Simple Submission Rules for Philadelphia Urban Film Festival General Guidelines:
Submission Categories: Films must be submitted in one of the following categories:
Best Short Film: Narrative films with a runtime of 40 minutes or less.
Best Web Series: Episodic content with at least two episodes submitted. Each episode must not exceed 30 minutes.
Best Documentary: Non-fiction films with a runtime of up to 90 minutes.
Urban Theme: All submissions must relate to urban life, cities, or social issues affecting urban communities. This could include themes such as identity, gentrification, street culture, social justice, or community life.
Production Year: Films and web series must have been completed after January 2020.
Language: Non-English films must include English subtitles.
Original Work: The submitted film must be the original work of the filmmaker(s). The festival will not accept films that infringe on the rights of any third party, including copyrights, trademarks, or privacy rights.
Entry Format:
Films must be submitted in digital format (MP4, MOV) via Insert Platform: PhiladelphiaUrbanFilmfestval.org.
Include a high-quality trailer (optional) and promotional stills for marketing purposes.
Submission Process:
Submission Deadline: All entries must be submitted by 4/1/25.
Early bird submissions: 2/1/25
Regular submissions: 3/1/25
Late submissions: 4/1/25
Submission Fees:
Early bird: $150.00
Regular: $.200.00
Late: $300.00
Multiple Submissions: Filmmakers are allowed to submit multiple entries across different categories, but each submission requires a separate fee and form.
Screening Rights: By submitting, you grant the festival non-exclusive rights to screen your film during the event. The festival may also use short clips, trailers, or stills from the film for promotional purposes.
Judging Criteria:
Creative Storytelling: Emphasis on originality, creativity, and compelling narratives or messages.
Relevance to Urban Life: Strong connection to the theme of urban environments and issues.
Technical Quality: Attention to production quality, including cinematography, sound, and editing.
Audience Impact: The emotional, intellectual, or social impact the film may have on the audience.
Notification:
Notification Date: All filmmakers will be notified of their selection status by 5/15/25.
Selected films will be announced on [Insert Date] on our website and social media platforms.
Terms and Conditions:
Copyright: The filmmaker(s) must own all the rights (including music) or have obtained permission for all the content in their submission.
No Withdrawals: Once submitted, films cannot be withdrawn from the festival.
Age of Filmmakers: Submissions are open to filmmakers of all ages, but those under 18 must provide parental or guardian’s consent.
Would you like to adjust any specific rules, such as submission fees or judging criteria?