Rules | Terms and Conditions

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Submissions are only accepted through FIlmfreeway. We do not accept email or physical submissions under any circumstances.

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1.Eligibility Criteria
– Film Categories: We accept submissions in the following categories:

• Short Film (up to 20 mins) - including live action, animation and non-fiction.

• Short Comedy Film (up to 20 mins) - including live action and animation.

• Women in Film (up to 20 mins) -  including live action, animation and non-fiction. Each film entered must have significant contributions from female or female identifying key crew members. (Key crew members include writer, director, producer,  cinematographer,  editor,  production designer).

• Short Horror Film (up to 20 mins) - including live action and animation.

• Music Video (up to 10 mins)

• Minority Filmmakers (up to 20 mins) - including live action, animation and non-fiction. Each film entered must have significant contributions from minority groups, whether in the cast, crew, or both. (Minority groups include, but are not limited to, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual and gender minorities, and disability).

• Best Student Short Film (up to 20 mins) - including live action, animation and non-fiction. Each film must have significant contributions from key crew team members who are still in education. (Key crew members include writer, director, producer,  cinematographer,  editor,  production designer).

• Lancashire Filmmakers Short Film (up to 20 mins) - including live action, animation and non-fiction. Each submission must have a Lancashire Postcode for one or more key crew member(s)). (Key crew members include writer, director, producer,  cinematographer,  editor,  production designer).

 

– Year of Production: Films must have been completed since 1st January 2022.

– Premier Status: We do not require premiere status.

– Previous Submissions: Films that have previously been submitted to the festival are not eligible unless significant changes have been made.

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2. Film Length:
– Must not exceed 20 minutes for short films, or 10 minutes for music videos, including credits.

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3. Language Requirements:
– Films not in English must include English subtitles.

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4. Submission Format:
– All films must be submitted as digital files. Please ensure the film is in a high-quality digital format (.mp4 or .mov).
– Physical copies or physical media are not accepted.

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5. Copyright and Permissions:
– The filmmaker must hold all necessary rights for the film, including music and other media used within the film.
– By submitting, filmmakers acknowledge they have full rights to the film, and indemnify Dragonfly International Film Festival from any legal claims regarding intellectual property rights.

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6. Selection Process:
– Dragonfly International Film Festival reserves the right to disqualify films that do not adhere to the submission  guidelines, without the refund of any associated fees or expenses.
– If selected, filmmakers will be notified by email and must submit promotional materials (e.g., poster, trailer) within the given deadline.

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7. Screening and Exhibition:
– Winning films from each film category will be screened during the festival, which will take place in Preston, Lancashire UK, on 7th March 2026.

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8. Submission Fees:
– Fees are non-refundable and must be paid at the time of submission.
– Special discounts or fee waivers may be offered under specific circumstances, which will be announced through our official channels.

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9. Other Rules:
– Dragonfly International Film Festival reserves the right to use up to 30 seconds of your film for promotional purposes.
– All decisions regarding selection and awards are final and non-negotiable.

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10. Code of Conduct:
– Dragonfly International Film Festival is committed to creating an inclusive, respectful environment for all participants. Discrimination or harassment of any kind will not be tolerated, and will result in immediate disqualification without the refund of any associated fees or expenses.
– By submitting your film, you agree to comply with Dragonfly International Film Festival’s code of conduct and festival rules.