AFI Fest Call for Entries

OPEN CALL FOR ENTRIES
Shorts

Shorts can be narrative, documentary, or animation as long as they are under 30 min. in length.

Features

Narrative Feature Films are over 30 min. in length. Premiere status is taken into account for all sections, and films that have not yet screened in the US are given priority. Feature films (both narrative and documentary) that have previously screened for the public in Los Angeles or have been televised in the Los Angeles area are not eligible for consideration.

Documentary

Documentaries under 30 min. should be submitted as Shorts.

Documentary Feature Films are over 30 min. in length. Premiere status is taken into account for all sections, and films that have not yet screened in the US are given priority.

Feature length films (both narrative and documentary) that have previously screened for the public in Los Angeles or have been televised in the Los Angeles area are not eligible for consideration.

Experimental

Experimental films are non-narrative and non-documentary works of any runtime.

MISSION & OBJECTIVE

AFI FEST presents a survey of the year's most significant films each fall. Featuring international work from emerging filmmakers, global showcases of films from the great masters and red-carpet gala premieres, AFI FEST brings world cinema to the heart of Hollywood.

Since 2000, the consumer audience at AFI FEST has tripled to over 65,000 attendees. In 2008, over 600 press representatives secured accreditation to the Festival, with combined media impressions in excess of 1.6 billion worldwide.

The American Film Market (AFM) in November 2010 is the market partner of AFI FEST. Since its formation in 2004, this strategic partnership has grown into the largest gathering of film professionals in North America. The association between the two events connects art and commerce, broadening the opportunities for all participants.

AFI FEST is the only film festival in the United States to hold the prestigious FIAPF accreditation (www.FIAPF.org), assuring a high standard of quality and reliability for the international film community. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recognizes AFI FEST as a qualifying festival for the Short Films category of the annual Academy Awards.

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

Last year’s AFI FEST presented by Audi enjoyed record attendance, as audiences turned out in force to attend films and special events. Programming highlights from AFI FEST 2009 presented by Audi included 7 consecutive nights of galas and tributes, including FANTASTIC MR FOX, PRECIOUS, THE MESSENGER, A SINGLE MAN, THE ROAD and a 50th Anniversary digitally re-mastered presentation of Alfred Hitchcock’s NORTH BY NORTHWEST; tributes to Viggo Mortensen and Christopher Plummer, the latter featuring a screening of THE LAST STATION; red carpet appearances by Wes Anderson, Drew Barrymore, Angela Bassett, Kate Beckinsale, Nicolas Cage, Lee Daniels, Julie Delpy, Robert De Niro, Colin Firth, Tom Ford, Terry Gilliam, Woody Harrelson, Werner Herzog, Martin Landau, Julianne Moore, Mo’Nique, Bill Murray, Tyler Perry, Eva Marie Saint, Jason Schwartzman, Charlize Theron and Oprah Winfrey; and access to the AFI Digital Content Lab’s 2-day DigiFest conference.

ORGANIZERS

Derek Call (Festival Producer) ; John Roberts ; Lane Kneedler (Associate Director of Programming) ; Sandy Gow (Database Designer)

GENERAL RULES

Premiere status is taken into consideration for every submission with priority given to US Premieres, North American Premieres and World Premieres - a Los Angeles premiere at the very least is required. Must not have major theatrical release or broadcast airing. VHS (NTSC or PAL) videocassettes and DVD's will be accepted for preview screening. More than one entry may be submitted. Each entry must be accompanied by a separate entry and entry fee. While we do not require a US Premiere for selection to the festival in all sections, please note that premiere status is taken into consideration for the selection process. But in order for Feature films to be considered for the Competition, they need to be made by first or second time directors and we require a US or North American Premiere to be in the competition section. If your film is selected, you will be asked to provide: headshot and filmography of director; b&w and/or color stills from the film; press materials; video trailer (if available). Preview cassettes and DVD's must be labeled with the title, running time and contact information on face and spine of tape. Entry Fee is non-refundable. Screeners will not be returned. Please do not send originals. If confirmed receipt of entry is required, please include a self-addressed stamped postcard. All film entries selected for the Festival grant AFI FEST the rights to use footage, stills and/or titles and information from the film for promotional purposes.

All filmmakers will be notified by October 8, 2010.