Festival Rules and Submission Guidelines

• The Cine Lovers Film Festival invites filmmakers from around the world to submit their short films for consideration. To ensure a smooth and fair submission process, please carefully review and follow the rules outlined below:

  1. Submission Platform:

     All film submissions must be made through our official submission partner, FilmFreeway. This online platform allows filmmakers to easily submit their work and track the progress of their submission.

     Submissions made through any other platform or by email will not be considered.

  2. Film Length:

     The total running time of the short film, including credits, must not exceed 30 minutes.

     We welcome films of any length under this time limit, from micro-shorts to fully developed short narratives, as long as they fall within the allotted 30 minutes.

  3. Genre:

     Films of any genre are accepted, allowing for a diverse range of storytelling styles, including but not limited to: Narrative, Experimental, Documentary, Animated, Music Videos, Advertisements, and Student Films. We encourage filmmakers to submit films that push creative boundaries and explore bold ideas.

  4. Language:

     Films can be produced in any language. However, films that are not in English must include English subtitles. Subtitles are mandatory to ensure that non-English films can be understood and appreciated by a global audience, as well as our jury and attendees. Please ensure subtitles are accurate and well-synced with dialogue to maintain the integrity of the film.

  5. Multiple Submissions:

     Multiple entries from the same filmmaker or production team are welcome. If you have created more than one short film, feel free to submit each for consideration. However, each submission must be made individually through FilmFreeway, following the same rules and guidelines.

  6. Entry Fee:

     The Cine Lovers Film Festival is proud to offer no entry fee for film submissions. We believe in making the festival accessible to filmmakers of all backgrounds, allowing creativity and artistic expression to flourish without financial barriers. There is also no screening fee, meaning films selected for live screenings will be shown at no additional cost to the filmmaker.

  7. Submission Deadlines:

     Please ensure that your film is submitted before the official deadline listed on FilmFreeway. Late submissions may not be accepted unless specifically stated by the festival organizers.

  8. Film Rights:

     By submitting your film, you affirm that you hold the rights to all content within the film, including music, sound, and visuals. Any copyrighted material used in the film must have the proper licenses and permissions.

  9. Originality:

     Only original films will be accepted. Submissions should not infringe on the intellectual property of others or violate any laws. Plagiarized work or films found to have unauthorized content will be disqualified from the festival.

  10. Technical Specifications:

  • Films must be submitted in an acceptable digital format. Please follow the technical requirements on FilmFreeway for resolution, aspect ratio, and file types to ensure your film can be reviewed and screened without technical difficulties.

  11. Selection and Screening:

  • Films selected for the festival will be shortlisted and screened at the Cine Lovers Film Festival. Filmmakers will be notified via the contact information provided on their FilmFreeway account.

  • If your film is shortlisted, you may be required to provide additional promotional materials, such as a synopsis, stills from the film, or a filmmaker bio, to help with festival marketing.

  By adhering to these rules, you ensure that your film is eligible for consideration in one of the world’s most vibrant celebrations of independent cinema. We look forward to viewing your submissions and showcasing the incredible stories you have to share.