Qinling Mountains Film Festival Submission Guidelines
1. Themes
We invite submissions that explore mountain-related subjects, including but not limited to:
Mountaineering and expeditions
Climbing and trekking
Music
Adventure sports
Nature and biodiversity
Ethnography and cultural studies
Environmental conservation
2. Eligibility
Participants: Open to individuals and teams of any nationality aged 15 and above.
Submissions will be evaluated in two age categories:
Student Visionaries
This category is exclusively for short films crafted by student filmmakers. Submissions must be accompanied by valid proof of current enrollment in an educational institution.
Independent Storytellers
Open to all filmmakers who are not currently enrolled as students, this category seeks short films that align with the festival's thematic focus.
Works must have been completed within one year prior to submission.
Each participant or team may submit up to two works per category.
Works in languages other than Mandarin or English must include Mandarin or English subtitles.
Content Restrictions: Advertising materials will not be accepted.
3. Categories
Short Films: Narrative or documentary films with a maximum running time of 30 minutes, including credits.
Music: Original compositions or performances that reflect the festival's themes.
Photography: A series of up to 10 photographs capturing the essence of mountain culture, nature, or adventure.
4. Awards
While there are no cash prizes, selected works will be recognized in the following categories:
Best Short Film: Awarded to the most outstanding short film.
Best Director: Recognizing exceptional directing in short films.
Cinema Chicago
Best Cinematography: Honoring excellence in cinematography in short films.
Best Music Composition: For outstanding original music that embodies the festival's themes.
Best Photography Series: Recognizing a compelling collection of photographs.
Audience Choice Award: Voted by festival attendees across all categories.
Best Youth Work: Recognizing outstanding work by student participants.
Best Environmental Message: For works that best highlight environmental conservation themes.
The jury may also grant special mentions at their discretion. The festival reserves the right to withhold awards in any category if no suitable entries are received.
5. Submission Process
Deadline: Regular submissions must be received by May 31, 2025. A late submission period extends until June 14, 2025.
There are no submission fees.
Online Platforms: Submissions are accepted via FilmFreeway.
Email Submission: Alternatively, participants can submit by emailing artfestival@aoshanresorts.com with the following:
For Short Films:
A link to the film hosted on YouTube or Vimeo. Ensure that the link is accessible and, if password-protected, include the password.
A short synopsis of the film.
An author biofilmography detailing the filmmaker's background and previous works.
For Music:
An audio file or link to the composition/performance.
A brief description of the piece and how it relates to the festival's themes.
An artist biography.
For Photography:
High-resolution digital copies of up to 10 photographs.
A brief description of the series and its connection to the festival's themes.
A photographer's biography.
6. Selection and Notification
A jury comprising industry professionals and cultural experts will review all submissions. Selected works will be included in the official festival program and showcased during the Qinling Mountains Film Festival. Participants will be notified of their selection status by June 21, 2025. The jury's decisions are final.
7. Presentation
Selected works will be showcased at the Ao Mountain Ski Resort during the festival dates. Presentations will be conducted in a live format, with potential online exhibitions through platforms chosen by the festival organizers. No fees will be paid to participants for showcasing their works.
8. Rights and Permissions
By submitting a work, participants affirm that they hold all necessary rights to the content, including music, images, and any other copyrighted material. Participants grant the Qinling Mountains Film Festival permission to showcase their works during the event and to use excerpts, stills, and related materials for promotional purposes. The festival is not responsible for any claims arising from unauthorized use of protected content.
9. General Conditions
Participation in the Qinling Mountains Film Festival implies acceptance of these guidelines. The festival reserves the right to make decisions on matters not specified herein. Any disputes will be resolved under the jurisdiction of the courts in Shaanxi Province, China.
For further inquiries, please contact artfestival@aoshanresorts.com.
