DEFINITIONS OF CATEGORIES & TERMS
Feature Length Film: A narrative, animated, or experimental film 41+ minutes in length.
Short Film: A narrative, animated or experimental film 40 minutes or less in length.
Documentary Feature Film: A documentary film 41+ minutes in length.
Documentary Short Film: A documentary film 40 minutes or less in length.
ELIGIBILITY REGULATIONS
Completion/Premiere Date:
Submitted films must have premiered in or after January 2019.
Presentation:
If your film is selected to participate in Cinema Columbus, it must be available for screening in DCP or 35mm. In the case of short films only, digital files are acceptable.
Foreign Language Films:
Foreign language films must be made available with the original language soundtrack and English subtitles.
Prior Screenings:
Entries may not publicly screen, at other film festivals or theatrically, in Franklin County, Ohio, or be broadcast/televised anywhere in the US (including VOD and On Demand services) before May 18, 2020. Films may be screened at other film festivals or theatrically outside of Franklin County, Ohio, prior to Cinema Columbus.
Explicit Sexual Content:
No pornography. Explicit sexual content may result in disqualification.
SUBMISSION REGULATIONS
Format:
• All films must be submitted as a secure online screener (i.e. Vimeo).
• Once a submission link has been accepted, we cannot guarantee that subsequent updates will be viewed.
Accompanying Materials:
The following materials must be submitted via FilmFreeway.com and will not be returned. Incomplete entries will not be considered.
• Official online entry form through FilmFreeway.com with all required information.
• Non-refundable entry fee (payable via Visa, Mastercard, or American Express):
Early submission: December 16 – January 24 - $35
Regular submission: January 25 – February 22 - $45
Late submission: February 23 – March 22 - $55
EXTENDED submission: March 23 – May 22 - $55
Local Entry Fee Waiver:
Films with 50% or more of the footage shot in Ohio are eligible to submit for a local entry fee waiver. Please email cinemacolumbusentries@gmail.com to request a local entry fee waiver. Requests must be received on or before January 24, 2020. Entrants will be notified of waiver approval or denial on or before February 1, 2020.
Films approved for a local entry fee waiver must still submit through FilmFreeway.com. NO OTHER WAIVERS OR EXCEPTIONS WILL BE GRANTED.
Opt in:
By submitting your film, you agree to be added to our mailing list in order to notify you of your entry’s status as well as news about the festival.
SELECTION REGULATIONS
Notification:
Films selected to be screened as part of Cinema Columbus will be notified on or before July 1, 2020.
Shipping:
If a film is selected to participate and must be shipped, it must be prepaid, insured, and packed in proper containers. Cinema Columbus will be responsible for return shipping charges. Cinema Columbus will not pay international shipping on US films.
Cinema Columbus does not assume any liability for damage to prints due to improper containers or otherwise. All films in our possession will be insured against damage or loss while participating in the festival.