***PLEASE READ ALL RULES & TERMS PRIOR TO SUBMITTING YOUR FILM***
Sugarmynt Cinescare Horror Film Festival is open to horror short films ONLY. We may accept submissions for feature films in the future, but not presently.
All non-English films must have English subtitles permanently embedded in the video.
All selected films must be formatted with the specifications sent to you in your selection notification email. If you are unable to do so, your film will not be screened and will be disqualified for awards.
Once you have submitted your film, there will be no refunds for any reason.
We are only accepting submissions via online screener here on filmfreeway.com.
The submission fee does not guarantee that your film will be selected for screening, as all selections are based solely on the judges' scores. Films accepted for screening hold no cash value, and we make no guarantee that your film will be shown live, including but not limited to cases involving file errors, technical issues, or format incompatibilities of the files that you send. We are not responsible for, nor do we undertake, the fixing, editing, or adjusting of any submitted files.
Awards will be given out at a brief show at the end of the festival. For filmmakers who cannot attend, we will send a PDF copy of their award. If we have physical awards, you must be present to receive them.
All submissions in the STUDENT DIRECTED SHORTS category must be directed by a current high school or undergraduate college student. Films submitted for this category that were not directed by a high school or undergraduate student will be disqualified from the festival without a refund. Ensure the director's current student ID is uploaded to the proper section of the film's FilmFreeway home page. The ID must display the current school year.
Once a film is OFFICIALLY SELECTED and the film program has become public, it cannot be withdrawn by the filmmaker.
Entrant warrants that they have the full & uncontested legal right (incl. full rights to the use of the film’s music) to enter their film/screenplay work to Sugarmynt Cinescare Horror Film Festival and Cinescare Productions and that the said work is not subject to nor threatened by any litigation.
Entrant holds Sugarmynt Gallery, Sugarmynt Cinescare Horror Film Festival and Cinecsare Productions, its owners, management, juries, subsidiaries, agents, sponsors, affiliates, and etc. harmless from any and all claims of liability resulting from my entry. Entrants agree to defend and indemnify Sugarmynt Gallery, Sugarmynt Cinescare Horror Film Festival and Cinescare Productions, its directors, officers, employees, contractors, consultants, volunteers, judges and agents against any and all claims, demands, actions, or lawsuits arising out of or related to the screening of the submitted film, performance of the music, or displaying of the art.
Sugarmynt Cinescare Horror Film Festival and Cinescare Productions have the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to change the festival date or location, if deemed necessary or unavoidable, to ensure a successful festival. In such a case the festival will try its best to continue as normal, just at another venue/date TBD or operate online (partially or fully) if deemed necessary or unavoidable.
Zero Tolerance Policy for Inappropriate Behavior:
We maintain a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding rude or disruptive behavior during our live events. Any filmmaker, cast member, crew member, or guest exhibiting such behavior will be subject to immediate removal from the event. Furthermore, any film associated with individuals exhibiting inappropriate conduct will be disqualified from the festival and cut.
Rule: No AI-Generated Films
All submitted films must be created by human filmmakers. Entries that use AI to generate scripts, footage, animation, voices, or other primary creative elements will not be accepted. Traditional tools (e.g., editing software, color correction, sound mixing, VFX software) are allowed, but the core storytelling, direction, acting, and artistic creation must be human-made. You may use Ai minimally to enhance special effects, but such use will be left to the discretion of the team at Cinescare Productions and Sugarmynt Cinescare Horror Film Festival for approval.
Any submission found to rely on AI-generated content will be disqualified.
By attending our events and/or submitting your film, you acknowledge and agree to adhere to this policy.
I, the undersigned, acknowledge and agree:
I have read, understood, and fully comply with all submission eligibility information, Submission Guidelines, Terms and Conditions of Entry and Entry Eligibility requirements.
To the best of my knowledge, all the statements in this submission are true.
This film or video is not subject to any litigation, nor is threatened by any litigation.
I am duly authorized to submit this film to the festival.
I hold Sugarmynt Gallery, Sugarmynt Cinescare Horror Film Festival and Cinescare Productions harmless from any damage to the print(s) or media material(s) en route or otherwise during the festival’s possession of the film.
I hold Sugarymynt Gallery, Sugarmynt Cinescare Horror Film Festival and Cinescare Productions, its owners, management, juries, subsidiaries, agents, sponsors, affiliates, etc., harmless from all claims of liability resulting from my entry.
I certify that I have full rights to the use of the music in the entered work.
I give permission for Sugarmynt Cinescare Horror Film Festival to use stills, trailers, titles, copy, and/or information for promotional purposes, including but not limited to social media, YouTube platforms, live events, and the festival’s website. Any obstruction or interference with the festival's operations, promotions, or screenings may result in disqualification at our sole discretion.
I authorize Sugarmynt Cinescare Horror Film Festival to present the film live and/or online at the festival to which I submitted it.
I acknowledge and agree that, upon selection, I am prohibited from withdrawing my film from the festival for any reason whatsoever within 60 days prior to the festival. I further acknowledge and agree that once I submit my film, submission fees are non-refundable with no exceptions.
I grant the festival the right to screen my film during the event.
I understand and agree that if I do not supply Sugarmynt Cinescare Horror Film Festival the appropriate downloadable files through FilmFreeway by the deadline supplied to me when I receive my notification, my film will not be shown at the festival and my submission fees will not be refunded.
If selected, I will provide Sugarmynt Cinescare Horror Film Festival with a digital copy of my film's movie poster (in vertical format) for use on the festival website.
