Guidelines:
A) Eligibility Requirements
Films need to be completed on or after 1 January 2025, with the exception of the Imaginative/Artistic category which has no restrictions.
Films previously submitted to Earth in Focus: Singapore Nature Film Festival are NOT eligible for reconsideration.
Feature-length films that are publicly available online are not eligible.
Films shown at private screenings (for crew, investors, etc.) but not publicly distributed remain eligible.
Ensure your film aligns with the festival’s themes, such as conservation, biodiversity, and climate change.
Entrants confirm and warrant that they have the legal authority to submit the film and have obtained all necessary rights for music, images, and content used in the film.
The festival reserves the right to change event dates and submission deadlines if necessary.
Films that were shortlisted in previous years will not be eligible for this year’s competition.
The total runtime of the film, including opening and closing credits, must be within the duration limits specified for the submission category.
Winning and shortlisted films grant the festival the right to screen their films publicly or make them available for online viewing as part of festival-related programming.
B) Submission Guidelines
All submissions must be made via Film Freeway. No other submission platforms will be accepted.
Only complete entries (including fee payment and working screener) will be considered.
Check submission deadlines and submit your film well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
To qualify for student entry fee rates, entrants must provide proof of student status at the time of production (e.g., student ID, transcript).
Meet technical requirements by following the required video format (DCP) and resolution (HD, 4K). Ensure proper frame rates, audio levels, and aspect ratios.
Clear copyright and permissions: Entrants must secure rights for all visuals, music, and narration in their films. Any featured people or organizations must have the necessary releases.
Provide a compelling synopsis (both short and long), along with filmmaker bios, high-resolution stills, and a trailer if required.
Include any additional supporting materials specific to your submission category (e.g., student ID for the Best Student Film category).
C) Subtitles & Translations
All non-English films must have English subtitles.
Subtitles should be accurate, well-timed, and properly formatted.
D) Shipping
The cost of shipping any physical materials to the festival (if requested) must be covered by the entrant. Collect or COD shipments will not be accepted. All international shipments must be sent with transportation charges, duties, and taxes prepaid by the sender.
E) Judging & Selection
Films are selected by the festival’s programming committee. If a film is selected, the entrant will be notified by email by 15 September 2025. The festival does not provide feedback or screening notes for films that are not selected.
Preliminary judging will commence between 1 July 2026 - 31 July 2026. Final judging will commence between 1 August 2026 - 25 August 2026.
If your film is selected for the festival, you may receive early notification with further instructions.
All selected films will have to submit their films in Digital Cinema Package (DCP) format by 1 October 2026 if not already done so during the selection process.
The festival reserves the right to change event dates and notification deadlines.
F) Entry Fees
Each submission must be accompanied by the appropriate submission fee.
Submission fees are non-refundable and cover registration, programming review, and notification of results.
Fees must be paid via Film Freeway using an accepted payment method.
For more details and FAQs, visit our website at www.earthinfocus.co/competitionfilm
