Festival Rules & Guidelines
Welcome to the Ottawa Independent Short Film Festival. To ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for all participants, please carefully review our submission rules and guidelines. Adherence to these rules is mandatory for all entries.
Eligibility
Films must be 30 minutes or less in length. They must have been completed within the last two years and not previously submitted to our festival.
Duration
Short films should have a maximum runtime of 30 minutes, including credits. Films exceeding this limit will not be considered.
Format
We accept films in various digital formats. Please submit your film in the highest quality possible, preferably in 1080p or 4K resolution.
Categories
Films can be submitted in the following categories: Fiction, Documentary, Animation, and Experimental. Please choose the most appropriate category for your film.
Submission Fees
| Submission Period | Dates | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Early Bird | January 1 - March 31, 2025 | $25 |
| Regular | April 1 - June 30, 2025 | $35 |
| Late | July 1 - August 31, 2025 | $45 |
Submission Deadlines
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Early Bird Deadline | March 31, 2025 |
| Regular Deadline | June 30, 2025 |
| Late Deadline | August 31, 2025 |
| Notification Date | October 15, 2025 |
| Festival Dates | November 10-15, 2025 |
Filmmaker Experience
At the Ottawa Independent Short Film Festival, we strive to provide an exceptional experience for all participating filmmakers. Here's what you can expect when you submit your film:
- Thorough and fair evaluation of your work by our expert panel of judges
- Opportunity to have your film screened to a diverse, enthusiastic audience
- Networking opportunities with fellow filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts
- Constructive feedback on your submission (upon request)
- Potential for awards and recognition in various categories
- Exposure to international audiences and industry professionals
Selected filmmakers will be invited to attend the festival, participate in Q&A sessions, and engage with our vibrant film community. We believe in nurturing talent and providing a platform for emerging voices in cinema.
By submitting to our festival, you're not just entering a competition – you're becoming part of a supportive, passionate community of filmmakers and film lovers.
Additional Guidelines
- All films must have English subtitles if the original language is not English.
- Filmmakers must have all necessary rights and clearances for music, footage, and other copyrighted material used in their films.
- We encourage diverse and inclusive storytelling. Films promoting hate speech or discrimination will not be accepted.
- Multiple submissions from the same filmmaker are allowed, but each film requires a separate submission.
- Selected filmmakers will be notified via email and must confirm their participation within a week of notification.
Submission Process
- Create an account on our submission platform.
- Fill out the submission form with all required information about your film and team.
- Upload your film file or provide a secure streaming link.
- Pay the submission fee (if applicable).
- Review and accept the festival's terms and conditions.
- Submit your entry and await confirmation.
Ready to Submit Your Film?
If you've read and understood our rules and guidelines, we look forward to seeing your work!