Categories
Animation - Any length
Narrative Feature - Longer than 45 Minutes
Narrative Short - Less than 45 Minutes
Documentary Feature - Longer than 45 minutes
Documentary Short - Less than 45 minutes
First City Student Short - Less than 45 minutes
Cash awards/trophies for best in each category.
Cash awards/trophies for best in each category. Scholarships will be awarded for best First City Student Short.
Spirit award winners, the Andy Entwistle Spirit Award and the Dandelion Award for Local Women in Film, both will receive cash awards.
Each category within the festival will host a juried competition for "Best of...". Additional awards may be given within each category at the judgment of the jury (i.e. best actor, cinematographer, editing, sound, etc.).
Award winning filmmakers will receive a physical award and a small cash award. Additional awards might be added and announced at a later date based on festival sponsors and donations.
The Andy Entwistle Spirit Award is for new filmmakers over 40 years old at the time of submission. The 'new filmmaker' can be the screenwriter, director or producer of a feature or short film. Interpretation of 'new filmmaker' is at the discretion of the festival committee. To be considered for the Andy Entwistle Spirit Award, e-mail the festival staff at firstcityfilm@gmail.com AFTER submitting through FilmFreeway.
The First City Student Short category is open to Leavenworth County High School students (grades 9-12). Submissions for students is free but an access code will be needed, email the festival at firstcityfilm@gmail.com for more information.
Submissions for the First City Student Short category need to be in by Feb. 5, 2021.
Submissions are accepted only through electronic submission via FilmFreeway.
More than one entry may be submitted. However, each entry must be accompanied by a separate entry form and entry fee.
Films not in English must have English subtitles.
Entries must be received on or before the deadlines and submission fee payment must be made in full at time of the submission. All entry fees are non-refundable.
Entrants are responsible for obtaining any necessary licenses, royalties, release forms, clearances and permits necessary to present their work. The First City Film Festival is not responsible for any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits or royalty infringement related to the work.
The following must be source referenced in credits at the end of the production:
* All music, sound effects, pictures and reference footage, whether original and/or non-original
* Original third party music, sound effects, pictures and reference footage may be used if permission by the owner/author is documented in writing and sent in with entry form
* Music, sound effects, pictures, and video clips purchased or available through filming or editing software is acceptable and must be referenced in the credits
All film entries selected for the festival grant the First City Film Festival the rights to use footage, stills, titles and information from the film for promotional purposes.
All filmmakers will be notified via email regarding their acceptance into the Festival.
All genres are welcome. For screenings festival staff will place your film in the appropriate category.
Submissions will be accepted beginning August 16.
·Early bird deadline - October 2, 2020
·Regular deadline - October 23, 2020
·Late deadline - November 20, 2020
·Extended deadline - December 18, 2020
·Student Deadline - February 5, 2021
Works in Progress are accepted for extended deadlines only. WP should be clearly marked on the submission disc “Work in Progress” or “RoughCut” and also indicate when exactly the final edited version will be available.
·Early deadline shorts $20 Features $30
·Regular deadline shorts $25 Features $35
·Late deadline shorts $35 Features $45
·Extended deadline Shorts $45 Features $55
Payment can be made through FilmFreeway
·Completed and “First City Film Festival” submission form.
·Entry Fee (non-refundable)
·Any available press materials and Media-Kit, Credit list, Lead Actors and Directors bio and Photo.
Submitted materials will not be returned and there are no refunds.
Multiple Submissions: When sending in more than one project, each one must have its own submission material. Submission fees apply to each individual entry and category.
Official selections will be will be made by January 8, 2021 and notifications will be sent via email (except student shorts). Those not selected will also be notified via email.
The selection committees’, jury’s and festival director’s decisions are final.
Once selected as a part of the official festival, a film may not pull out of the festival or withdraw its submission.
If selected you should be able to provide the following material:
1. Exhibition video
2. 60 Seconds Digital Video clip or trailer for promotional press
3. The project synopsis with cast and crew credits.
All submissions must be sent through FilmFreeway
If your project is selected, you are responsible for delivery of the exhibition video to our office by the designated date OR links for download.
If you have questions regarding the submissions process, please email: firstcityfilm@gmail.com
Filmmakers who have their films selected for the festival will receive an admissions package to the festival. The admissions package will include instructions for delivering exhibition video.