GENERAL RULES
Rules for Films
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1. Films can be any length, any genre with the following exceptions: Only films under 30 minutes will be accepted in the genres of Animation, Experimental, and Student Showcase; and features longer than 100 minutes are discouraged. Features of 90 minutes are strongly encouraged.
2. We encourage filmmakers to select no more than 2 genres; one primary and one secondary.
3. Films should feature some kind of journey--physical, emotional, intellectual, or spiritual.
4. Submissions may be submitted online or on NTSC DVD in Region 0 or Region 1 format. If submitting via DVD, please indicate FilmFreeway tracking number and running time on the DVD.
5. If a film is selected for the festival, the film maker must provide a file of either .MP4 or .MOV a minimum of 10 days before the Festival's opening night. DVDs will not be accepted for showing at the Festival.
6. Submit a separate entry for each film submission.
7. While Foreign language films must have English subtitles, all filmmakers are encouraged to provide subtitles to encourage inclusivity. White letters with black outlines are strongly recommended for maximum readability.
8. Student fees apply to students in elementary and secondary schools, as well as students in colleges, universities and film schools.
9. DVDs will not be returned.
10. Submissions must be postmarked by August 15, 2025. Make checks payable to Route 66 Film Festival.
11. If submitting by DVD for consideration, send DVD, application form, fee, and a short bio of the filmmaker in padded, secure packaging to:
Route 66 Film Festival
P.O. Box 5010
Springfield, IL 62705
12. Filmmaker should suggest an MPAA rating for their film. Ratings do not disqualify films from consideration. We like to schedule films for appropriate audiences.
13. Biographical and synopsis information is required when submitting via FilmFreeway or by mailed application.
Terms and Conditions:
Filmmakers hereby grant the Route 66 Film Festival the right to utilize, for promotional purposes, any film submitted and/or accepted to the Festival, either in its entirety or an excerpt thereof.
The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations.
The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby agrees that, unless said film is withdrawn prior to the close date for submissions, (August 20, 2025) if selected for the festival, the filmmaker will provide to the festival a copy of the film in .MP4 or .MOV format no later than 10 days prior to the Festival's opening night.
The undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless Route 66 Film Festival from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.
Fees will not be waived except at the discretion of the Board.
Films will not be returned.
