Cinematic International Film Festival Submission Guidelines

The Cinematic International Film Festival is dedicated to celebrating films of exceptional cinematic value. We seek submissions that demonstrate outstanding acting, compelling storytelling, meticulous editing, and exceptional cinematography. Please review the following guidelines carefully before submitting your film.

Eligibility Criteria

Completed Films Only: Works in progress will not be accepted.

Submission Platform: All entries must be submitted via online screeners through FilmFreeway.

Format Requirements for Selected Films: If selected, filmmakers must provide a DCP (Digital Cinema Package) copy of their film via a downloadable link by the specified deadline.

Film Length:

Short Films (including Student Films): Maximum duration of 30 minutes, including credits.

Feature Films: Maximum duration of 120 minutes, including credits.

Language Requirements: Non-English films must include English subtitles.

Submission Policies:

Entry Fees: All submission fees are non-refundable.

Feedback: The festival does not provide feedback on entries at this time.

Screening Format: All selected films must be provided in DCP format for screening.

Delivery Deadline: Selected films must be delivered to the festival within four weeks of the event date. Films received after this deadline will be disqualified from screening.

Terms and Conditions

By submitting to the Cinematic International Film Festival, filmmakers agree to the following terms:

1. Delivery of DCP: Filmmakers are responsible for delivering the required DCP to the festival by the specified deadline. All selected films must be sent to darrenmarshallproductions@gmail.com; filmmakers can use any transfer service they wish. We strongly recommend that you email us to confirm that we have received your film.

2. Film Ownership and Distribution: Filmmakers retain full responsibility for creating, owning, and distributing their films.

3. Festival Rights: Submission grants the Cinematic International Film Festival the right to showcase the film and utilize any associated publicity materials, including but not limited to press kits, stills, trailers and other promotional content.

4. Cash Prizes: All awarded cash prizes will be transferred directly to the filmmaker’s nominated bank account in Australian Dollars (AUD). Filmmakers are encouraged to check the current exchange rate to understand the value in their local currency.

5. Trophies: Winning trophies will either be presented in person to filmmakers in attendance at the festival or posted to the winning filmmakers after the event.

Student Film Submissions

The Cinematic International Film Festival welcomes submissions from student filmmakers. To qualify under the student category, filmmakers must provide proof of current enrollment in an educational institution.

Requirements: A scanned copy of a valid student ID or an official acceptance letter from the educational institution must be submitted to the festival.

Submission Process: Please email the scanned document to darrenmarshallproductions@gmail.com with the subject line: “Student Verification – [Film Title].”

Deadline: Proof of enrollment must be provided within seven (7) days of film submission. Students are solely responsible for supplying this verification.

Verification Process: By submitting to the festival, students grant the Cinematic International Film Festival consent to contact their educational institution for the purpose of verifying their enrollment status. The festival reserves the right to request additional verification directly from the institution if necessary.

Filmmakers Under 18 Years of Age: As per Australian law, if the filmmaker is under the age of 18, a legal guardian must contact the festival to provide written permission for the film to be screened. Without such permission, the film will not be eligible for screening. Please email "darrenmarshallproductions@gmail.com" with the subject line - Parent Verification with the filmmaker's name and title of the film.

Privacy Notice:

The Cinematic International Film Festival is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles. By submitting your film and providing proof of enrollment, you consent to the festival contacting your educational institution to verify your student status. Any information collected will be used solely for the purpose of verifying eligibility and will not be shared with third parties unrelated to the festival.

Disqualification Policy

Failure to submit the required documentation within the specified timeframe, or if enrollment cannot be verified, will result in the disqualification of the entry. Submission fees will not be refunded as per the festival's refund policy.

Refund Policy:

All submission fees are non-refundable

We look forward to receiving your submissions and celebrating the art of cinema together. For any inquiries, please contact us through the official FilmFreeway platform.

Cinematic International Film Festival

Celebrating Excellence in Global Cinema

Cinematic International Film Festival – Submission Q&A

General Submission Questions

Q1: What types of films are you looking for?
A: We prioritize films with exceptional cinematic qualities, including strong acting, compelling storytelling, meticulous editing, and outstanding cinematography. All genres are welcome.

Q2: Can I submit a work-in-progress (WIP) film?
A: No. Only completed films will be considered. Works in progress will be disqualified.

Q3: How do I submit my film?
A: All submissions must be made via FilmFreeway using an online screener.

Q4: Are there any language requirements?
A: Non-English films must include English subtitles.

Film Format & Screening Requirements

Q5: What format should my film be in if selected?
A: Selected films must provide a DCP (Digital Cinema Package) via a downloadable link by the deadline.

Q6: What happens if my film is selected but I miss the DCP deadline?
A: Late submissions will be disqualified from screening. Ensure your film is delivered within four weeks of the event date.

Q7: Can I submit a film longer than 120 minutes?
A: No. Feature films must not exceed 120 minutes, and short films (including student films) must be under 30 minutes (credits included).

Fees & Refunds

Q8: Are submission fees refundable?
A: No. All fees are non-refundable, even if your film is disqualified or withdrawn.

Q9: Will I receive feedback if my film is rejected?
A: No. Due to the high volume of submissions, we do not provide feedback at this time.

Student Filmmaker Questions

Q10: How do I prove I’m a student?
A: Email a scanned student ID or acceptance letter to darrenmarshallproductions@gmail.com within 7 days of submission. Use the subject line: “Student Verification – [Film Title]”.

Q11: What if my school doesn’t respond to verification requests?
A: The festival reserves the right to disqualify your film if enrollment cannot be verified.

Q12: I’m under 18. Can I submit a film?
A: Yes, but a legal guardian must email written permission to the festival with the subject “Parent Verification – [Filmmaker Name & Film Title]”.

Prizes & Rights

Q13: How are cash prizes paid?
A: Prizes are transferred in AUD (Australian Dollars) to the filmmaker’s nominated bank account. Check exchange rates for your local currency.

Q14: What rights does the festival have over my film?
A: Submission grants the festival the right to screen your film and use publicity materials (trailers, stills, etc.) for promotion. You retain full ownership.

Q15: How are trophies delivered?
A: Trophies are given in person at the festival or mailed afterward if the winner is not present.

Disqualification & Privacy

Q16: What could disqualify my film?
A: Reasons include:

• Missing student verification (if applicable).

• Late DCP submission.

• No parental consent for filmmakers under 18.

Q17: How is my personal data handled?
A: We comply with Australian Privacy Principles. Student verification data is used only for eligibility checks and not shared with third parties.

Contact & Support

Q18: Who do I contact for issues?
A: Use the FilmFreeway messaging system for inquiries. For urgent matters (e.g., DCP delivery), email darrenmarshallproductions@gmail.com.