All films entered for the main prize of theatrical release (features and shorts) must at least be a North American Premiere and completed on or after January 2018. All other films submitted (regardless of premiere status) are eligible for other listed awards and sub-categories. NO OTHER FILMS WILL BE LIVE SCREENED, although awards will be given for all categories and sub-categories. For the first time, TROPHIES WILL BE AVAILABLE for all prize winners and category winners. Theatrical Release is currently scheduled for November 2020 or as soon as possible within CoVid Guidelines. For winning short film and trailers with theatrical release, THERE WILL BE NO NEGOTIATIONS ON DATES as they will be screened alongside winning theatrical Best Feature. Final decision on all matters to be made by LATCA. Do NOT submit if you do not agree with these rules.
All winning filmmkers of all divisions will be contacted and awarded via email.
ALL THEATRICAL WINNING FILMMAKERS TO BE RELEASED (BEST FILM, BEST SHORT AND BEST TRAILER) MUST COMPLY WITH ALL RELEASES MANDATED BY THEATER PRIOR TO SHOWING - AS IS INDUSTRY STANDARD. IF NOT COMPLIED WITH, FESTIVAL HAS THE RIGHT TO REVOKE THE PRIZE AND AWARD TO THE RUNNER UP IN THAT CATEGORY. This is industry standard and out of festival's control.
We only screen (review entries) through online screeners or a private password protected Vimeo link. No exceptions.
The theaters we use only screen via DCP. DCP must be sent to festival address within 3 weeks of notification of winning. If, for any reason, filmmaker is unable to provide DCP in that time, festival director reserves the right to cancel the release (and win) and provide it to the runner-up. Additionally, a BluRay of winning films for theatrical MUST be provided as a safety net.
NO SUBMISSIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED BY MAIL - ONLY ONLINE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A PASSWORD PROTECTED ONLINE SCREENER, A SCREENER ON FilmFreeway, OR A FilmFreeway ACCOUNT, PLEASE CONTACT US VIA OUR CONTACT US FORM ON OUR WEBSITE TO INITIATE SUBMISSION. NO EXCEPTIONS.
If for some reason you do NOT have a FilmFreeway account, or prefer to NOT enter via FilmFreeway, please contact us directly via our website contact form at www.thefilmfestival.com.
LEGALITIES:
All filmmakers understand and accept that if their film, short, or trailer is selected for theatrical release, they grant full and unrestricted permission for LATCA. to release and to charge an admission fee for the presentation. The Filmmaker understands and accepts that they do not participate in receiving any funds from the Box-office proceeds which are fully retained by LATCA to help cover the overall cost of the presentation. It should be noted for the record that box-office proceeds never cover the cost of release.
The filmmaker releases the festival (LATCA) from any and all liability for damages or destruction of the entered DCP. The Filmmaker understands that the entered DCP will be retained in a secure facility by the festival, and every effort will be taken to protect and control the viewing of this production. The festival assumes no liability whatsoever for theft, copyright violations or piracy of the entry.
The Filmmaker accepts and understands that the festival, in conjunction with releasing theater will do everything possible to present the DCP in the best possible manner but the festival (LATCA) is not responsible for any and all malfunctions during the presentation of the production at its release. All DCP’s are carefully pre-screened prior to the public showing to assure it will perform to industry Standards. The Festival (LATCA) assumes no responsibility for any technical difficulties in the presentation of this DCP at the actual event.