One People International Film Festival (OPIFF) champions content creators from around the world regardless of their language, origin, orientation, race, or religion. Founded in 2020, OPIFF will open its doors for the first time in April 2021, in the heart of South Africa’s most breathtaking city, Cape Town. The festival aims to create an intimate and collaborative space for filmmakers, holding a range of events from master classes by renowned cinema professionals, an array of international film and cutting-edge documentary programs, co-production networking opportunities, and elegant Red-Carpet Premieres.

With an emphasis on showcasing films that celebrate diversity and inclusion, OPIFF’s exquisite programme of narrative, documentary, and animated films will contribute in uniting communities from across the globe.

In addition, Festival recognizes First, Native, and Indigenous Peoples of the world and is committed in supporting and championing filmmakers from these marginalized communities. Festival aims to provide a platform that showcases an inclusive ONE world on its big screens.

OPIFF is currently planning a hybrid in-person and online event, in accordance with all active health and safety recommendations from local and regional government officials. Exact dates, venue locations, and in-person events are all tentative and subject to change based on the current status of providing a safe environment for film festival attendees.

Awards & Prizes

AWARDS
One People International Film Festival recognizes filmmaking achievement through presentation of juried and balloted awards.

AWARDS FOR FEATURE FILMS may include:
• GOLDEN TABLE AWARD - BEST FILM (Narrative and Documentary Feature)
• GOLDEN TABLE AWARD - BEST DIRECTOR (Narrative and Documentary Feature)
• GOLDEN TABLE AWARD - BEST SCREENPLAY (Narrative and Documentary Feature)
• GOLDEN TABLE AWARD - BEST ACTOR/ACTRESS (Narrative and Documentary Feature)
• GOLDEN TABLE AWARD - FESTIVAL AUDIENCE AWARD (Narrative and Documentary Feature)
• SILVER TABLE AWARD - EMERGING FILMMAKER AWARD (Narrative and Documentary Feature)

Rules & Terms

ELIGIBILITY REGULATIONS

• Filmmaker must be 18 years of age or older.
• There is no limit to the number of works a filmmaker may submit. The same work may not be submitted multiple times under different names. If so, such work will be disqualified.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered and accepted, and will need to be re-submitted.
• South African filmmakers are highly encouraged to submit and are eligible for Free entry fee.
• Please submit your film ONCE to the category most suitable for your film. If our programmers think your film may be suitable for another OPIFF program category, it will be recommended for further consideration.
• If your film is submitted to the wrong category, you are responsible for any changes in submission fees. If the new category has a higher fee, you are responsible for paying the difference or risk ineligibility.
• Rough cuts or works-in-progress are accepted and reviewed. However, filmmakers are encouraged to submit as close to the final cut as possible. The Festival will not accept new versions of an entry unless requested by the programming staff.
• All filmmakers must precise their right to submit their work to the festival.
• All entrants will be notified of the Festival’s decision by April 5, 2021.

ENTRY DEADLINE & FEES

• Signed entry form, screener, and entry fee must be filed via FilmFreeway.com; to be RECEIVED by one of these dates:

• FEATURES:
- EARLY BIRD - Friday, January 28, 2021 at 11:59pm SAST | $40 USD entry fee
- REGULAR - Saturday, February 28, 2021 at 11:59pm SAST| $50 USD entry fee
- FINAL DEADLINE - Thursday, March 18, 2021 at 11:59pm SAST | $75 USD entry fee
*South African Filmmakers submit for FREE [requires photo ID with address]

• SHORTS:
- EARLY BIRD - Friday, January 28, 2021 at 11:59pm SAST | $40 USD entry fee
- REGULAR - Saturday, February 28, 2021 at 11:59pm SAST| $50 USD entry fee
- FINAL DEADLINE - Thursday, March 18, 2021 at 11:59pm SAST | $75 USD entry fee
*South African Filmmakers submit for FREE [requires photo ID with address]

• Entry fees will not be waived or reduced beyond those indicated. Entry fees are not refundable. We advise all filmmakers to submit by the early deadline of January 31 before fees increase.

FILM COMPLETION DATE

• All submitted works should have been completed on or after January 1, 2019

SUBMISSION CATEGORIES

• Feature Film (Narrative, Documentary)
- Works eligible for this category MUST have a running time of at least 45 minutes and is expected to be presented at the Festival as a Digital Cinema Package (DCP) or as otherwise required.

• Short Film (Narrative, Documentary)
- Works eligible for this category MUST have a running time not to exceed 40 minutes and is expected to be presented at the Festival as a Digital Cinema Package (DCP) or as otherwise required.
SUBTITLES
• Invited entries in language(s) other than English must be subtitled in English

PREVIEW FORMATS
• All films must be submitted as a secure online screener (i.e. Vimeo)
• Once a submission link has been received, we cannot guarantee that subsequent updates will be viewed.

ADDITIONAL SUBMISSION MATERIALS
• All filmmakers must provide accurate and complete following specifications:
o Filmmaker name, email, mailing address (city, state, zip code)
o Production credits
o Synopsis
o Director’s statement *optional
o Director’s biography
o Film language
o Run time
o Completion date
• If your film is selected for exhibition, you are responsible for delivering their exhibition copy and other materials, such as: trailer, screener link, press stills, and press-kit, by deadline. The Festival will use your materials for print and online promotion. We may also request various other items (posters, etc.) to maximize exposure for your film.


EXHIBITION FORMATS
• FEATURE LENGTH - Digital; D-Cinema (DCP) with required Blu-Ray disc (NTSC)
• SHORTS - Digital; D-Cinema (DCP) with required .MOV file conforming to Apple ProRes 422 HQ (1920 x 1080 24p 48kHz)

SHIPPING
• Digital media of invited entries must be sent to the Festival pre-paid at a date to be determined prior to the Festival. Return or forward shipping will be covered by the Festival.