Curated Shorts Submission

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

We are seeking high-quality, original short films that tell great stories and push boundaries in the areas of innovation, exploration, emotional impact, and technical proficiency. We are particularly interested in films that break new ground and challenge our perspectives, that explore new territories and themes, and that engage us emotionally and aesthetically.

To be considered for selection, your film must meet the following requirements:

Length: Your film must be 40 minutes or less. While we welcome films of all lengths, we generally prefer shorter films (10 minutes or less) and may be more selective with longer films (over 15 minutes).
Premiere Status: There is no premiere requirement for submission, but we give preference to films that have not yet premiered online. If your film has already premiered elsewhere, please let us know in your submission.
Rights and Releases: You must have secured all necessary rights and releases for your film, including music and other copyrighted materials.
Viewing Status: Your film must be free for audiences to view. We do not accept films that require payment or subscription to access.

To submit your film, please either use Film Freeway method or our submission for on our website:

A completed online submission form, including a brief summary of your film, your contact information, and any relevant credits and awards.
A digital screener of your film, in a format that we can view online or download. Please make sure that your screener is of good quality and free of any technical issues.
Any additional materials that you feel would be helpful in evaluating your film, such as a trailer, stills, or a director's statement.

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EVALUATION CRITERIA

We seek great stories that break new ground and have us thinking about things in a new way. We also look for films that stir us emotionally and exhibit great skill and craftsmanship. Our selection process is based on these attributes. To get a sense of our taste, we encourage filmmakers to watch the short films in our collection and see what we have curated in the past.

We will review all submissions and select films for inclusion based on their quality, originality, and fit with our programming goals. If your film is selected, we will contact you with further instructions and information about how we will present your film online. Please note that we are not able to provide feedback on all submissions, but we will do our best to offer constructive comments on selected films.

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REFUND POLICY

Unfortunately, we are unable to refund submission fees once a film has been submitted. Filmmakers should be sure that they want to submit their film before doing so. The submission fee is paid for the film to be considered, and does not guarantee acceptance. If a film is not accepted, the submission fee will not be refunded. We receive thousands of submissions every year and are only able to accept a small percentage (2-3%) of them.

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IF YOUR FILM IS SELECTED

f your film is accepted, we will work with you to determine the best release date. In the meantime, we will analyze your film in terms of directing, cinematography, storytelling, and authenticity. Once everything is in place, we will promote the premiere or showcasing of your film along with our analysis of the film. Also we will a screening campaign with our film programmers and in social media.

This will involve getting your film in front of audiences on major platforms such as YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, and Twitter, and seeding it with key media and industry players. As the selected filmmaker, you will have the opportunity to specify a preferred launch date for your film, and we will do our best to accommodate with advanced notice. You will also have the chance to share your preferences, hopes, and goals as a filmmaker with us.

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We look forward to seeing your work and sharing it with our audience!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here's where the FAQ content will go once it's available:

What is best time submit my film?

You have the freedom to decide when to release your film online after submitting it to our platform. You can submit your film at any time, even if it is not yet fully completed or has not finished its festival run. Some filmmakers even choose to submit their films before they are finished in order to get a head start on release planning. It is not necessary to wait for feedback from other festivals or to finish screenings before submitting your film. We encourage you to submit your film as soon as possible to give yourself ample time for release planning.

Will releasing my film online hurt my chances at film festivals?

In most cases, we do not require exclusivity or premiere status to feature your film. However, if your film is currently on its festival run, we recommend reaching out to us so that we can work together to determine the best premiere or online release date.

What happens if my films get selected?

If your film is accepted, we will work with you to determine the best release date. In the meantime, we will analyze your film in terms of directing, cinematography, storytelling, and authenticity. Once everything is in place, we will promote the premiere or showcasing of your film along with our analysis of the film.

What happens if my film is rejected? Will I receive feedback with my submission?

Yes, if your film is not accepted, we will provide feedback as part of the submission fee. Our team watches every film carefully and provides personalized feedback on why it was not accepted.

If my film is selected, when will it be showcased on your platform?

We recommend that filmmakers submit their films as early as possible in order to have a better understanding of their release options. If your film is accepted, we will work with you to schedule a release date that fits your plans.

Can I submit a Non-English spoken films?

Absolutely! we are all about international filmmaking but please remember to include English subtitles either as burned in sub or closed captions.

If my film is already available online, can I still submit it to your platform?

It is not a problem if your film has already been released or screened elsewhere. Curated Shorts does not require exclusivity or premiere status to feature your film, although we do prioritize premiere releases.

Can I submit a web series?

No. We are looking for Short films and documentaries at the moments

Where do I need to upload my film for the submission process?

We recommend uploading films to either Vimeo or YouTube. If your film has not yet been released, please ensure that it remains private by setting a password on Vimeo or marking it as unlisted on YouTube.

Please note that when viewers watch films on our website, you will receive the traffic and view time on your platform. Unlike many other festivals, our platform is designed to showcase your film and increase your viewer numbers.

How long until I hear back?

7 days from the submission date.

Do you grant fee waivers?

Not at this time.

Can I get a refund?

Please be aware that your submission fee is non-refundable. It is important to carefully consider whether you want to submit your film before paying the fee. Please note that acceptance into the Curated Shorts is not guaranteed, even if you pay the submission fee. We receive a large number of submissions each year and is only able to accept a small percentage of them.

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So you've made it!

You have given birth to an artwork that took you through an emotional, financial, and physical storm until you got it. You’ve created your film, and as Kubrick put it:

^‍^{“Anyone who has ever been privileged to direct a film also knows that, although it can be like trying to write War and Peace in a bumper car at an amusement park when you finally get it right, there are not many joys in life that can equal the feeling.”}_{Stanley Kubrick}

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"Are you ready to challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of traditional storytelling? We believe that great films have the power to inspire, empower, spark change and ignite imagination. If you have a film that is bold, daring, and unafraid to take risks, we want to see it. Don't hold back - this is your chance to share your vision with the world and make a lasting impact. Submit your film now and join the ranks of the most innovative and thought-provoking filmmakers in the industry."