1. The Sweet Home Alabama Award, (sponsored by the family of Clyde “Sappo” Black) carries a $2,000 cash award. To be eligible, entries must have been shot, at least partially, in Alabama. To be considered for this award (in addition to qualifications in the area of entry) a brief explanation of qualification must be provided at the time of submission. If an explanation is not provided at the time of submission, the entry may still be judged within the category of entry, but will not qualify for the Sweet Home Alabama Award.
2. A feature film runtime typically exceeds 40 minutes, while a short film runtime does not. Feature films are accepted, but short films are preferred. This does not apply to screenplays, since there is a distinct category of entry for features and shorts.
3. Student film entries are accepted from students enrolled in a degree-granting college or university program during the time of production. A COPY OF THEIR STUDENT ID OR TRANSCRIPT IS REQUIRED UPON SUBMISSION FOR CONFIRMATION. THE FESTIVAL RESERVES THE RIGHT TO DISQUALIFY ENTRIES THAT ARE NOT SUBMITTED WITH CORRECT DOCUMENTATION.
4. The Youth Filmmaker award is for short productions completed by students before entering college or university studies (typically ages 5-18). A COPY OF THEIR STUDENT ID OR TRANSCRIPT IS REQUIRED UPON SUBMISSION FOR CONFIRMATION. THE FESTIVAL RESERVES THE RIGHT TO DISQUALIFY ENTRIES THAT ARE NOT SUBMITTED WITH CORRECT DOCUMENTATION.
5. The Vanguard award is for short films of alternative expression, innovative aesthetic, or original exploration of abstract technique. Examples include Animation, Music Video, Avant-garde, etc.
6. A Feature Screenplay must exceed 80 pages. For screenplay entry, upload in any two of the following format extensions: “.pdf”; “.fdr”, or “.doc”.
7. A Short Screenplay must not exceed 80 pages. For screenplay entry, upload in any two of the following format extensions: “.pdf”; “.fdr”, or “.doc”.
8. All entries must have been completed after January 1, 2023
9. No previously screened material of the George Lindsey UNA Film Festival may be submitted for competition again.
10. Multiple entries are accepted, but a complete submission entry will need to be completed for each individual project.
11. Submissions may be in HD, Vimeo, or YouTube format.
12. All films selected for screening grant the George Lindsey UNA Film Festival the right to use them for promotional purposes.
13. The George Lindsey UNA Film Festival is permitted to retain copies of each film selected as part of our festival library and for media educational use.
14. The earliest arriving promotional materials stand a more reasonable chance of receiving press screenings or highlight within promotions for the festival. This is due simply to our access to these items and does not reflect preference by the festival or judges.
15. Submission of materials for consideration does not guarantee inclusion in festival screenings.
16. The festival reserves the right to disqualify from competition any entry in which categorical qualifications of contributors have been misrepresented. If the eligibility of an entry is questioned the festival is authorized to make determinations.
17. Noncompliance with any rules, terms, and conditions may affect entry qualifications.
18. A press kit is required after acceptance but requested at the time of submission. It should include:
Film Press Kit Requirements
- Synopsis of plot and premise (not to exceed 150 words)
- Bio and filmography information for contributors
- Complete list of film credits
- Digital high-resolution images: on-set production stills, film screen captures, promotional art (such as postcards, fliers, and posters), press clippings, etc. – 300+ dpi resolution is requested
- Clip (not to exceed one minute in length) to be used for publicity and/or at the awards show ceremony (acceptable extensions: “.avi”; “.mpg”; “.mov”)
- OPTIONAL: Trailer (not to exceed two minutes in length) to be used for publicity and/or at the awards show ceremony
Screenplay Press Kit Requirements
- Synopsis of plot and premise (not to exceed 150 words)
- Bio and filmography information for contributor(s)
- Digital high resolution image of writer(s) – 300+ dpi resolution is requested
- OPTIONAL: Copy of the defining scene that captures the essence of the screenplay
