Please only submit your film to One of the five categories.
The selected works would be chosen from outside of core film classes at Concordia’s Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema, though if you are a student at Concordia and have made a film independently, you are welcome to submit!
For Spotlight, we are accepting of all genres, from documentary to experimental. The requirements are as follows;
- Films must be made by a student at a Post-Secondary institution, in a film or media program.
- Films must be made be between January 2019 - present
- Films may not be longer than 15min.
-You directed the film yourself and the key roles were filled by students rather than professionals
- All films not made in English must be subtitled in English
When submitting, be sure to indicate what role you had in the production, indicate whether or not students filled your other key production roles (i.e. cinematographer or editor).
*Students who are enrolled at Concordia, in a film program, have the opportunity to submit films they worked on outside of core filmmaking classes*, provided the films fit the application criteria.
*core filmmaking class refers to Filmmaking I, II & III and Animation I, II & III.
One submission per filmmaker is accepted.
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GENERAL FAQ’s for Open Competition
Q: What are the "Spotlight" screenings?
A: The Spotlight screenings are five separate screenings that each highlight their own genre, or community, which encourage short films made outside of Concordia filmmaking classes, to be a part of the Festival. These screenings offer a variation in the regular programming, connecting our Festival with the cinema community across Canada.
Q: If I submit a film will it automatically be chosen for the screening?
A: Like the other programmed screenings, Spotlight will be juried, meaning the submission process is open to many, but the final screened films will be selected by a designated jury.
Q: If my film is selected for a Spotlight screening is it eligible for any prizes?
A: Yes, there will be a prize for the top film in each Spotlight category. The selection will be juried by a group of professionals work in the Canadian film industry.
Q: How many films will be selected for Spotlight screenings?
A: The number of films selected, depends on the time allotment for the screening, in accordance with the length of the short films that are submitted. We strive for quality over quantity but we are happy to accept films that vary in length.
Q: What kind of venue will my film be screened at?
A: The Spotlight screenings will be held in downtown Montreal, at Concordia University.
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FAQS FOR: Students in Quebec (Concordia)
Q: Can I submit a film I made while in CEGEP, another University or College?
A: Yes, as long as the film was made within the time frame (January 2019 to present), fits the criteria of the application and was directed by you, the applicant.
Q: If I am studying at Concordia and I am taking a core filmmaking class*, can I submit the film I made in that class to the Spotlight sections?
A: No you may not because films made in those classes are already eligible for entry into the other categories at the Festival.
Q: If I am studying at Concordia but I am not taking a core filmmaking class* can I still submit a film to the Spotlight sections, that I worked on in another class or outside of my studies?
A: Yes, you may submit it to the Spotlight sections, as long as the film was made within the time frame (January 2019 to present) fits the criteria of the application and was directed by you, the applicant.
Q: If I made a film at Concordia in a core filmmaking class* or other film class in a previous school year, can I submit that film to the Spotlight sections?
A: If you made a film in a core class within the year, it is not eligible as it would have already been eligible for the categories of the 2021 Festival. However, if you made a film in another film class within the time frame (January 2019 to the present) it is eligible for competition in the Spotlight sections.
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FAQ’s FOR: Students in Canada (outside of Quebec)
Q: Can I submit a film I made in University or College?
A: Yes, you may submit a film you made in another school keeping in mind it must have been made within the past year (January 2019 to the present) and as long as the film fits the criteria of the application and was directed by you, the applicant.
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FAQ’s FOR: International Students
Q:If I made a film outside of Canada can I submit it to the Spotlight sections?
A: Yes! We are open to all students around the world!
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FAQ’s FOR: Non-Students
Q: If I am not currently a student can I still submit a film to the Spotlight sections?
A: Yes, but only if that film was made while you were a student within the past year, not that the film has to have been made at school, however.
Q: Q: Can I submit a film I made in University or College?
A: Yes, you may submit a film you made in another school keeping in mind it must have been made within the past year (January 2019 to the present) and as long as the film fits the criteria of the application and was directed by you, the applicant.