Submissions & Selection Policy

1. Purpose

This policy explains how submissions are reviewed, assessed, and selected for Festival programming. It is intended to provide transparency around the selection process while protecting the Festival’s artistic integrity and operational decisions.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• Filmmakers and entrants
• Festival programmers and screeners
• Judges and jury members (where applicable)
• Festival staff and authorised contractors

It covers all submitted works, whether screened in person or online.

3. Submission Review Process

• All eligible submissions are reviewed by Festival-appointed screeners, programmers, or jurors.
• Submissions may go through multiple rounds of review.
• Reviews may include individual assessments and group discussions.
• Not all submissions can be selected due to programming limits.

The Festival reserves the right to determine:

• Which submissions are reviewed
• How they are reviewed
• Which reviewers are assigned

4. Selection Criteria

Submissions are assessed using a range of considerations, which may include:

• Storytelling and originality
• Artistic and creative merit
• Technical quality
• Overall impact
• Suitability for the Festival’s programme or audience

Selection is not based on submission order, popularity, or external influence.

5. Programming Decisions

The Festival has sole discretion over:

• Official Selection status
• Screening dates, times, and venues
• Screening format (in-person, online, or hybrid)
• Number of screenings
• Category placement

Programming decisions are final and not subject to appeal.

6. Confidentiality

• All review materials, scores, comments, and discussions are confidential.
• The Festival does not disclose internal selection notes or deliberations.
• Entrants will only be notified of final outcomes through official channels.

7. Conflicts of Interest

The Festival takes conflicts of interest seriously:

• Reviewers must declare any conflicts immediately.
• Reviewers with conflicts will not assess the relevant submission.
• The Festival may reassign submissions as needed.

8. Disqualification

A submission may be removed from consideration or disqualified if:

• Information provided is false or misleading
• Required rights or permissions are not held
• Technical requirements are not met
• The submitter breaches Festival policies
• Conduct poses legal, ethical, or reputational risk

Disqualification may occur at any stage.

9. Appeals

• Selection decisions are final.
• The Festival does not accept appeals regarding:
  • Artistic judgement
  • Selection or rejection decisions
  • Programming choices

Administrative errors may be reviewed at the Festival’s discretion.

10. Accessibility Considerations

• Entrants are encouraged to provide captions or subtitles.
• The Festival will make reasonable efforts to support accessible screenings where resources allow.
• Accessibility availability may vary by venue or format.

11. Data Handling

Submission data is handled in accordance with the Festival’s Privacy & Data Protection Policy.

Screening materials may be retained for programming, archival, or verification purposes in line with records retention practices.

12. Amendments

This policy may be updated at any time to reflect changes in Festival operations or review processes.

13. Acceptance

Submitting a work for consideration constitutes acceptance of this Submissions & Selection Policy.