*Films do not have to have been shot in New York, but MUST be by current New York State based filmmakers who can attend the event. If someone is Tristate area based and works frequently in NY or is looking to work with NY collaborators, then submissions is allowed if someone on the team is currently NY based.
*Filmmakers whose work is accepted must have someone integral to the film's production attend the event and participate in the Q&A.
*Films completed prior to 2009 are not eligible.
*All films must be in English or have English subtitles.
*Please note that submission does not guarantee acceptance. If your film is not accepted, it unfortunately does not mean just for the upcoming month. It is a hard no. Alternatively, if you have not heard back regarding acceptance for over a month, it could be that we are holding your film for a later month. In Year 6, we accepted approximately 29% of eligible submissions. Films will not be reconsidered for future seasons, unless they have changed drastically since initial submission.
*We typically only screen narrative films, though occasionally accept documentaries that have a New York City resonance. Music Videos and Experimental work are welcome as long as there's a clear story being told. Our rule about music videos is that the visuals must be able to function as a story without the music.
*Films may not exceed 21 minutes in length, including credits. (The longest film we have ever screened was 23 minutes in Year 1 (when we were receiving far less submissions). That was the only one of that length. In the last 5 years, we've screened only 2 films that were 21 minutes, including their credits. 99% of our selections are under 16 minutes.)
*We're a series devoted to integrity and transparency. We never screen our own work. We do not screen work we helped produce in competition. (Work made by our sponsors can screen, but not in competition, and must still be submitted and go through the screening/programming process as all submissions.) We do not invite films ever. (We did in our first year when trying to get off the ground. Since Year 2, we exclusively program through submissions.) We do not offer any individual filmmakers waivers. We have offered waivers as a reward for support of our crowdfunding campaigns or to group initiatives supporting the local film community; but we do not provide waivers to any individual filmmakers that reach out. We keep our fees low for this reason. Every film goes through the same screening process and no one (not even a friend or past collaborator) is guaranteed acceptance, as we aim to create a fair and equal environment with programming we and our audience can be proud of each month regardless of names and connections.
*We don't require any kind of premiere status, nor do we restrict films that are already online.
*As of Year 7, we no longer do a Web Series Special in September. We’ve found it harder to program over the last couple years, as filmmakers have largely stopped submitting webisodes and seem to be making more of actual pilots that exceed our runtime limit. If you have a webisode that could work as a standalone film, feel free to submit it as a short (as long as it meet all other requirements).
*We do not screen films that contain scenes of graphic hardcore sexual material, rape (unless shown tastefully through the survivor's POV), or simulated animal torture. If you choose to submit anything you think could be interpreted as any of those categories but you feel doesn't cross a line, please notify us as such on your submission listing. Certain jury members are sensitive to this content. It is better to forewarn us in advance so we can notify jury members rather than catch them off-guard.
*Submission fees are non-refundable. All films will be considered fairly. If a submitter failed to read the guidelines and is disqualified, even if they caught their error before we did, submission fees cannot be refunded because FilmFreeway does not refund their share.
*I, the undersigned, acknowledge and agree: I have read, understated and fully comply with all submission eligibility information, Submission Guidelines, Terms and Conditions of Entry and Entry Eligibility requirements. To the best of my knowledge, all of the statements in this submission are true. This film or video is not subject to any litigation nor is threatened by any litigation. I am duly authorized to submit this film to the festival. I hold CongestedCat Productions, LLC./IndieWorks harmless from any damage to the print(s) or media materials(s) en route or otherwise during the course of the festival’s possession of the film. I hold CongestedCat Productions, LLC./IndieWorks, its owners, management, juries, subsidiaries, agents, sponsors, affiliates, and etc. harmless from any and all claims of liability resulting from my entry. I certify that I have full rights to all aspects, including the use of the music, in the entered work. I understand that submission fee payments are non-refundable. I understand submission fees are for consideration, not acceptance. I give permission for CongestedCat Productions, LLC./IndieWorks to use stills, titles, copy, and/or information from the short for promotional purposes. I give permission for CongestedCat Productions, LLC./IndieWorks to download my submission file for private programming purposes before any status notification. I give permission for CongestedCat Productions, LLC./IndieWorks to screen the film at the series for which it was submitted and potentially again for the Best of Fest.