Cinema Obscura Film Festival: Official Terms, Rules & Code of Conduct
I. Submission Terms & Rules
1. Eligibility and "Obscura" Status
• No Completion Date Restriction: Cinema Obscura celebrates the history of film. We do not require films to be "new." We accept submissions regardless of when they were produced.
• Retrospective & Heritage Works: We explicitly welcome older films, including restored classics, "lost" independent films, and retrospective works that align with the festival's aesthetic.
• Language: All non-English language films must be subtitled in English.
• Premiere Status: There are no premiere requirements. We are happy to screen films that have been shown elsewhere or are currently available online.
2. Technical Specifications
• Submission Format: All films must be submitted via a secure online screener (Vimeo or YouTube) or through the official submission platform (FilmFreeway).
• Exhibition Format: If selected, filmmakers/rightsholders must provide a high-quality Digital Cinema Package (DCP) or a ProRes 422 digital file. For older films where only physical media exists, please contact the festival directors directly.
• Marketing Materials: Selected films must provide a digital press kit (EPK) including at least two high-resolution stills, a poster image, and a trailer link (if available).
3. Legal and Rights
• Ownership & Permissions: The submitter warrants that they hold the necessary rights to exhibit the film. For older works where rights may be complex, the submitter must provide proof of permission or "Orphan Work" status.
• Indemnification: The filmmaker/submitter agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Cinema Obscura, Cinema Salem, and its staff from any claims, liabilities, or expenses (including legal fees) related to copyright, trademark, or credit infringement.
• Usage License: By submitting, the filmmaker grants Cinema Obscura a non-exclusive license to use clips (up to 3 minutes), stills, and titles for festival promotion across social media, web, and print.
4. Fees and Selection
• Refunds: All submission fees are non-refundable.
• Finality: All programming decisions made by the Cinema Obscura jury are final.
II. Festival Code of Conduct
Cinema Obscura is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and professional environment for filmmakers, attendees, and staff.
• Zero Tolerance: We do not tolerate harassment, discrimination, or abusive behavior based on race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, or religion.
• Professionalism: All participants are expected to respect the facilities of Cinema Salem and follow the instructions of festival staff.
• Reporting: If you experience or witness harassment, please report it immediately to a festival organizer or Cinema Salem security.
• Consequences: Cinema Obscura reserves the right to revoke festival passes or remove any individual from the premises without a refund for violating these standards.
