SIMI Music Video Fest

SIMI Music Video Fest 2026 – Submission Rules & Terms
Eligibility

Duration: Music videos must be under 6 minutes in length, including credits.

Premiere Policy: There is no premiere requirement; videos may have been previously screened or released.

Production Year: Music videos from any production year are eligible.

Distribution: There are no restrictions regarding distribution or streaming availability.

Submission

Selection Process: Submitting your music video does not guarantee selection. All entries will be reviewed by a panel of judges, and selections will be based on creativity, originality, artistic merit, and technical quality.

Waiver Codes: Submission fee waivers are not offered. However, discount codes may be available for:

Current students enrolled in an accredited academic institution (proof of enrollment required).

Ventura County residents or production companies based in Ventura County.
To inquire, email: director@simimvf.com
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Permissions: Submitters must have full rights and clearances for all visual and musical elements in their video. It is the submitter’s responsibility to ensure proper licensing and permissions for all content.

Liability: By submitting, you release the SIMI Music Video Fest (SIMIMVF) and the SIMI Film Fest from any liability regarding ownership disputes or rights issues.

DCP Requirement

All officially selected music videos are required to be submitted as a Digital Cinema Package (DCP) for exhibition.
We are proud to partner with The Archetype Company (Burbank, CA) to provide a special discounted rate for SIMI Music Video Fest participants who need a DCP created.

Using a DCP ensures the highest quality and consistency on the large screens and surround sound systems at our festival venues — allowing your work to be experienced as intended, with full cinematic impact.

Official selection notifications will include DCP delivery deadlines, along with details for any required materials such as still images, press information, and social media handles. All deadlines must be met to ensure inclusion in the festival program.

Awards & Judging

Judges’ Decision: The judges’ decisions are final. Evaluation criteria include concept execution, creativity, performance, and technical excellence.

Awards: Awards will be given across multiple categories, as announced on the festival page prior to the event.

Fees & Refunds

Entry Fees: All entry fees are non-refundable.

Payment: Submission fees must be paid through FilmFreeway at the time of submission.

General

Changes to Entries: Once submitted, entries cannot be modified or replaced. Please ensure your submission is final.

Festival Dates and Venue: The festival reserves the right to adjust event dates or venues. Any changes will be communicated to selected participants.

Promotion: Selected videos may be included in festival promotional materials, such as trailers, social media posts, and press releases.

Ethical Conduct

We embrace artistic freedom and value bold creative expression. However, submissions must respect legal and ethical boundaries:

Permissible Content: Nudity and explicit language are acceptable when used artistically and not exploitatively.

Prohibited Content: Videos must not include illegal material, promote hate speech, incite violence, or intentionally provoke political or social hostility. Entries violating these guidelines will be disqualified.

The SIMI Music Video Fest aims to cultivate a creative, inclusive, and respectful environment that honors the diversity of artistic vision in music video production.

We can’t wait to see your creativity on the big screen.