Film Festival Rules

Nottingham International Short Film Festival Rules of Entry and Exhibition

Welcome to Nottingham International Short Film Festival! In order to ensure the fairness, impartiality and efficient operation of the festival, we have formulated the following rules, which apply to all participants, audiences and partners. Please read carefully to ensure that your participation experience is smooth and enjoyable.

1. Rules of Entry

1.1 Eligibility of Works

Film Type: Only short films (including feature films, documentaries, animations, experimental films) are accepted. The length of the film must not exceed 30 minutes (including end credits).

Creation Time: The participating film must be completed within two years before the submission date.

Originality: All submitted works must be original and must not infringe the copyright or other rights of any third party.

1.2 Submission Requirements

Language Requirements: Non-English works must be accompanied by English subtitles.

File Format: Works must be submitted in high-definition format (.mp4 or .mov), and the resolution must not be lower than 1080p.

Submission of Materials: Participants must also submit the following documents: director's resume, film introduction (within 100 words), entry statement and 2-3 stills.

Submission platform: Entries must be submitted through the online submission platform designated by the festival. For more information, please refer to the "Entry" page on the official website.

1.3 Review process

Preliminary review: All submitted works will be preliminarily screened by the festival jury to select the shortlisted films.

Review: The shortlisted works will be selected by the international jury and the winners of each award will be determined.

Review criteria: The jury will comprehensively consider the story creativity, technical quality, performance level, artistic value and social significance of the works.

1.4 Entry fee

Entry requires a certain registration fee, which varies according to the submission time (early bird period, regular period, deadline). The entry fee is non-refundable.

1.5 Rights statement

Entrants agree to grant the festival the right to use their works in promotional and publicity activities. The festival will not make any commercial use of the works.

2. Exhibition rules

2.1 Ticket purchase and admission

Ticketing: Audiences must purchase tickets through the festival's official website or designated ticketing platform. Daily tickets, all-access tickets and VIP passes are available.

Admission time: Please arrive at the screening location at least 15 minutes in advance and enter with an electronic or paper ticket.

Seating arrangement: All seats are open to all, and VIP ticket holders have priority in choosing seats.

2.2 Screening etiquette

Please turn off your mobile phone or put it in silent mode to avoid disturbing other viewers.

Recording, videotaping or photography is prohibited during the screening. Violators will be asked to leave and may face legal liability.

Comply with other rules and regulations in the theater and keep the viewing environment quiet and tidy.

2.3 Age restriction

Some films may contain sensitive content, such as violence, language or adult themes. Audiences must choose appropriate screenings according to the film rating restrictions.

3. Copyright and Legal Statement

3.1 Copyright Protection

The copyright of all submitted works belongs to the contestants, but the contestants must ensure that their works do not infringe any rights of third parties.

3.2 Film Festival Responsibilities

The Film Festival is not responsible for copyright disputes for any content submitted by contestants. Contestants must handle any legal issues related to their works on their own.

4. Special Terms and Notes

The festival organizers reserve the right to change the rules, screening times or cancel certain activities due to force majeure or special circumstances.

During the festival, some screenings or activities may be filmed, and all participants implicitly agree to be recorded in photos or videos for the promotion of the festival.

For contestants or audiences who fail to comply with the rules, the festival has the right to disqualify them from participating or prohibit them from continuing to participate in the festival activities.