Theme of the year : Journey of LGBT
1. We accept entries in the form of DVD’s or uploaded FTP or online video-sharing link but must be downloadable. If you originally submit an online video-sharing link and your film is selected for the festival, you will be required to submit other formats of your film for press, distributor, and programmer use during the festival in addition to your exhibition copy. Please note that the DVD copies you submit for entry will not be returned.
2. Running time: Short Films are any films 1 to 44 minutes in length. Feature films will be considered those that are 45+ minutes.
3. All films submitted can be in any dialogue language but containing onscreen English subtitles. The festival reserves the right to disqualify any film that does not meet this requirement.
4. More than one entry may be submitted. Each must be submitted with its own entry form.
5. Any movies Submitted to Queer and Allies Art Festival (QAAF) must be resubmitted with a new entry form.
6. It is the sole responsibility of the Applicant to obtain all necessary copyrights. By submitting the film, you maintain you have obtained all necessary rights for exhibition.
7. Notification of Official Selections will be approximately 4 to 2 weeks before screening date.
8. If submission is selected into the festival, for exhibition purposes, A DVD or a downloadable version of the film via FTP or file sharing websites must be provided so that we don’t have any issues in the festival and must be received no later than 2 weeks before screening date. Instructions will accompany official notification. Note that we guarantee that we don’t share the movies with others and please refer to Point 8 for more details
9. SCHEDULING: Films are scheduled at the discretion of Out & Loud – PIQFF. Out & Loud – PIQFF retains the right to make changes to the published schedule at any time and for any reason. Films may be screened more than once. Short films may be screened at subsequent screenings for up 12 months in other events like QAAF. Every effort will be made to contact the filmmaker before a screening that occurs outside of the Out & Loud – PIQFF festival dates.
10. RELEASE: Out & Loud – PIQFF is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at the Festival for promotional purposes. 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 undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless Out & Loud – PIQFF 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.
FAQ’s
Q: Notification of Official Selections will be approximately 4 to 2 weeks before screening date.
A: If submission is selected into the festival, for exhibition purposes, A DVD or a downloadable version of the film must be provided so that we don’t have any issues in the festival and must be received no later than 2 weeks before screening date. Instructions will accompany official notification.
Q: When will filmmakers be notified of the final decisions for the Out & Loud Pune International Queer Film Festival?
A: Final notifications are scheduled to take place no later than March 15. Some filmmakers may receive notification sooner than this, but if you haven’t heard, you’re still in the running.
Q: How will we be notified*?
A: Accepted films will receive an invitation letter by email. Films not accepted will also be notified by email by the notification deadline.
Q: When must submitted films arrive?
A: The deadline dates are not postmark deadlines, they are the dates by which your film must be received in our office. We understand there are delays that cannot be foreseen. If your film will not arrive by the deadline due to a last minute issue, you can contact us so we can evaluate options. Best option is for you to upload the movie to our FTP location or share a downloadable version
Q: How do I know you received my film?
A: We will email you back that we have received the film in good condition
Questions about Content, Types of Films in Consideration
Q: What genres do you accept?
A: EVERYTHING! Yes, that includes experimental, puppetry, horror and sci-fic but must be related to LGBTQ Community.
Q: If I submit to one category, will I be considered for others I may be eligible for?
A: No. You are only considered for the category you submit your film to.
Q: Do you have any ratings limitations? Must films be PG or PG-13? Do you program films with strong content and language?
A: We have no ratings limitations on films submitted. We program films with a variety content, from family friendly to work that would be more appropriate for mature audiences and would likely be rated R or higher. Our mission is to program great films and a strong lineup first and foremost however the entry to festival would be would be 18 years and above.
Questions about the Screening and Judging Process
Q: I worked on or acted in a film, but didn’t produce or direct it, can I submit? I was the director, but not the producer, or vice versa, can I submit on my own?
If it’s not your film, it’s advisable to submit only after you’ve received permission from the filmmakers. For directors and producers, we strongly advise that everyone is in a agreement about the festivals they are submitting to, which festivals they want to play first or want to premiere at, and which version of the film is being submitted. When disputes arise, i.e. a film has been submitted without everyone’s explicit approval or the festival strategy has changed, we suggest that productions find a solution and come to an agreement with all the key decision makers before contacting us or any festivals the film has been submitted to.
Q: Who are your screeners?
A: We use 5 to 8 screeners from the Pune community to watch films each year. Some are academics, some are filmmakers, some screen for other festivals.
Q: How are films scored?
A: Each film is watched by multiple screeners and evaluated across several different criteria. Screeners are asked a series of questions about each film, working to determine whether or not the film is a good fit for the festival.
Q: Are films selected solely on screener feedback?
A: No. When it comes to final selections, films are selected based on the overall filmmaking, variety and what will make the strongest and most interesting lineup. When it comes to selecting films, it’s a film’s content and quality that matter, not it’s score. Screener feedback is important to the process, but not ultimate qualifier.
Q: Are films only selected from the group that received high marks from screeners?
A: No. Programmers will go through notes from each film, regardless of how high or low it scored. Films that did not make the final round but thematically complete a program or pair well with a feature may be reevaluated and selected. We never consider a film officially not selected until we have announced our lineup. Film selection is about making curatorial choices that make the strongest group of films and we strive to revisit as many films as possible to make sure we create the strongest lineup.
Q: Can I see my feedback?
A: Due to the number of submissions received and technical limitations, it’s not possible for us to share scores at this time. It is something we continue to explore every year and hope to one day make available to all filmmakers.
Q: Can I find out how my film is doing once I’ve submitted?
A: We ask that you do not email or call us to find out updates. We’re a year round arts organization, so we’re also running workshops, screenings and planning events, as well as overseeing the hundreds plus submissions we receive for the festival. We’re also working on multiple aspects of the festival (Seminars, Parties, Logistics, etc.) while submissions are in process. It’s not that we don’t want to give updates, it’s just nearly impossible to answer those questions in a timely manner however you will be notified if your application gets selected
Q: Who makes final selections?
A: Final selections are made by the Select Jury members.
For any queries regarding the festival, submission, or any other matter please contact us at: outnloudqueerfilmfest@gmail.com
