Submission Guidelines & Community Agreements
The Homegrown Short Film Showcase exists to support emerging, independent and community-rooted storytellers across Alberta. These guidelines are intended to help create an artist-centred screening environment for our community
If you have questions, accessibility needs or barriers related to submission requirements, we encourage you to reach out to
Community@wearehomegrown.ca
1. Submission Deadline
Films must be submitted by the posted submission deadline unless otherwise discussed with the Homegrown team.
2. Film Length
The showcase accepts short-form work with a maximum runtime of 20 minutes, including credits. If your project falls slightly outside this runtime and you feel it strongly aligns with the spirit of the showcase, we welcome you to contact us.
3. Genre
We welcome films of various genres, including but not limited to drama, comedy, documentary, animation, and experimental.
4. Premiere Status
Premiere status is not required.
Films may have screened previously, existed online or been shared in community settings prior to submission.
5. Multiple Submissions
Filmmakers may submit multiple projects. Each film requires its own submission form.
If multiple films are selected, programming placement will be determined collaboratively by the showcase team.
6. Language
Films containing dialogue in languages other than English should include English subtitles whenever possible.
We recognize that accessibility resources are not equally available to all creators. If subtitling presents a barrier, we encourage filmmakers to reach out and discuss possible accommodations.
We strongly encourage captioning and accessible presentation practices wherever possible.
7. Rights and Permissions
Filmmakers are responsible for ensuring they have permission to use copyrighted or collaboratively created material included in their work.
We encourage ethical and respectful storytelling practices, especially when engaging with community stories, lived experiences or culturally sensitive material.
8. Copyright
Filmmakers retain full rights to their work. By submitting, you grant the showcase permission to screen your film. You also grant the showcase permission to use images, promotional material, or portions of the film to market and promote the event before screening.
9. Originality
Submissions must be the original work of the filmmaker or have proper permissions if using third-party content.
10. Format
Selected films should be delivered in a high-quality digital format suitable for exhibition.
Preferred formats include:
1920x1080 or higher
H.264 or Apple ProRes formats
We understand technical access varies widely. If delivery specifications create a barrier, please contact us so we can work together toward a solution.
11. Selection Process
Our programming team will review all submissions, and selected films will be part of our showcase. We value the time and effort it takes to submit for our festival and we will reach out to everyone who submits, whether you have been selected or not.
12. Withdrawal
If a filmmaker wishes to withdraw their submission, they must notify us in writing within 30 days of receiving their letter of selection.
13. Disqualification
We reserve the right to disqualify any submission that violates copyright or other legal regulations, pornographic or sexually explicit films, or any films that promote hate speech, or derogatory or overtly controversial topics for the sake of perpetuating any harmful causes.
14. Technical Issues
While every effort will be made to present films as intended, Homegrown cannot guarantee against technical difficulties outside of our control.
If issues arise, we will make every reasonable effort to resolve them collaboratively and respectfully.
15. Evolving Practices
As Homegrown grows, our practices and policies will continue to evolve through community feedback, lived experience and ongoing learning.
Submission guidelines may be updated over time to better reflect the needs of participating artists and communities.
