Rules & Guidelines

Eligibility Requirements

• Runtime: Films must be 40 minutes or less
• Production date: No completion deadline — films of any age accepted
• Format: Digital submissions only via FilmFreeway
• Language: Non-English films must include English subtitles
• Content: All genres and categories welcome

Technical Requirements

• Preferred format: H264 or MP4 compressed from a 1080p or 720p master
• Minimum acceptable: H264 or MP4 at 480i
• Audio: Stereo or mono at standard levels
• Subtitles: Required for all non-English dialogue

Submission Guidelines

• All submissions must be made through FilmFreeway
• Works in progress will not be accepted — submit only completed films
• Do not enable ads on your film or it will be disqualified
• Do not put logo bugs or overlays on the film
• End credits should be 60 seconds or less
• Do not submit films that have been digitally altered or edited after submission

Judging & Scoring

Each film is viewed by three independent judges. Films are scored on 10 criteria using a 1–10 scale. Your composite score determines your award level:

Score Range	Award
70–79	Award of Merit
80–89	Award of Excellence
90–95	Award of Distinction
96–100	The Orson Award

Films scoring below 70 do not receive a festival award but still receive full judge scoresheets.

Individual Achievement Awards

Individual cast and crew members (directors, actors, cinematographers, etc.) may receive awards based on their individual scores, even if the film itself does not win a festival award. These are included at no additional cost.

Disqualification

Films will be disqualified for: ad-enabled submissions, logo overlays on the film, excessive end credits (over 60 seconds), or falsified submission information.