2012 MSFF SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

- All entries must be written and/or directed by students 14-22 years old. Entries with adult involvement in any capacity besides class instructor or acting in the film are not eligible.

- Students who currently reside or attend school within the IL counties of Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, or Winnebago must submit for the regional categories as listed on the submission form.

- Students who reside and attend a school outside of the regional area must submit in the At-Large categories as listed on the submission form.

- Entries received with uncompleted information will not be considered.

- Each filmmaker may submit up to, and no more than, three (3) films. A $5.00 entry fee in US currency and separate submission form is required for each film entered.

- Film duration must be between 5 seconds and 30 minutes including credits and opening sequences.

- Filmmakers should keep in mind that the festival is an all ages & family event. Excessive profanity, crude jokes, sexual content, violence, etc., will decrease the chances of your film being shown in the festival.

- Films should be G or PG rated in content (www.MPAA.org) and final decisions on content are at the ultimate discretion of the preliminary judges who will be previewing the films before the event.

- Entrants must obtain the rights to any copyrighted images, songs, or compositions used in the film*

- Films should either be in English or have English subtitles.

- All editing must be done before submitting the film. No rough cuts allowed.

- Films must be submitted or postmarked by June 16th, 2012 via DVD or High Quality QuickTime file (DO NOT SEND IN YOUR MASTER COPY - the copy you submit will not be returned.)

- Films must have been made on or after January 1st, 2011. - Once films have been received, no substitutions or newer versions will be accepted.



*Submissions that have copyrighted material in them (i.e. music) must have usage rights from the publisher a/o composer, including that which you or a friend may have composed for the film. As a student filmmaker, publishers and composers will often work with you to allow you to use their song in your film free of charge, but require a formal release. This is a process that all filmmakers must go through when obtaining rights for their films, and itʼs also a healthy exercise in networking and creating connections that may open doors for you in the future. MSFF is not responsible for ensuring youʼve obtained all copyright permissions.



NOTE: Submitting a film does not ensure its spot in the festival. Once your film has been submitted, it will be presented to the MSFF preliminary judges who will judge the films on content and excellence. The jury will determine the best short films to be shown in the festival, from which they will then choose award winners. You will be notified of whether your film has been accepted or not in the week before the festival. All awards will be presented the night of the festival.



Once you think you're ready, download the 2012 submission form and send in your film!