Rules
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To be eligible, please read all the rules and guidelines carefully before submitting.
- Films submitted MUST be written or directed by a filmmaker who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Films are shortlisted by a Jury
- FIlmmakers from shortlisted films are notified, and available screening slots are filled on a first-come-first-served basis, based on the delivery of required materials
- Multiple submissions are allowed
- We only accept submission entries digitally through www.filmfreeway.com
- All submitted films in a language other than English must have English subtitles
- We strongly encourage submissions by Ottawa-based filmmakers as well as submissions by Canadian filmmakers of French language films (with English subtitles)
- Films which have received television or theatrical exposure are eligible
- Entrants are responsible for securing all rights and permissions from copyright and other holders relating to their film and agree to all terms as detailed herein
- The festival reserves the right not to select any submission that we feel is inappropriate for any reason
- All submissions will be notified of the results of the festival's decision by August 20, 2026.
Jury Process
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- All film submissions will be assessed based on the criteria rules and guidelines as described in the call for submissions.
- Filmmakers will be notified if their films are on the shortlist by June 15, 2026
- If the jury short-lists your film, you will be asked to confirm that your film is available for screening at the festival and required to submit an exhibition copy of the film, and promotional materials to the festival electronically
- Filmmakers are required to respond by June 30, 2026
The following information related to short-listed films MUST be included with your response:
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- Film title and year of production,
- logline (brief one-sentence summary)
- Name of the director (preferred pronouns) and contact information (email address)
- Tagline for the film (up to 100 characters)
- A brief synopsis of the film (up to 250 characters)
- A brief biography of the filmmaker (up to 250 characters)
- Film poster (jpg or png)
- Director headshot (jpg or png).
- Film trailer (if available) or a short segment from the film for publicity
- Behind the scenes, production photos (optional)
- Social Media handles for the film/director (FB, IG, X, YT)
Official Selections
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- Available screening slots will be filled based on filmmaker responses on a first-come, first-served basis when all required material is received
- A submission may not be withdrawn from the Festival once you have confirmed its availability and transmitted the film to the festival
- The decision of the selection committee and festival is final
- Final Official Selections for the 2026 festival will be published on September 1, 2026.
Visit our website for Frequently Asked Questions: https://ocanfilmfest.ca/faq.html
Technical Details
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- We require an electronic exhibition copy of the film. DCPs are preferred, DNxHD, h.264 or ProRes codecs in mov or mp4 containers are acceptable. If submitting a DCP, we require a backup mp4/mov, in case of technical issues using the DCP at the cinema.
- Resolutions: 2K or 1920x1080. Audio: mono, stereo or 5.1
- Filmmakers must deliver a final format as indicated for festival screening. There are no exceptions.
Terms and Conditions (deemed accepted upon submission of materials detailed above)
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I, as the submitter of this entry and the undersigned, acknowledge and agree that:
1. I have read, understand and fully comply with all submission eligibility Rules, Guidelines, Terms and Conditions requirements;
2. To the best of my knowledge, all of the statements in my submission document are true;
3. This film or video is not subject to any litigation nor is threatened by any litigation;
4. I am duly authorized to submit this film to the festival;
5. I hold the Ottawa Canadian Film Festival and its parent organization, the Ottawa Independent Film Festival, as well as its owners, management, juries, subsidiaries, agents, sponsors, affiliates, etc., harmless from any and all claims of liability resulting from my entry;
6. I certify that I am the copyright holder of the film and have all necessary rights and clearances to have the film publicly screened by the festival;
7. I certify that I have full rights to the use of the music in the entered work;
8 . I give permission to the Ottawa Canadian Film Festival to screen the film at the festival
9. I also give permission to the festival to use stills, titles, copy, and/or information from the film for promotional purposes and the right to adapt/modify the film's trailer or to use a very brief portion of the film (if the trailer is not available) for promotion of the festival's events and screenings.
