Most film & music genre are acceptable, but preferably submissions contain a positive, family friendly, uplifting message to engage, educate, inform, inspire and /or display Christian moral values. Clean comedy, films & music videos without profanity are appreciated. Thank you!
You must fully comply with these Entry Rules & Regulations, including all deadlines, film length, entry material and other requirements.
Submitted films must have been completed by January of the previous year (before current ECFF event date).
Non-English language works must have English subtitles at the time submitted.
Q: When does the entry submission process begin?
8 am CST the next day after the previous Film Festival event has ended.
A: When does the entry submission process close?
The Final entry submission portal will close at MIDNIGHT CST on final deadline date listed.
Q: Can I still apply if I am represented by an agent or manager? Yes, you are eligible to apply.
Q: Must I be a U.S. citizen in order to apply? No, but if you’re planning to attend you must have a current passport, flight arrangements & accommodations made ahead of time. ECFF cannot aid you in obtaining these. You must already have the appropriate documents prior to the event .
Q: What if I am out of the country during the application window?
We recommend that you find a computer with a strong internet connection, figure out the time difference between countries, and apply. If you get your application in before the deadline date & time, your submission will be entered.
Professional Filmmakers must be able to provide Pro Res files or equivalent for screening.
Amateurs filmmakers must be able to provide a high quality resolution file for screening
Completed films are encouraged and incomplete films are not assured acceptance.
Entrant will allow usage of clips and images from the film for promotional use on television, radio, online, print, and at live Emerald Coast Film Festival events.
Entrant confirms and warrants required legal authority to submit the entry into the ECFF and to use all music, images, and content in the entry.
The entrant warrants that the submitted film does not infringe upon the intellectual property rights of any person or entity and agree to hold harmless and fully indemnify and defend the festival and its representatives against any and all claims made for such infringement or any other violations of law.
The Emerald Coast Film Festival does not pay screening fees.
Paying a submission fee does not guarantee acceptance. Quality of content is of most value.
All projects which received FEE ENTRY WAIVERS must attend to receive their awards and/or pay for cost of award, shipping and handling. Note: Award certificates cannot be sent to those who reside in a sanctioned country that the US is not delivering mail to; but ECFF will acknowledge your award winning entry at the Festival and on social media.
Feature films should not be available online before the festival. Films with VOD, Tv, free public streaming, or theatrical screening other than cast and crew are not eligible for competition. We also prefer shorts that are not available publicly..
Student film entries must include proof of student age status at the time of production (i.e., copy of student photo ID, transcript, drivers license or passport if you’re an international student, at time of entry.
REMEMBER Sexually explicit content, excessive violence and excessive
profanity ARE "STRICTLY PROHIBITED";
• Entrants should be present or have a team member present at the festival to receive their award; but considerations will be made for those living out of state or outside of the US, but in such situations entrants will be responsible for postage if a trophy is awarded & an acceptance video or live steam statement of acceptance is required for the Emerald Coast Film Festival audience.
• Sponsors and Film Festival fees are Non-Refundable; and
• Film Submission fees are Non-Refundable. We cannot be responsible for instances outside of our control including storms, hurricanes etc. Once an entry
payment has been processed we cannot provide a refund.
• Filmmakers must be at least twelve years of age but may include younger child actors;
• Competition is open to filmmakers in the United States and abroad.
**All non-refundable fees will go towards Emerald Coast Film Festival programs for the education and support of Interns interested in faith-based filmmaking.
Submission Instructions. Please follow carefully:
E-mail all information about your entry to EmeraldCoastFilmFestival@gmail.com & submit fees via Venmo, Cash app, PayPal or...
1. Create a Project on FilmFreeway. Log in to your FilmFreeway account and click 'My Projects', then 'Add New Project'. Thoroughly complete the details on this page. Make sure you have selected 'Film/Video' as 'Project Type' in Section 1.
After you have created and saved a Project, you can revisit this page by going to 'My Projects', then clicking 'Edit'.
2. Upload your film. Go to 'My Projects', then 'Project File' to upload.
3. Attach your résumé / credits. Go to My Projects, click 'View', then click 'Add a File' in the 'Files and Attachments' section to upload your résumé.
4. Click 'Submit Now' on this page: https://filmfreeway.com/EmeraldCoastFilmFestival-1
Make sure to answer to ALL questions during the checkout process.
5. Candidates are required to supply the following through the FilmFreeway portal:
• Resume or Bio
* Directors Photo and Promotional materials/photos
• Your work (see below for types of films accepted)
• Agreement of terms and conditions
Q: Will waivers be offered and accepted?
In certain cases fee waivers and deadline waivers will be accepted.
The Emerald Coast Film Festival reserves the right to change these rules if necessary to benefit the Festival, it’s staff and or attendees.
🌴🌴🌴 Note: The Emerald Coast Film Festival is in association with “A Resting Place Retreat Center” which is eco-friendly & Christian faith based organization. The vision is for us to make a positive difference in the world together via friendships, community outreaches, our environment, music and Film” ~ Dianna Chenevert Founder /Visionary of “A Resting Place Retreat Center” & the “Emerald Coast Film Festival”
