Films submitted to the festival must have been primarily shot and captured in at least 4K resolution (with no more than 10% of the film up-converted from a lower resolution); and must be finished and delivered in 4K resolution (“quad HD” at 3840x2160 – or full theatrical at 4096x2160).
NOTE: Although DSLR’s have higher resolution sensors, their video mode is typically limited to HD, therefore cannot be used. Please be sure that you're actually shooting in 4K (or better). One particular exception with DSLR's is timelapse that is captured as full resolution photos and finished as 4K video.
Initial Submission Format:
For purposes of submission, all preview copies must be submitted in High Definition format with a minimum bit rate of 10mbps in h.264 or equivalent. This can be delivered on a DVD (as a data file); on blu-ray disc; on a hard drive or flash drive; or via file transfer service if viable (such as Dropbox or WeTransfer).
We will not accept a YouTube or Vimeo (or similar) upload, as these services transcode. The film must be in English or have English subtitles (exceptions may apply, such as with music videos). Discs must be marked with title, running time, contact information printed or clearly written with permanent marker. Please, no stickers as they can sometimes be damaging to equipment. Internet-transferred files should include the same information within the notes section of the transfer.
Final delivery and presentation format:
If accepted into the festival, you will need to provide full 4K versions of the finished film, both in DCP for the theatrically projected screenings, and in either h.264 (minimum 45Mbps) or h.265 (mininum 25Mbps).
You can create your own DCP using open source or commercially available software; or the Festival will offer lower cost encoding service.
Festival Notification:
Final determinations of acceptance into the festival will be made by April 10, 2015. Late entries will be notified by April 30, 2015. You will be notified by email on or before that date, with written notification going out by postal mail by that date.
Loss and Damage:
Every precaution will be taken to safeguard any physical materials submitted, while in the possession of the Festival. However, we cannot accept or assume responsibility in the event of loss or damage. Please make very sure that you have copies of your footage.
The Festival will also offer an archiving service – creating a digital copy to LTO tape for long terms storage, in which case full source files would need to be sent on hard drive(s).
Eligibility:
The 4K Film Festival reserves the right to determine eligibility of any project submitted.