Philmmaker [ˈfilmˌmākər]
noun
1. a producer or director of motion pictures exclusively using a smartphone or mobile device in all phases of production.

2. a person who makes film using smartphones, especially for submission to the SmartPhilm Festival.

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The SmartPhilm Festival is a unique film festival with shorts shot exclusively with smartphones and other mobile devices. With the rise of smartphones and the proliferation of apps, the ways creatives represent the world around us in digital media is rapidly changing.

SmartPhilm is leveling the playing field for all aspiring and professional filmmakers. Creative minds no longer need expensive cameras and equipment to bring their stories to life. All one needs is a smartphone that shoots video, write a script, make a movie, see it on the big screen.

Our goal is to provide a platform to the global artistic and film-loving community to document and produce their own stories in the most accessible way. The festival is open to aspiring and professional filmmakers of all ages.

All submissions must be shot on a mobile device(s) in order to be eligible for consideration. Films are submitted by category but have no thematic restrictions.

High-resolution files of the SmartPhilm Festival logo for use in the marketing and packaging of awarded films will be available upon request.

The winners will receive award trophies and will be given in the following categories:

Grand Jury "Hall of SmartPhame" Prize
SmartPhilm "People's Choice Award" Prize

Smart Screenplay Award
Smart Cinematography Award

Smart Documentary Award
Smart Comedy Award
Smart Horror Award
Smart Drama/Mystery Award
Smart Cause Award
Smart SciFi Award
Smart Emerging Talent Award

Submissions are open June 1, 2023, 12:01 AM (EST) and have now been extended to December 20, 2023 (Late submissions), 11:59 PM (EST). All submissions must be made through FilmFreeway.com.

We've extended the deadline for the 2024 SmartPhilm Fest to align with the festival's move to next year. Note to filmmakers who have already submitted: Your submissions are still counted and will be reviewed for selection. Our 2024 SmartPhilm Fest will tentatively take place on March 9 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Please review all festival rules before submitting:

MOBILE DEVICE: All footage/video/images must be shot on a smartphone, mobile phone or other mobile devices. Production equipment including lights, cranes, dollies, etc. are allowed. The use of multiple mobile devices is permitted. Mobile filmmaking is a growing industry and customized equipment is readily available online and in many stores.

ENTRIES: Limit submissions to no more than four (4) films per person and/or collaborative team.

LENGTH: The total run-time should be a minimum of 1 minute and NOT to exceed 10 minutes in length, including credits.

QUALITY: Films must be shot/captured, edited and submitted in HD quality with suitable audio.

EDITING: Filmmakers may edit projects on a computer or workstation. If editing the film on a mobile device, the use of “auto-editing” applications is not permitted.
 Post-production audio looping is permitted.

ORIGINALITY: Only original video, music, images, photos and/or graphics may be submitted. Copyright infringement (even if accidental) will result in disqualification.

SUBTITLES: Films with audio recorded in a language other than English are asked to provide English subtitles for the convenience of Jury members. International entries are highly encouraged!

FEES: There is no fee for early submissions. However, there will be a fee for regular (US$10) and late (US$20) submissions

PERMISSIONS: By submitting a film and entering a film, individuals and collaborative groups are granted the right to post and screen the film on the SmartPhilm Website, YouTube, Vimeo, Roku, FireTV or any other video or social media platforms. Contestants also attest to the fact that all of the content included in the submitted film project is original material — the rights to which remain with the filmmaker. SmartPhilm™ nominated films will be uploaded to YouTube or other video platforms after the judging process is completed.

NOTIFICATION: If you do not hear from us by **January 10, 2024**, unfortunately, your film was not selected for this event. However, we encourage you to submit your film to our next event. We are always looking for new and exciting films to showcase.

Thank you again for your participation. We look forward to seeing your films!

NOTE: Films will not be admitted if they promote violence or discrimination of any kind.
If a film's plot or premise is to degrade or attack any social group, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, nationality or religion, it will not be considered.

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Filmmaker/Guardian/Representative Release:

I acknowledge and agree that to the best of my knowledge, I am duly authorized to submit this film to SMARTPHILM and to grant permissions related to its use and distribution.

I grant permission to SMARTPHILM to use film clips/stills for promotional use. I allow SMARTPHILM and any third parties at SMARTPHILM the right to film, videotape and photograph my appearance and voice for any and all marketing and promotion of the festival.

I understand I will be added to the SMARTPHILM email newsletter lists and receive email updates from SMARTPHILM. If this film is accepted into SMARTPHILM 2024, I grant SMARTPHILM the non-exclusive right to right to show, distribute and market my film in its entirety as SMARTPHILM sees fit, including but not limited to packaging and inclusion in sponsorship deals and other business-related activities related to SMARTPHILM. This also includes but is not limited to presenting films as part of the SMARTPHILM online festival component, Best of SMARTPHILM at other film festivals and other screenings, showcases, or distribution with 3rd party partners. Exceptions and requests to opt-out will be granted only by written request and must be made prior to acceptance into the festival or when the film obtains other distribution that would prohibit any aspect of this.

SMARTPHILM may actively pursue other distribution opportunities for the film. I acknowledge that I may be asked to complete and sign additional distribution agreements. It is always my choice to accept or reject these offers. SMARTPHILM does not take any copyright or ownership of my film.

Submitting a film to SMARTPHILM constitutes an agreement by and between the filmmaker/representative, and/or applicable Parent/Guardian of a minor Filmmaker, and SMARTPHILM. By submitting, I agree to all of these rules, terms, and conditions. I acknowledge that no submission fee refunds are given once this application has been submitted. I also acknowledge that I will not receive any compensation for the use of my film by SMARTPHILM in accordance with the rules, terms, and conditions.

I understand and acknowledge that, if I am under 18 years of age, my parent or guardian must agree to the terms of this Filmmaker/Guardian/Representative Release on my behalf. As a Parent or Guardian of a minor filmmaker if applicable, I understand and acknowledge that I am agreeing to the terms of this Filmmaker/Guardian/Representative Release on behalf of my child or a child for whom I am a legally designated Guardian.
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ADDITIONAL DISCLAIMER: Organizers of SmartPhilm Fest shall use their best efforts to ensure correct titles and credits are listed on festival materials but shall not be held liable for inadvertent errors and omissions. SmartPhilm reserves the right to adjust dates and times of film screenings/festivals and shall not be responsible for delays or cancellations due to equipment failure, inclement weather, the condition of the prints delivered, or for any reason outside the control of SmartPhilm.

SmartPhilm reserves the right to decide all questions not specifically provided for herein.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Great festival for smartphone filmmakers and I am thriller and honored to have my first short film selected. Highly recommend this festival.

    March 2024
  • Jimena Larraguivel

    Incredibly honoured to have been selected. Great to have been able to see everyone’s incredible work. Thank you! Until next time. Jimena

    March 2024
  • Marcelo Lagreze

    It was an honor to have been selected and screened with my two documentaries short films.
    Best for all the team.

    March 2024
  • Was great that my film was selected and screened. Can't wait for next time.

    October 2022
  • I'm very honored to have had two pieces shown at the festival this year...but who won? I love and support mobile film festivals and Smartphilm looks like it had a great lineup of films and presentations. I cannot speak to hospitality or networking as I did not attend, so please take those ratings as N/A. I look forward to entering again and do recommend it to mobile filmmakers.

    October 2022