Submission Guidelines

Rules & Guidelines

We provide essential rules for film submissions, guiding participants through the entry process and ensuring compliance with our award criteria.

1. Eligibility

• All films must have been completed within two years prior to the festival date.

• Entries may include short films, feature films, documentaries, and animations, as long as they align with the festival’s themes and categories.

• Submissions must include English subtitles or provide an English subtitle file for international audience accessibility.

2. Film Length

• Short films must not exceed 40 minutes.

• Feature films (including documentaries) must be over 40 minutes in length.

3. Submission

• All films must be submitted through the festival’s designated online submission platform.

• An entry fee is required for each submission, which is non-refundable.

• Films must meet the festival’s technical requirements, including clarity, format, and subtitles.

4. Copyright and Permissions

• Entrants must hold full copyright and necessary permissions for all content, including music, images, and scripts, ensuring no third-party rights are infringed.

• Submission of a film grants the Burnaby International Film Festival the right to screen the film during the festival without screening fees.

5. Usage Rights

• The festival reserves the right to use film clips, stills, and posters for promotional purposes related to the festival.

• All usage of film clips will be limited to 30 seconds and for non-commercial promotional use only.

6. Judging Process

• All submissions will be reviewed by a professional jury, judged on criteria including innovation, storytelling, visual impact, and artistic value.

• All festival decisions are final, and participants must respect the jury’s selections.

7. Selection Notification

• Selected filmmakers will receive official notification, and selection announcements will be made on the festival website and social media.

• Selected films must provide additional promotional materials (such as posters, director photos, and film summaries) for marketing purposes.

8. Public Screening

• Selected films will be screened publicly during the festival, with screening times and locations arranged by the festival organizers.

• Screening schedules and venue details will be provided to the film’s director or production team in advance.

9. Disqualification

• The festival reserves the right to disqualify any film for false information or violation of the rules, and entry fees will not be refunded.

10. Final Interpretation

• The Burnaby International Film Festival reserves the right to interpret and amend these rules. Participants should refer to the festival website for any updates or official announcements.