Video Contests, Film Festivals, and Awards

An early submission deadline has been set for April 20th, 2004.

Entry Responses
Some people have asked for guidance on how to answer our "If you could put something in this space, what would you put" section of our entry forms. We thought it might be fun to show you some of our favorite responses. Click here for some examples.

Entry Regulations
For selection and programming consideration, the festival accepts DVD, 1/2" VHS (NTSC), PAL (B/G, I, D/K), SECAM (B/G, I, D/K), PAL-M, PAL-N, NTSC4.43 and MESECAM transfers. If a submitted film originated as a 16mm or 35mm print and is selected, we will then require that optimal format for presentation. Please note that if your film originated or was post-produced on digital video, send only a VHS copy for selection purposes. Again, if selected, we will then require the optimal digital video format for presentation.

For submission purposes, festival programmers will consider films submitted before completion (i.e., rough cuts, Avid outputs, temporary sound mixes, etc.), provided that the film is completed by August 1st. Programmers will not consider trailers or other promotional videos for selection purposes.

More than one film or video may be submitted. Each film or video must be accompanied by a separate submission form and entry fee.

Entry Fees
The entry fee for any film or video under 60 minutes (shorts) is $25. The entry fee for any film or video over 60 minutes (features) is $35. Entry fees will not be negotiated. Films that come in by the early submission deadline of April 20th, 2004 will only have to pay $20 for shorts and $30 for feature length films. Make checks payable to Sacramento Film and Music Festival.


Competition Categories
Submitted films and videos will be selected in two categories:
Features: Any film or video totaling at least 60 minutes in length.
Shorts: Any film or video totaling fewer than 60 minutes in length.


Selected Films
Selections will be announced by July 5th, 2004.

Complete documentation for each selected film or video must reach the Festival before July 15th, 2004. Participants must ensure that they have the right to participate in the Festival with regard to third persons connected to the production of selected films or videos.

The final print of each invited film or video must arrive at the Sacramento Film and Music Festival before August 1st, 2004 or have other arrangements agreed upon by the festival directors.
The Festival reserves the right to refuse or cancel the projection of any print deemed of insufficient quality.

Press & Publicity
If your film or video is selected to screen at the Festival, you will be asked to provide: director's bio and filmography/videography, b&w and/or color stills from the film, press materials, and video trailer (if available).

Judging & Awards
Individuals from the media will serve as impartial judges of selected films. Separate Jury and Audience Awards will be presented to the best film or video in each category.

Shipping
The cost of shipping a submission to the Festival must be paid by the entrant. Please do not send submissions in fiber-filled envelopes, as their residue ruins tapes and equipment. To obtain notification of receipt, please include a self-addressed, stamped postcard. Submission tapes will not be returned unless otherwise requested. The Festival will pay for one-way shipping (i.e., return) of prints of selected films and videos. All other shipping charges are the responsibility of the entrant.


Reproduction Agreement
Unless otherwise requested, film and video submissions selected for screening grant the Sacramento Film and Music Festival the rights to use moving image excerpts, production stills, and information from the film or video for promotional purposes.


Liability
Every precaution will be exercised in handling tapes and films. However, should a print be lost or damaged, the Festival will accept responsibility for the period of time that the print is in the possession of the Sacramento Film and Music Festival, and will reimburse the value of the video or film (or part thereof) only. Do not send original prints or tapes.


Acceptance of Rules
Participation in the Festival implies acceptance of all Festival rules and regulations.


Where to Send Submissions

Please mail all submissions, along with completed submission form and enclosed check or money order, to:

Sacramento Film & Music Festival
10374 Ambassador Dr.
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670

www.sactofilmfest.com