1. Films are accepted via email or online with FilmFreeway.
2. Submitted films should be in digital media file format: MOV or MP4.
3a. Films considered for competition categories must be at least 1 minute long and not exceed 35 mins in length with titles & credits.
3b. The "Out of Competition" film category films may be 1 minute to 2 Hours long.
4. Films must reflect the Black Diaspora/African American /BIPOC experience and be created by an African American or a filmmaker of African Descent. The "Out of Competition" film category is also for films that do not meet the festival's main criteria, but Pulling Focus would like to include it in the Festival.
5. The general film category is open to international and national films, with special emphasis on the Midwest Region, independent filmmakers with short films produced by first-time filmmakers, student filmmakers, emerging independent filmmakers, or regional independent films produced by small production companies.
6. Awards and Official Selections are at the sole discretion of the jury and programming
committee and are based on the overall merits of the films. The selection committee
and jury's decisions are final.
7. If your film is selected, you allow us to use brief excerpts (stills & video clips) in
promotional and marketing campaigns for our competition. We are happy to use any
trailer you may have. We will not use any media from any films not selected as semi-
finalists, finalists, or winners.
8. Works in progress will not be accepted.
9. Each applicant must be the rightful owner of
submitted films and own all literary and musical rights.
10. Filmmakers may submit multiple entries, each of which must be submitted
separately.
11. The filmmaker will assume material and print shipping costs to The Pulling Focus
Film Festival (if necessary.).
12. The Pulling Focus Film Festival reserves the right to make necessary scheduling or
programming changes to the event.
* Please do not send press kits with your entry. We will contact you if we need Press
materials after selecting your film.
* Entrants agree to indemnify and hold us, including our volunteers, directors, sponsors,
and affiliates, harmless against all claims arising from entry or participation in The
Pulling Focus Film Festival.
* All responses by PFFF will be made by email. Official Selections will be contacted
approximately 21 days before the Festival.
* By submitting your film to The Pulling Focus Film Festival, you agree that you have
read, understood, and agree to all the Festival's, as mentioned above, rules and
guidelines.
*IF YOUR FILM IS SELECTED, YOU MUST COMPLY WITH OUR RULES AND REGULATIONS.
*Indemnification: Applicant and rightsholder shall, at all times, indemnify, defend and hold PFFF, Azubuike African American Council for The Arts INC, and their respective affiliates, officers, directors, judges, employees, service providers, contractors, and sponsors of the foregoing harmless from and against any and all claims, damages, penalties, liabilities, costs, and expenses including, reasonable counsel fees, arising out of or relating to: festival violations, omissions, violations of copyright.