Rules & Terms
TERMS are subject to change at the sole discretion of Hamilton Film Festival LTD.
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
It is recommended that you view this carefully and check off all the requirements and make notes, before submitting and/or contact us with questions.
WHAT WE ACCEPT
All film lengths and genres will be considered. Selection is at the final discretion of the programming team. If you submit a WEB SERIES, please submit it as a complete file. So if you have 6 episodes that are 10 minutes each, submit it under the 60min category. We will also accept single episodes such as a pilot episode.
PREMIERE STATUS
We require a Hamilton Ontario area premiere status. Films that have, or will, screen in the Hamilton area prior to this festival will not be selected. This includes private cast/crew screening in the area. Special circumstances may be considered. The festival is rapidly growing and your film will have greater publicity, and opportunities exclusive to HFF that you may miss out on. By considering our event as your first festival stop in the area, you are making a choice that will benefit your film, and connections. All selected films get an All-Access pass, opening up your visit to any opportunities we bring. And we do bring them! (Toronto is not included as being in our area) If you have questions about this, contact us.
We do not present films that are already available online unless you have been approved for submission in advance, OR that we have licensed a screening. Please contact us prior to submitting if your film is already available to the public online.
SCREENINGS
Films will screen theatrically, and a selection of films we select will have the opportunity to be broadcast on local Cable14, during the festival and geo-blocked.
OBLIGATIONS
Once a film is programmed in the FESTIVAL it may NOT be removed. If you want to remove your film you MUST do it before the final deadline. After the final deadline, a film is considered entered and we will begin programming immediately, at our discretion. You will get a FilmFreeway notification from us with possibly no further contact as to your inclusion in the festival. Please check you junk filters. Once a film is programmed, you will receive a welcome email from FilmFreeway via the HAMILTON FILM FESTIVAL with all the information you need to attend and any further materials we request.
MARKETING
We require that ALL feature films have a trailer and poster image at the time of the Notification Date. If you do not, that could result in our not selecting your project. We can't market your film, if you can't.
HAMILTON FILM FESTIVAL SCREENER FORMATS
We view online screeners only. No physical copies.
We will also NOT accept links through our social media channels. Everything MUST go exclusively through FilmFreeway. Do not email or DM us asking to watch your film, or asking us if it fits. If you want us to see it you MUST submit it.
EXHIBITION FORMATS FOR SELECTED FILMS
For shorts, file formats such at a high resolution prores mpeg, mov, QuickTime and your Film Freeway screener link may be sufficient in some cases. Features we require a DCP, or a DCP download link. We can create a DCP for you if you do not have one (included in your submission fee at no extra cost)
DCP is the primary option for feature length movies.
If you do not supply us with an Exhibition copy by the deadline, we will screen the version we have. Please note: If you want us to use a VIMEO for exhibition, make sure your profile allows the DOWNLOAD option once you are selected.
Delivery details will be listed in your acceptance letter and will include request for press access / screeners and links to excerpts for press.
SCREENING FEES
We are NOT a film circuit festival. If you are submitting as a distributor for the purpose of charging a screening fee, this is not the event for you. This year, we are looking for films that have no meaningful distribution.
WAIVER CODES
We are ONLY offering alumni waiver codes this year. Alumni can reach out to us for the code. We cannot accept any other waiver requests this festival year (2025).
PRESENTATION & NETWORKING
We are a truly independent film festival that very rarely receives any arts grants or loans. HFF operates similar to a Trade Show for exhibiting, networking, industry development and audience building. We are a service-based arts event. For those accepted, that service includes a theatrical screening in one of our amazing venues, up to $300 value access-pass to public screenings, promotion & visibility, post-fest alumni promotion, access to industry professionals, quality networking and engaging experiences. We also have prize opportunities, official laurels and some year-round opportunities that come our way! (For example, we have worked with the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra to book HFF alumni filmmakers who create original films to be screened with a live orchestra) We are also in touch year-round with many organizations and opportunities, and we look directly our alumni, to make these connect. All of the above are not guaranteed, and offered at the sole discretion of Hamilton Film Festival LTD. Terms may change, without notice. We are a Canadian Screen Award qualifier and a qualifier for the Directors Guild of Canada.
TRAVEL
The Hamilton Film Festival can not provide travel or lodging funds. You are encouraged to seek travel funds within your countries arts organizations. We will provide support letters if needed.
