Braunschweig International Film Festival

Rules & Regulations 2024

The following is a full listing of all rules and regulations governing the submission of a film to the 38th Braunschweig International Film Festival, organized by the non-profit association Internationales Filmfest Braunschweig e.V. (hereafter called »the festival«), which apply to the individual awards-series and sections.

The person submitting the film (hereafter called the »submitter«) acknowledges that he:she has obtained consent from any and all owners, creators, writers, producers and/or other authorized representatives of the film and understands that by submitting the film to the festival he or she confirms that he or she has read and agreed to all rules and regulations set forth below.

The 38th Braunschweig International Film Festival will take place exclusively in venues in Braunschweig from November 11th to 17th, 2024.

I. General Rules & Regulations

§ 1 Runtime and genre
For short films a runtime of less than 15 minutes and for all feature films a running time of at least 70 minutes is required. Submission is open to all film genres and no limitations are set on content.
Excluded from this rule are films with a regional connection (Heimspiel): feature films of at least 50 minutes are eligible and short and medium-length films of up to 49 minutes. In addition to that feature films dealing with sustainability/environmental topics are accepted with a minimum runtime of 50 minutes.

§ 2 General requirements
Submitted can be films for the cinema produced that were completed after the 1st of January 2023. The film must not have been theatrically released, broadcasted on television in Germany or be available to purchase as DVD or Blu-ray or stream before the festival dates. Premieres (world /German-festival premieres) and productions out of 2024 will be first choice. If the films language is not German, German or English subtitles are required.

§ 3 Submission
Submissions are either possible via the festival’s database Eventival or via the external submission platform FilmFreeway (FFW). Submissions via Eventival (https://vp.eventival.com/biff/38) are preferred and cheaper than via FFW due to no additional administration costs.
To finalize the film submission the submitter must ensure that the festival has received both a completely filled-in online entry form as well as a valid screener and the submission fee. The submitter receives a confirmation email after submitting a film.

§ 4 Screener
The submitter provides the festival with an online screener at the time of film submission. This online screener must be either password protected or an unlisted link. Files to download are not accepted. Publicly available film links are excluded from the selection for the 38th Braunschweig International Film Festival. The festival may hand the screeners to a third party for organizational or programming reasons (e.g. moderations). By submitting the film, the submitter permits the festival to do so. The online screener must be available till the end of the selection process. The lifetime of passwords must be guaranteed till Septemper, 1st 2024. In case the festival selects the film for its programme, the access to the screener must be guaranteed till the end of the festival.

§ 5 Language, subtitling
Films that are not originally in German language, must be subtitled at least in English. The festival may produce German subtitles for projection copies at the festival‘s expense, especially in the case of films selected for the Main Competition. For this purpose the festival has the permission to copy the film file and to add subtitles. The submitter is not entitled to receive the copy. However, both parties may negotiate the hand over. If neither the submitter nor any of the distribution right‘s owners voice an interest in obtaining the copy until two weeks after the festival the copy will be destroyed.

§ 6 Exhibition format
The festival accepts digital video (DCP, ProRes, Blu-ray disc). However, DCP as well as ProRes is preferred.

§ 7 Projection copy
The film‘s projection copy must arrive in Braunschweig latest by October 10th, 2024 and will remain in Braunschweig until the end of the festival (Nov, 17th 2024). The festival is obligated by its sponsors to act economical and eco-friendly, therefore a download of the film file is preferred. Alternatively, a hard drive of the film can be sent. In this case, the festival bears the transport costs for one route (collection or shipping). The projection copy‘s transport to Braunschweig occurs at the submitter‘s own risk. The projection copy is insured at the copy‘s value while in Braunschweig as well as for the return transport after the festival. Damage claims must be submitted no later than 14 days after return. In case of damage the material costs for the copy will be refunded after presentation of the bill and at the value in the land of origin. A refund based on non-material value is excluded.

§ 8 Additional material
The submitter will provide the festival with sufficient PR material (film stills, posters, press kit etc.). The transport cost for advertising and press material is assumed by the contributor.

§ 9 Participation notification
The festival will inform all submitters latest by October 11th, 2024 about the film’s selection status. This could be either an invitation for the Official Selection, a rejection letter or a consideration for a later selection decision. The festival advises all submitters not to contact the festival organizers in order to receive information on the selection status. The submitters will be informed by email. Please refrain from making enquiries by telephone or e-mail.

§ 10 Submission Fees & Deadlines
Due to rising numbers in submissions the festival raises submission fees to cover administrative costs as follows below. The festival grants no refunds under any circumstances (e.g. festival cancellation due to force majeure). Prices only apply for the festival’s own submission service Eventival. When submitting via FilmFreeway, additional costs are incurred on the part of the submission platform. Deadlines can differ due to time zones.

a) feature films

Early Bird: April, 04th 03:00pm (CET) until April, 18th 2024, 11:59pm (CET) = 25,00 €
Regular: April, 19th 00:00am (CET) until July, 04th 2024, 11:59pm (CET) = 35,00 €
Final Call: July, 05th 00:00am (CET) until July, 25th 2024, 11:59pm (CET) = 45,00 €

b) short films

Early Bird: April, 04th 03:00pm (CET) until April, 18th 2024, 11:59pm (CET) = 15,00 €
Regular: April, 19th 00:00am (CET) until May, 19th 2024, 11:59pm (CET) = 25,00 €
Final Call: May, 20th 00:00am (CET) until June, 10th 2024, 11:59pm (CET) = 30,00 €

§ 11 Validity
The regulations are valid exclusively for the 38th Braunschweig International Film Festival. The festival may decide solely upon any case not included within the stated rules and regulations. Films participating in any competition have no legal claim to win nor to be screened during the festival. Legal recourse is precluded.

§ 12 Data protection and privacy
The festival attaches great importance to the protection of personal data and commits itself to compliance with the legal requirements related to data protection. In order to submit a film, it is necessary to collect, store and use personal information, of which you were hereby informed.
Customer data are all personal and contact information which you supply voluntarily. Your contact information is: your first & family name, address, activities/work, telephone and email address. You can at any time inform International Filmfest Braunschweig e.V., Neue Straße 8, 38100 Braunschweig of your decision to revoke the consent to store and use your personal data with effect for the future.

Contact:
Braunschweig International Film Festival
SUBMISSION
Neue Straße 8
38100 Braunschweig
Germany

tel: +49 (0) 531 - 702 202-0
e-mail: submission@filmfest-braunschweig.de

II. Submissions
A. Feature Film

§ 1 General Information
Each feature-length film is submitted as a general feature-length film. The festival selection committee assigns the films to the film sections on the basis of quality, content and form, but also on the basis of the information given at the time of submission. Nominations for competitions are also made by the selection committee. The submission of a film does not require festival participation; the selection committee also decides on this.

General feature film submission is open to all films with a minimum runtime of 70 minutes. There are no limitations on content or genre. Open to documentaries. The film must not have been theatrically released, broadcasted on television in Germany or be available to purchase as DVD, Blu-ray or stream before the festival dates. German-festival or world premieres and films from the year 2023 will be first choice. Depending on the origin, language and content the festival will assign film submissions to the festival’s sections.

Feature-length films of 50 minutes or more are only permitted if
- the film addresses the issue of sustainability (see GREEN HORIZONS AWARD, III., F)
- there is a regional connection to the film/film team (see HEIMSPIEL PREIS, III., H)

§ 2 Awards
The festival awards the following prizes for feature films (see also III.):

(1) Der HEINRICH (Audience Award) & Volkswagen Financial Services Film Award (Jury Award) within the Main Competition (see III., A. + B.)
Nominated are first and second feature films of European origin. The director must live and work in Europe or the film must be produced in Europe. The minimum runtime is 70 minutes. There are no limitations on content or genre. However, documentaries are excluded from participation. The film must not have been theatrically released, broadcasted on television, available to purchase as DVD/Blu-ray or stream in Germany. German-festival or world premieres and films from the year 2024 will be first choice.

(2) Die TILDA (Jury Award) (see III., C.)
Nominated are international first, second or third feature films by female directors. The minimum runtime is 70 minutes. There are no limitations on content or genre. The film must not have been theatrically released, broadcasted on television, available to purchase as DVD/Blu-ray or stream in Germany. German-festival or world premieres and films from the year 2024 will be first choice.

(3) Braunschweiger Filmpreis (Jury Award) (see III., D.)
Nominated are up to six German-speaking up-and-coming actors who are represented in the programme with a feature-length film. There are no limitations on content or genre.

(4) KINEMA (Jury Award, German-French Youth Award) (see III., E.)
Nominated are first and second feature films, which have been produced for theatrical distribution (no TV productions) in either French or German language. The minimum runtime is 70 minutes. There are no limitations on content or genre. However, documentaries are excluded from participation. The film must not have been theatrically released, broadcasted on television, available to purchase as DVD/Blu-ray or stream in Germany. German-festival or world premieres and films from the year 2024 will be first choice.

(5) Green Horizons Award (Jury Award) (see III., F.)
Nominated are international feature-length documentary films which deal with issues of sustainability, ecology, environment, nature conservation. The minimum runtime is 50 minutes. The film must not have been theatrically released, broadcasted on television, available to purchase as DVD/Blu-ray or stream in Germany. German-festival or world premieres and films from the year 2024 will be first choice.

(6) ECHT (Jury Award) (see III, G.) - tbc -
Nominated are international feature-length films (min. 70 min.) that depict the realities of life of lesbian, bisexual, gay, trans*, inter and queer people. The film must not have been theatrically released, broadcasted on television, available to purchase as DVD/Blu-ray or stream in Germany. German-festival or world premieres and films from the year 2024 will be first choice.

(7) Heimspiel Preis (Jury Award) (see III., H.)
Nominated are feature films with a regional connection to Braunschweig and its region. The minimum runtime is 50 minutes. There are no limitations on content or genre. Open to documentaries. The film must not have been theatrically released, broadcasted on television, available to purchase as DVD/Blu-ray or stream in Germany. German-festival or world premieres and films from the year 2024 will be first choice.

To fulfil the regional reference, the film must have at least one of the following characteristics:
- Filmmaker is originally from the Braunschweig region
- Filmmaker graduated from universities in the Braunschweig region
- Film was created in the region
- Film was shot in/at locations in the Braunschweig region
- Film refers to the Braunschweig region or some historical event, person or place connected to it.

The artistic department reserves the right to amend the number as well as the conditions of awards according to agreements with partners, sponsors, and patrons. The selection and participation of a film in the current festival edition does not instantly entail the nomination for any or all the awards mentioned above.

B. Short Film

§ 1 General Information
Films are submitted with the mention of genres/themes. The artistic department reserves the right to assign submitted films together into short film programmes within the festival curation as well as to not select submitted films for the festival.
General short film submission is open to all short films with a maximum runtime of 15 minutes. There are no limitations on content or genre. The film must not have been theatrically released, broadcasted on television in Germany or be available to purchase as DVD, Blu-ray or stream before the festival dates. German-festival or world premieres and films from the year 2023 will be first choice.

Short & medium-length films with a maximum runtime of 49 minutes are only eligible when there is a regional connection to the film/film team.

To fulfil the regional reference, the film must have at least one of the following characteristics:
- Filmmaker is originally from the Braunschweig region
- Filmmaker graduated from universities in the Braunschweig region
- Film was created in the region
- Film was shot in/at locations in the Braunschweig region
- Film refers to the Braunschweig region or some historical event, person or place connected to it.

The festival will decide on exceptions. There are no limitations on production country, language content or genre. German-festival or world premieres and films from the year 2024 will be first choice.

§ 2 Awards
The festival awards the following prize for short films (see also III.):

(1) Die EDDA (Audience Award) (see III., I.) - tbc -
Nominated are international short films with a maximum runtime of 15 min. There are no limitations on content or genre. The films must not have been broadcasted on television or available to stream in Germany. German-festival or world premieres and films from the year 2024 will be first choice.

The artistic department reserves the right to amend the number as well as the conditions of awards according to agreements with partners, sponsors, and patrons. The selection and participation of a film in the current festival edition does not instantly entail the nomination for any or all the awards mentioned above.

III. The Awards

A. DER HEINRICH (Audience Award within the Main Competition)

§ 1 The Award
The festival organizes the Main Competition and awards the Audience Award DER HEINRICH. A price of EUR 10,000 is awarded as result of the audience vote. The price is equally divided between the director and the German distributor or production company/world sales company on condition that the winning film at the time of the award has not been distributed in Germany and that the German distribution rights will not be sold in the foreseeable future. However, the prize money share for the production company/world distributor requires measures to promote the film on the German cinema market (market screenings, advertising measures) with the aim of finding a German distributor for the film.
The prize money for distribution is bound to distribution measures for the German market. The prize money for the director is paid less the foreigner tax (“Ausländersteuer” see § 49 EStG) applicable in Germany in case the winner lives outside of Germany.

§ 2 Participation and Nomination
Nominated are first and second feature films of European origin. The director must live and work in Europe or the film must be produced in Europe. The minimum running time is 70 minutes. There are no limitations on content or genre. However, documentaries are excluded from participation. The film must not have been theatrically released, broadcasted on television, available to purchase as DVD/Blu-ray or stream in Germany. German-festival or world premieres and films from the year 2024 will be first choice.

§ 3 Film Selection
The festival will form a selection committee, which will nominate up to 10 artistically outstanding films for the Main Competition.

§ 4 Presentation and Presence of Film Team
All films taking part in the Main Competition will be shown thrice. Further screenings out of competition are possible (screening of the winner film). The festival reserves the right to repeat the winning film. Every competition film must be introduced by at least one member of the film team (director, main cast or producer). The presence of the guests is also expected at the award ceremony. Travel and hotel costs will be assumed in the usual manner by the festival. All bookings will be effectuated by the festival.

§ 5 Determination of the winner film
The audience determines the winning film by ballots immediately after the screening in cinema. Only the first two screenings are for audience voting, the third screening runs out of competition.

§ 6 Waiver of Film Rental
Rental costs will not be paid for any selected competition film. The festival, however, assumes all expenses related to the realization of the competition, including guest invitation, guest travelling and accommodation expenses.

§ 7 Language, subtitling
Films that are not originally in German language, have to be subtitled in English at least. The festival may produce German subtitles for projection copies at the festival‘s expense. In order to produce the subtitled copy for the festival screening the festival has the permission to copy the film file and to add subtitles. The submitter grants the festival access to an unencrypted film copy (DCP). In the case of an encrypted DCP, a (D)KDM is provided free of charge. The submitter is not entitled to receive the copy. However, both parties may negotiate the hand over. If neither the submitter nor any of the distribution right‘s owners voice an interest in obtaining the copy until two weeks after the festival the copy will be destroyed.

B. VOLKSWAGEN FINANCIAL SERVICES FILM AWARD (Jury Award within the Main Competition)

§ 1 The Award
The festival organizes the Main Competition and awards the Jury Award VOLKSWAGEN FINANCIAL SERVICES FILM AWARD. The director receives a price of EUR 10,000. The prize money for the director is paid less the foreigner tax (“Ausländersteuer” see § 49 EStG) applicable in Germany in case the winner lives outside of Germany.

§ 2 Participation and Nomination
Nominated are first and second feature films of European origin. The director must live and work in Europe or the film must be produced in Europe. The minimum running time is 70 minutes. There are no limitations on content or genre. However, documentaries are excluded from participation. The film must not have been theatrically released, broadcasted on television, available to purchase as DVD/Blu-ray or stream in Germany. German-festival or world premieres and films from the year 2024 will be first choice.

§ 3 Film Selection
The festival will form a selection committee, which will nominate up to 10 films for the competition.

§ 4 Presentation and Presence of Film Team
All films taking part in the competition will be shown trice. Further screenings out of competition are possible. The festival reserves the right to repeat the winning film. Every competition film has to be introduced by at least one member of the film team (director, main cast or producer). The presence of the guests is also expected at the award ceremony. Travel and hotel costs will be assumed in the usual manner by the festival. All bookings will be effectuated by the festival.

§ 5 Determination of the winner film
The winning film will be decided by the jury. An independent jury is appointed by the festival.

§ 6 Waiver of Film Rental
Rental costs will not be paid for any selected competition film. The festival, however, assumes all expenses related to the realization of the competition, including guest invitation, guest travelling and accommodation expenses.

§ 7 Language, subtitling
Films that are not originally in German language, have to be subtitled in English at least. The festival may produce German subtitles for projection copies at the festival‘s expense. In order to produce the subtitled copy for the festival screening the festival has the permission to copy the film file and to add subtitles.
The submitter grants the festival access to an unencrypted film copy (DCP). In the case of an encrypted DCP, a (D)KDM is provided free of charge. The submitter is not entitled to receive the copy. However, both parties may negotiate the hand over. If neither the submitter nor any of the distribution right‘s owners voice an interest in obtaining the copy until two weeks after the festival the copy will be destroyed.

C. DIE TILDA (Jury Award for the best female up-and-coming director)

§ 1 The Award
The festival organizes the competition and awards the film award DIE TILDA to the best film by a female up-and-coming director. The prize money of EUR 6,000 is awarded as result of the jury decision. The prize money for the director is paid less the foreigner tax (“Ausländersteuer” see § 49 EStG) applicable in Germany in case the winner lives outside of Germany.

§ 2 Participation and Nomination
Nominated are international first, second or third feature films by female directors. The minimum runtime is 70 minutes. There are no limitations on content or genre. The film must not have been theatrically released, broadcasted on television, available to purchase as DVD/Blu-ray or stream in Germany. German-festival or world premieres and films from the year 2024 will be first choice.

§ 3 Film Selection
The festival will form a selection committee, which will nominate up to 8 female directors which are selected with their first, second or third feature film in the official festival programme.

§ 4 Determination of the winner film
The winning film will be decided by the jury. An independent jury is appointed by the festival.

§ 5 Presentation and Presence of Film Team
All films taking part in the competition for DIE TILDA will be shown at least twice. Further screenings out of competition are possible. The festival reserves the right to repeat the winning film. Every competition film has to be introduced by at least one member of the film team (director, main cast or producer). The presence of the guests is also expected at the award ceremony. Travel and hotel costs will be assumed in the usual manner by the festival. All bookings will be effectuated by the festival.

§ 6 Waiver of Film Rental
Rental costs will not be paid for any selected competition film. The festival, however, assumes all expenses related to the realization of the competition, including guest invitation and guest travelling and lodging expenses.

D. BRAUNSCHWEIGER FILMPREIS (Jury Award for the best German-speaking up-and-coming actor)

§ 1 The Award
The festival organizes the competition for the acting award BRAUNSCHWEIGER FILMPREIS. The prize money of EUR 5,000 is awarded as result of the jury decision. The prize money for the winning actor is paid less the foreigner tax (“Ausländersteuer” see § 49 EStG) applicable in Germany in case the winner lives outside of Germany.

§ 2 Participation and Nomination
Nominated are up to six German-speaking up-and-coming actors who are represented in the programme with a feature-length film. There are no limitations on content or genre.

§ 3 Film Selection
The festival will form a selection committee, which will nominate up to 6 German-speaking up-and-coming actors.

§ 4 Determination of the winner film
The winning actor will be decided by the jury. An independent jury is appointed by the festival.

§ 5 Presentation and Presence of the Nominees
All films taking part in the competition for BRAUNSCHWEIGER FILMPREIS will be shown at least twice. Further screenings out of competition are possible. The festival wishes that the nominated actors accompany at least one of the screenings. The presence of the guests is also expected at the award ceremony. Travel and hotel costs will be assumed in the usual manner by the festival. All bookings will be effectuated by the festival.

§ 6 Waiver of Film Rental
Rental costs will not be paid for any selected competition film. The festival, however, assumes all expenses related to the realization of the competition, including guest invitation and guest travelling and lodging expenses.

E. KINEMA (Jury Award, German-French Youth Award)

§ 1 The Award
The festival organizes the competition for the German-French Youth Award KINEMA. Based on a jury decision, a price of EUR 2,500 is awarded for high artistic quality to the director. The prize money for the director is paid less the foreigner tax (“Ausländersteuer” see § 49 EStG) applicable in Germany in case the winner lives outside of Germany.

The Award aims
- to enable a dialogue within the framework of a festival between young German and French people interested in films
- to promote the mutual interest in the foreign film culture
- to support up-and-coming directors and engage them in the dialogue between young German and French people
- to give effective publicity to the German-French exchange between Lower Saxony and Normandy

§ 2 Participation and Nomination
Nominated are first and second feature films, which have been produced for theatrical distribution (no TV productions) in either French or German language. The minimum runtime is 70 minutes. There are no limitations on content or genre. However, documentaries are excluded from participation. The film must not have been theatrically released, broadcasted on television, available to purchase as DVD/Blu-ray or stream in Germany. German-festival or world premieres and films from the year 2024 will be first choice.

§ 3 Film Selection
The festival appoints a selection committee which nominates six artistically outstanding films for the competition.

§ 4 Presentation and Presence of Film Team
All films taking part in the KINEMA competition will be shown at least twice. Further screenings out of competition are possible (screening of the winner film). The festival reserves the right to repeat the winning film. Every competition film has to be introduced by at least one member of the film team (director, main cast or producer). The presence of the guests is also expected at the award ceremony. Travel and hotel costs will be assumed in the usual manner by the festival. All bookings will be effectuated by the festival.

§ 5 Determination of the winner film
The festival appoints a jury consisting of young adults aged 16 to 21 from Germany and France. The jury will begin their duty with a preliminary by a film scholar or film director, who will also head the jury without a voting right. The competition‘s jury will decide on the winning film.

§ 6 Waiver of Film Rental
Rental costs will not be paid for any selected competition film. The festival, however, assumes all expenses related to the realization of the competition, including guest invitation and guest travelling and lodging expenses.

§ 7 Language, subtitling
Films that are not originally in German language, have to be subtitled in English at least. The festival may produce German subtitles for projection copies at the festival‘s expense. In order to produce the subtitled copy for the festival screening the festival has the permission to copy the film file and to add subtitles. The submitter grants the festival access to an unencrypted film copy (DCP). In the case of an encrypted DCP, a (D)KDM is provided free of charge. The submitter is not entitled to receive the copy. However, both parties may negotiate the hand over. If neither the submitter nor any of the distribution right‘s owners voice an interest in obtaining the copy until two weeks after the festival the copy will be destroyed.

F. GREEN HORIZONS AWARD (Jury Award for the
best film dealing with sustainability)

§ 1 The Award
The festival is the organizer of the competition for the GREEN HORIZONS AWARD. A price of EUR 2,500 is awarded as result of a jury decision. The prize money for the director is paid less the foreigner tax (“Ausländersteuer” see § 49 EStG) applicable in Germany in case the winner lives outside of Germany.

§ 2 Participation and Nomination
Nominated are international feature-length documentary films which deal with issues of sustainability, ecology, environment, nature conservation. The minimum runtime is 50 minutes. The film must not have been theatrically released, broadcasted on television, available to purchase as DVD/Blu-ray or stream in Germany. German-festival or world premieres and films from the year 2024 will be first choice.

§ 3 Film Selection
The festival will form a selection committee, which will nominate up to 6 films that stand for a brave, new cinema with reference to sustainability.

§ 4 Presentation and Presence of Film Team
All films taking part in the competition will be shown at least once. Further screenings out of competition are possible. The festival reserves the right to repeat the winning film. Every competition film has to be introduced by at least one member of the film team (director, main cast or producer). The presence of the guests is also expected at the award ceremony. Travel and hotel costs will be assumed in the usual manner by the festival. All bookings will be effectuated by the festival.

§ 5 Determination of the winner film
The winning film will be decided by the jury. An independent jury is appointed by the festival.

§ 6 Waiver of Film Rental
Rental costs will not be paid for any selected competition film. The festival, however, assumes all expenses related to the realization of the competition, including guest invitation and guest travelling and lodging expenses.

G. ECHT (Jury Award for the best LGBTQI* Film) - tbc -

§ 1 The Award
The festival organizes the competition and awards the film award ECHT. Based on a jury decision, it awards a prize for the best film that depicts the realities of life for lesbian, bisexual, gay, trans*, inter and queer people. The prize money of EUR 2,500 is awarded as result of the jury decision. The prize money for the director is paid less the foreigner tax (“Ausländersteuer” see § 49 EStG) applicable in Germany in case the winner lives outside of Germany.

§ 2 Participation and Nomination
Nominated are up to eight international feature films. The minimum runtime is 70 minutes. There are no limitations on content or genre. The film must not have been theatrically released, broadcasted on television, available to purchase as DVD/Blu-ray or stream in Germany. German-festival or world premieres and films from the year 2024 will be first choice.

§ 3 Film Selection
The festival will form a selection committee, which will nominate up to 8 films which are part of the official festival programme.

§ 4 Determination of the winner film
The winning film will be decided by the jury. An independent jury is appointed by the festival.

§ 5 Presentation and Presence of Film Team
All films taking part in the competition for DIE TILDA will be shown at least twice. Further screenings out of competition are possible. The festival reserves the right to repeat the winning film. Every competition film has to be introduced by at least one member of the film team (director, main cast or producer). The presence of the guests is also expected at the award ceremony. Travel and hotel costs will be assumed in the usual manner by the festival. All bookings will be effectuated by the festival.

§ 6 Waiver of Film Rental
Rental costs will not be paid for any selected competition film. The festival, however, assumes all expenses related to the realization of the competition, including guest invitation and guest travelling and lodging expenses.

H. HEIMSPIEL PREIS (Jury Award for the best regional film)

§ 1 The Award
The festival organizes the competition and awards the HEIMSPIEL PREIS. A price of EUR 5,000 is awarded as result of the jury decision. The price is awarded to the best feature film referring to the Braunschweig region. The prize money goes to the person who creates the regional connection to the film. If the regional reference cannot be assigned to a person (e.g. regional location), the prize money goes to the director. The prize money for the director is paid less the foreigner tax (“Ausländersteuer” see § 49 EStG) applicable in Germany in case the winner lives outside of Germany.

§ 2 Participation and Nomination
Nominated are feature films with a minimum runtime of 50 minutes as well as a regional reference. To fulfil the regional reference, the film must have at least one of the following characteristics:

- Filmmaker is originally from the Braunschweig region
- Filmmaker graduated from universities in the Braunschweig region
- Film was created in the region
- Film was shot in/at locations in the Braunschweig region
- Film refers to the Braunschweig region or some historical event, person or place connected to it.

There are no limitations on content or genre. The film must not have been theatrically released, broadcasted on television, available to purchase as DVD/Blu-ray or stream in Germany. German-festival or world premieres and films from the year 2024 will be first choice.

§ 3 Film Selection
Films which can proof a regional reference are not necessarily nominated for the award HEIMSPIEL PREIS. The festival will form a selection committee, which will nominate up to 8 films for the competition depending on the quality of submissions.

§ 4 Presentation and Presence of Film Team
All films taking part in the competition will be shown at least once. Further screenings out of competition are possible (screening of the winner film). The festival reserves the right to repeat the winning film. Every competition film has to be introduced by at least one member of the film team (director, main cast or producer). The presence of the guests is also expected at the award ceremony. Hotel and travel costs will be covered by the Filmfest only by arrangement and within the usual limits.

§ 5 Determination of the winner film
The winning film will be decided by the jury. An independent jury is appointed by the festival.

§ 6 Waiver of Film Rental
Rental costs will not be paid for any selected competition film. The festival, however, assumes all expenses related to the realization of the competition, including guest invitation and guest travelling and lodging expenses.

I. DIE EDDA (Audience Award for the best short film) - tbc -

§ 1 The Award
The festival organizes the Short Film Competition and awards the Audience Award DIE EDDA. A price of EUR 2,000 is awarded as result of the audience vote. The prize money for the director is paid less the foreigner tax (“Ausländersteuer” see § 49 EStG) applicable in Germany in case the winner lives outside of Germany.

§ 2 Participation and Nomination
Nominated are up to eight international short films. The maximum runtime is 15 minutes. There are no limitations on content or genre. The film must not have been broadcasted on television or available to stream in Germany. German-festival or world premieres and films from the year 2024 will be first choice.

§ 3 Film Selection
The festival will form a selection committee, which will nominate up to 8 international short films for the competition. The nominated films will be screened one evening after the other in the competition programme DIE EDDA.

§ 4 Determination of the winner film
The audience determines the winning film by ballots immediately after the screening in cinema.

§ 5 Presentation and Presence of Film Team
All films taking part in the Short Film Competition will be shown once. Further screenings out of competition are possible (screening of the winner film). Every competition film must be introduced by at least one member of the film team (director, main cast or producer). The presence of the guests is also expected at the award ceremony. Travel and hotel costs will be assumed in the usual manner by the festival. All bookings will be effectuated by the festival.

§ 6 Waiver of Film Rental
Rental costs will not be paid for any selected competition film. The festival, however, assumes all expenses related to the realization of the competition, including guest invitation, guest travelling and accommodation expenses.