kit
We use this Visual Press Kit for on-site festival visuals, social media communication, and this year’s promotional content once your film has been announced. Your film will be showcased using the assets you provide and will appear in our official listings.
Instructions for the Visual Press Kit will appear as the final question in the submission form.
Please ensure that all required materials are included in your profile and attached files before submitting.
The festival reserves the right to reject screening copies deemed technically unsuitable.
5. Attendance and Participation
WAFF will gift selected filmmakers access to the closure event of the festival and support attendees with on-site coordination, Q&As, and other related festival activities.
For this first edition, WAFF will not cover travel or accommodation costs for selected filmmakers. Filmmakers who choose to attend must fund their own expenses.
6. Official Logo
Films selected for WAFF must include the official WAFF logo in all promotional materials.
Award winners must clearly specify which award was granted, using the festival-provided visual identity.
WAFF will send the official laurel to filmmakers once their selection status has been confirmed.
7. Usage Rights
By submitting, participants declare that they hold all necessary rights and that no third-party rights are infringed.
By submitting, filmmakers grant WAFF permission to screen selected films at the festival.
They also grant WAFF the right to use images, promotional stills, and short video clips (provided by the filmmaking team) for the purpose of promoting the festival on social media and official channels.
WAFF will not publish the full film or release any additional footage without the explicit consent of the filmmakers.
8. Contact / Help
If you need help regarding your submission or any information about the festival, please first contact your academic lecturer or coordinator from your university, who will serve as your primary contact point with us.
In any other case, you can reach us by email at: waff.students.awards@gmail.com
We will reply to your message as soon as possible.
