PLEASE NOTE: Any and all submissions to the DSI Film Fest MUST have people living their best lives with Down Syndrome participating in the process! Your submission must include these individuals who participated as Actors, Directors, Writers, Creative and/or Design team members.
1. We encourage submissions in all genres in the form of narrative feature-length films, documentary films, Short Films, Animated/Digital CGI Films, Music Videos and US High School Student Films. Please see recommended times for each category. International films submitted must either be in English or have English subtitles.
2. Films must be available for screening during the festival in October 2023.
3. By submitting a film, you grant the Down Syndrome International Film Festival (DSI Film Fest) permission to screen your film, if said film is officially accepted into the 2023 lineup.
4. By submitting a film, you acknowledge that the Down Syndrome International Film Festival (DSI Film Fest) DOES NOT PAY SCREENING FEES for accepted films.
5. By submitting a film, you agree to allow highlights or excerpts of your film (e.g. a trailer) to be placed on the Down Syndrome International Film Festival (DSI Film Fest) website and used for other marketing and promotional purposes. You also agree to allow Down Syndrome International Film Festival (DSI Film Fest) to promote the following year's festival with the above excerpts, highlights and/or trailers. Down Syndrome International Film Festival (DSI Film Fest) will never solicit or screen your film outside the promotion of the Down Syndrome International Film Festival (DSI Film Fest).
6. You may submit as many entries as you like. Each entry requires its own entry fee.
7. The only acceptable way to submit your film is via FilmFreeway, as an online screener (Password protected video links are recommended).
8. In accordance with the Down Syndrome International Film Festival (DSI Film Fest) policy, the entry fee is non-refundable. You will not be allowed to enter your work unless you agree to abide by the terms and conditions of Down Syndrome International Film Festival (DSI Film Fest).
9. Filmmakers must have obtained all clearances for exhibition and must certify that the work is original and no disputes regarding ownership exist with the film.
10. All entries must be submitted through FilmFreeway by July 10, 2023.
11. Notification of selections will be by August 1, 2023. Only then will the film be considered for awards.
12. Being an accepted film does not guarantee eligibility for awards. Films may screen out-of-competition at the discretion of our programmers.
13. Down Syndrome International Film Festival (DSI Film Fest) does not offer paid transportation or lodging for the event unless an offer is made by a Down Syndrome International Film Festival (DSI Film Fest) authorized representative in writing with the approval by the Board of Directors.
14. Down Syndrome International Film Festival (DSI Film Fest) accepts no responsibility for loss or damage of exhibition screeners (DCP, thumb drives, etc) during shipment to or from the Down Syndrome International Film Festival (DSI Film Fest).
15. Down Syndrome International Film Festival (DSI Film Fest) reserves the right to screen a submitted film out-of-competition during the festival if a category is filled.
16. Down Syndrome International Film Festival (DSI Film Fest) follows all State and Federal guidelines for Covid-19 protocols.
17. Selected Films will be provided two (2) All-Access Passes, and a small allotment of complimentary tickets to the 2023 Down Syndrome International Film Festival (DSI Film Fest) in October.
