EQUALITY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL - CELEBRATING DIVERSITY IN FILMMAKING

The Equality International Film Festival (EIFF) celebrates 9 seasons of worldwide cinematic excellence that showcase diversity, investigate diaspora, and advance equality on a global level.

This year, we're returning as a hybrid event to the real world. EIFF remains flexible with COVID-19 in the event that the numbers rise. The festival’s events will be held on Dec. 8th, 9th, and 10th, 2023.

Our submission selections include semi-finalists and finalists. All submissions will be eligible for our specialty awards. These awards will be announced on the night of the awards ceremony.

The final film selections will be viewed on December 9th. December 10th will be the awards ceremony that will be held in person and will be available via streaming online. Details about tickets will be available on Sep. 22.

EIFF THE FESTIVAL FOR DIVERSITY IN FILMMAKING

EIFF prides itself in its unique approach to showcasing diversity. Previous winners have spanned the world submitting films that have addressed systemic poverty, LGNTQ diaspora, natural disasters, political conflicts, child and elderly advocacy, and everyday life issues. Submitters have come from all walks of life; disabled, vision and hearing impaired, developing countries, women, and a host of additional demographics.

PRESTIGIOUS OFFICIAL SELECTIONS and AWARDS

EIFF Official Selection consists of the top films in each of the categories offered. EIFF screens its Official Selection/Finalist Films for the first two days with a question-and-answer panel discussion after each final film screening.

On the third day, EIFF hosts its’ Grand Awards Ceremony which includes red carpet/press, banquet, networking, exhibition booths, and a ceremony to announce the award winners. Awards are both competitive and recognition-based awards including Best Feature-Length, Best Short Film, Best Written Narrative, Best Direction, Best Documentary Short, Best Documentary Feature Spirit of the Festival, Audience Choice Award, and selected regional awards. Celebrities frequently attend our themed parties, emcee our Grand Awards Ceremony, and are always eager and ready to network with filmmakers.

HOW WE WORK

EIFF’s competitive awards are evaluated by a preliminary judging panel to determine semi-finalists and finalists. A distinguished panel of jurors evaluate the final entries on EIFF's two screening days. Moreover, EIFF ALLOWS FOR A QUESTION AND ANSWER panel discussion with the finalist after their films have been viewed on the days of the OFFICIAL screening.

AWARDS and CASH prizes will be decided upon by the PANEL OF DISTINGUISHED JURORS, and will be awarded in the following categories:

*WINNER* - Best Short Film: Trophy, Global Press
*WINNER* - Best Feature Film: Trophy, Global Press
*WINNER* - Best Written Narrative: Global Press and Trophy
*WINNER* – Best Student Film: Trophy, Global Press
*WINNER* – CEO’s Spirit of the Equality International Film Festival Award: Global Press and Trophy
*SEMI-FINALISTS*: Official laurel, Global Press, Award of Recognition, and Global Distribution Opportunities

Attractive trophies/medals, certificates, and specialized awards are provided at the discretion of the International Executive Committee (IEC).

1. Please do not send original materials.

2. Filmmaker MUST prove ownership to be considered for Award

3. ALL SUBMISSIONS must mention what category they are applying for.

4. If your film is selected for screening, you will be asked to send us a press Kit, including: CAST, CREW and STILLS for the film, as a .jpg attachment to an e-mail.

5. Preview copies: other than online-screeners: (1 copy) of a submitted work is requested to send in form of DVD (NTSC or PAL- Region free).

6. Festival will only accept international films subtitled in English.

7. FOREIGN SUBMISSIONS must mention "Non commercial, No dollar value" in custom declaration form. 8 Equality Film Festival will not pay customs duties or fees.

8. Works in progress will NOT be accepted.

9. Fee Waivers will NOT be offered.

10. All entrants will be notified of acceptance by E-mail. Make sure your email address is valid.

11. 8 Equality Film Festival is not liable for any damage to films, videos, or publicity materials.

12. There is no limit on how many entries you may submit, but each entry must have a separate entry and entry fee.

13. All festival show times are subject to delay or change.

14. Festival does not provide travel, hotel (motel) for filmmakers

15. Awards, certificates, and prizes can be picked up at the event. If you want your prize to be shipped you must contact us directly.

16. We currently do not accept hard-copies except for DVDs requested for event screenings.