Q: What’s your definition of a short and a feature?
A: Short films are 40 minutes or less. Feature length films are 41 minutes or longer. We will accept films anywhere from 1 minute to over 2 hours in length.
Q: Do you accept rough cuts?
A: Yes, but it should be 90% done. Please include a note in the cover letter and on the DVD case so that our screeners and programmers know exactly what work you've got left to do.
Q: What about temporary sound and music?
A: Yes, but it should be 90% done. Please include a note in the cover letter and on the DVD case so that our screeners and programmers know exactly what work you've got left to do.
Q: Do you accept music videos?
A: No.
Q: Do I have to obtain rights clearance for music or other copyrighted material in my film?
A: From a legal standpoint, you must clear all copyrighted material included in your film before you can publicly screen it. However, we do not check to make sure that you have cleared these materials, nor will we be held responsible for any inclusion of uncleared materials in your film. It is your responsibility to do so!
Q. When do you accept submissions?
A. We are accepting submissions now. Our deadline is July 1, 2013.
Q: What is your notification date?
A: Our deadline for submissions is July 1, 2013. We will begin notification mid-July.
Q: Do you have restrictions on national or regional premieres?
A: No.
Q: Is my film eligible if it has played online, or has been released on DVD?
A: We can program films that have played online and have had a DVD release, but would like to know the details. Please include this information with your submission.
Q: May I submit more than one film?
A: Yes.
Q: My film was made in 2008 - can I still submit it?
A: Yes. We do not have restrictions at this time on film date completion.
Q: What is your definition of a Student film?
A: Students must be, or have been, enrolled in an accredited school (K-12, undergrad, graduate) at the time of production. You do not need to be a student currently to submit your film.
Q: Do you accept international films?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you present awards?
A: Yes! Please see the list of our awards on our website.
Q: Will you return my screener to me?
A: ONLY IF YOU INCLUDE A SELF ADDRESSED STAMPED ENVELOPE AT THE TIME OF ENTRY.
Q: Why should I apply to your festival?
A: Because we LOVE filmmakers! And you’ll LOVE Sycamore! Accepted filmmakers receive complimentary lodging, and a VIP pass. You’ll also be part of contributing to an “Arts for the Arts” event that will help fund educational and community arts programs in need of our funding assistance. You’re supporting the Arts!
