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Rules

1. Eligibility

  • Filmmaker Age:  There is no restriction in age.

  • Film Duration: Submitted films must be no longer than 15 minutes in duration.

  • Completion Date: Films submitted must have been completed after January 1, 2020.
     

2. Submission Process

  • Deadline: Submissions must be received by the specified deadline. Late submissions will not be considered.

  • Submission Format: Films should be submitted digitally through our official submission platform in a high-quality format (e.g., H.264, .mov, .mp4).

  • Entry Fee: A non-refundable entry fee is required for each film submission. Details about the entry fee can be found on our website.

  • Language: Non-English language films must include English subtitles.
     

3. Content Guidelines

  • Originality: Submissions must be the original work of the filmmaker, and all necessary rights, licenses, and permissions must be obtained for music, images, and other copyrighted content.

  • Genres: We welcome films from all genres, including but not limited to, drama, comedy, documentary, animation, and experimental.

  • Content Restrictions: Films that contain hate speech, discrimination, or explicit content that violates our community guidelines will not be accepted.
     

4. Multiple Submissions 

   Number of Submissions: Filmmakers are allowed to submit multiple films, but each film must be accompanied by a separate entry fee.

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5. Notification and Exhibition

  • Notification: Filmmakers will be notified of their submission status via email. Please make sure the contact information provided is accurate.

  • Exhibition Rights: By submitting your film, you grant Simply Shorts the right to screen your film at the festival and in associated promotional materials.

  • Only winners in the main competition categories are guaranteed a screening at the Simply Shorts Festival: Best Live Action Short,  Best Short Documentary,  Best Animation. Films  awarded in other supported categories may be considered for screening only if a screening slot becomes available. Such availability may occur if a winning film from a main category fails to deliver a proper DCP or approved digital screening file within the required deadline. The festival reserves the right to determine the final screening schedule based on technical readiness and available screening capacity.

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6. Judging and Awards

  • Judging Process: All films will be reviewed by a panel of judges, and selections will be based on creativity, storytelling, and technical execution.

  • Awards: Selected films will be eligible for awards in various categories, which will be announced during the festival.

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7. Promotion

  • Promotional Materials: Filmmakers are encouraged to promote their films and the festival on social media and other platforms.

  • Press Kit: If your film is selected, we may request a press kit with additional promotional materials.

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These rules and guidelines are subject to change, so it's essential for filmmakers to review the most current requirements on our official website when submitting their films. Thank you for being a part of Simply Shorts Film Festival, and we look forward to celebrating your creativity and talent.

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