The Nickel invites submissions from any genre and anywhere in the world, but we have a very strong preference for films with connections to the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, the broader Atlantic Canada region, or films that relate to Inuit, Innu, or Mi'kmaq culture.
The majority of our programming consists of short films under 15 minutes which can be described as either unique, honest, funny, inspiring, or some combination of those. We gravitate toward films that experiment with form and technique, films that delve into pressing universal social issues, explore raw human experiences, and films that help celebrate human connection, diversity, and the joy of being alive.
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TERMS & CONDITIONS FOR FILM SUBMISSION
I. APPLICATION OF TERMS & CONDITIONS
The following terms ("Terms") govern film submission ("Film") to The Nickel Independent Film Festival (NIFF) via FilmFreeway, for consideration for the festival ("Festival"). If there are inconsistencies between this document and any other by NIFF or another party, this document prevails. Direct questions about these Terms to the Executive Director at info@nickelfestival.com.
II. SUBMISSION AGREEMENT
By submitting a Film for Festival consideration, the submitter ("Applicant") confirms they have obtained consent from all relevant Film Owners and have understood and agreed to these Terms.
NIFF reserves the right to disqualify or reject submissions that do not comply with these Terms, without refunding submission fees.
III. SUBMISSION ELIGIBILITY
Films submitted for consideration must be within the categories provided in FilmFreeway.
Ineligible films will not be accepted or considered by NIFF.
For categorization, "Canadian" films are those directed by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, with at least one production country being Canada. All other films are considered "International."
Films must have a completion date of June 1, 2023, or later.
Films previously submitted to NIFF will not be considered.
Accepted films must be submitted in high-quality digital format by the final submission deadline.
Films must not be made available for online streaming, free or paid, until after the festival (June 16 - 22, 2025). Exceptions can be made at the programming committee's discretion.
IV. SUBMISSION PROCESS
Films must be submitted following the procedure outlined here; otherwise, they may be disqualified.
To submit a film, Applicants must: (a) complete registration on Festival Freeway and pay the required fee per V.2, and (b) provide NIFF a digital screener. Submissions in other forms (e.g., RW discs, Blu-ray discs, trailers) are not accepted.
NIFF will review only one version of a Film, the first received.
If a non-final cut is submitted, NIFF will review based on what they receive. Incomplete films at the final submission date will be disqualified.
V. SELECTION
Selections are at NIFF's sole discretion and are final. NIFF is not obliged to provide feedback or reasoning for its decisions, and cannot be held liable for its selection process.
NIFF will notify all Applicants of their selection status via the FilmFreeway notification date. Failure to provide accurate contact information is the Applicant's responsibility.
VII. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, LEGAL CLAIMS AND INDEMNITIES
By submitting, the Applicant and Film Owners warrant that the film is original, doesn't infringe on any rights, is not subject to litigation, and there are no impairing agreements. They also confirm that they can legally submit the film and grant all the rights required.
The Applicant agrees to indemnify NIFF from any legal claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses resulting from the film submission and potential breaches of these Terms.
NIFF takes anti-piracy precautions. However, in the event of theft, unauthorized access or copying, or copyright breach while in NIFF’s possession, the Applicant and Film Owners release NIFF from liability.
VIII. Other
NIFF reserves the right to make decisions on situations not outlined in these Terms.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The party submitting the film confirms their authorization to commit the film for screening and understands and accepts these regulations.
The submitter agrees to indemnify The Nickel Independent Film Festival against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses resulting from any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, or loss of or damage to screening videos.
The Nickel pays screening fees in $CAD as determined by the 2025 IMAA schedule.
