FAQ'sThank you for your interest in submitting your film to the 2010 Phoenix International Christian Film Festival. The information in this document should tell you everything you need to know about the applications process. If you have a question that is not covered in this document, please e-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
When are the submission deadlines and what are the fees?EARLY SUBMISSION DEADLINE: March 20, 2010 – $20 ENTRY FEE
April 20, 2010 – $30 ENTRY FEE
May 20, 2010 – $40 ENTRY FEE
June 25, 2010 – $50 ENTRY FEE
What is the difference between your submission genres?During the submission process, you must select from one of thirteen submission genres, listed below.
Any narrative work of fiction with a running time of up to 120 minutes – this includes films that are shot in a “mockumentary” style. In order to qualify as a Narrative Feature Film, the submitted project must be either scripted or improvisational fiction.
Any animated narrative work of fiction with a running time of up to 120 minutes.
Any non-fiction film with a running time of up to 120 minutes – this does NOT include entirely scripted or improvised fictionalizations of actual events. However, if your documentary contains some dramatization of actual events, you may submit in this category.
Any narrative work of fiction with a running time of less than 10 minutes – includes films that are shot in a “mockumentary” style. In order to qualify as a Narrative Short Film, the submitted project must be either scripted or improvisational fiction.
Any animated narrative work of fiction with a running time of less than 10 minutes.
Any non-fiction film with a running time of less than 10 minutes – this does NOT include entirely scripted or improvised fictionalizations of actual events. However, if your documentary contains some dramatization of actual events, you may submit in this category.
One episode of a web series with a running time of less than 20 minutes – this includes narrative, animated, or documentary episodes.
An original music video with a running time of less than 5 minutes – filmmaker must have rights to performance and music transmission.
These would be 30-second or 60-second advertising spots with an inspirational or morality message.
MOST INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE
A real life unscripted encounter where God is introduced or discussed, with a running time of less than 5 minutes. For example, it may include street preaching, witnessing, prophetic, dream interpretation, or healing.
An original film trailer with a running time of less than 5 minutes.
An original TV pilot with a running time of less than 60 minutes.
An original TV commercial spot with a running time of 30 seconds or 60 seconds.
How do you distinguish short films from feature films?If the film is less than 10 minutes in length, it is a Short. If the film is 10:01 minutes or longer, it is considered a Feature.
Will PICFF screen my film if it has been screened elsewhere?Yes. The PICFF is about discovering new talent and fresh works of positive and uplifting film and video. To that end, we prefer to play films that are making a USA or international premiere. But, if your film has been screened elsewhere it may still qualify for consideration.
Can I submit my film as a rough cut?Yes. Films submitted to PICFF can be unfinished versions with incomplete or temporary sound, missing scenes, no credits or titles, unfinished effects, etc. However, it does need to be complete enough for us to be able to make a decision. If you expect that your final version will be 120 minutes, it’s probably not a good idea to send us a 45-minute rough cut. Whenever possible, you should provide an on-screen description of missing scenes or elements. If an on-screen description is not possible, we will also accept detailed notes on paper that include specific time code references for each missing element.
How old can my film be and still qualify for submission?Any film submitted for PICFF 2010 consideration must have been completed in either 2008 or 2009. If your film was completed before 2008, it is no longer eligible for submission. If your film’s production took place before 2008 but your final cut was not completed until 2008 or 2009, your film is still eligible.
My film has aired on television. Can I still submit it?Yes. If your film has been broadcast in the USA or internationally, you are still eligible.
Do I have to obtain rights clearance for music or other copyrighted material in my film?Yes. From a legal standpoint, you must clear all copyrighted material included in your film before you can publicly screen it. It is the sole responsibility of the filmmaker submitting the project to secure permission from the copyright holder of the material in question, whether it is music, stock footage, or any other elements that could violate an existing copyright. Quite often, rights holders offer reduced rates for festival films, so you should contact them directly to avoid any possible rights infringements.
Can I submit my film with a temporary music track?Yes. Temp tracks, scratch music, and temp scores are perfectly fine for your submission, but please include a paper list of missing or temporary elements along with your submitted DVD.
What is your preferred format for submission?Films should be submitted to us on a single DVD-R or DVD+R disc only. We would prefer that your DVD be sent in a simple paper CD/DVD sleeve in order to cut down on waste. Once we receive your DVD, the case or sleeve will be recycled, so it doesn’t matter what type of packaging you use to submit your DVD. DVDs must be compatible with standard set-top DVD players. Do not simply burn a QuickTime or AVI file to a disc as data. Please ensure that your disc plays in a standard DVD player before you mail it to us!
Do you accept any of the high-definition DVD formats?Submissions can only be accepted in standard DVD format. If your film is chosen for festival screening it may be displayed in high definition.
Will you accept submissions in VHS format?PICFF does not accept submissions on VHS, not even for backup purposes. All VHS tapes we receive will be recycled.
Will you accept submissions in any other format?No! Please do not send us your film on Beta, Mini-DV, HD-CAM, 16mm, 35mm, or any other format. We will not be able to watch or return them!
Can I send you my DVD in pal format, or do you accept NTSC only?It is highly preferred that you send an NTSC, Region 1 or region free (Region 0) DVD when submitting, but we will also accept PAL and SECAM formats as well. If you are sending a DVD that has a region code other than 0 or 1, and/or a format other than NTSC, please mark this CLEARLY on the disc AND on the DVD case.
Can I arrange a screening of my film instead of sending a DVD?No. Our judges can only screen films submitted on DVD.
If my film includes non-English dialogue, do you require English subtitles?PICFF will be unable to screen your film if on-screen English subtitles or an English dubbed soundtrack are not included on your DVD. A translated list of dialogue on paper is not sufficient!
What should I include with my submission?After you have completed the online application, print it and include it with your DVD. We ask that you do not send printed press or promotional materials to us. If we need a press kit, a movie poster or photographs, we will contact you. Please do not use a paper label on your DVD! There are many different variables with stickers and paper labels that could render your DVD unplayable. A permanent marker (such as a Sharpie) will work just fine to identify your film and contact info. DVDs with text or graphics printed directly on the surface are also acceptable. Please print your film’s title and your contact email directly on the face of the disc AND on the outside of the envelope that you send it in!
What happens if you are unable to get my DVD to play?We will make every effort to play your DVD, but in the event that we are unable to view your film, we will contact you to request another copy using the primary contact information that you provided on your submission. However, there is no guarantee that we will get your replacement disc in time, and we must give preference to those who sent in a working copy to begin with. For this reason, we ask that you make absolutely sure that your disc plays all the way through BEFORE you submit it to us.
Will you notify me when you receive my film?Due to the volume of submissions we receive, we are unable to notify each individual person when we receive his or her film. It is your responsibility to make sure that your package makes its way to our office. Once your film has been marked as received in our system, you will be able to log into your account at www.withoutabox.com and see that it has been marked as such. Alternately, you may also include a self-addressed, stamped postcard, which we will mail back to you once your submission has been processed. Due to the volume of submissions we receive, we ask that you allow up to three weeks for us to process your submission.
Can I submit a newer cut of my film after I’ve already submitted an earlier version?To avoid confusion throughout the screening process, we would prefer that you only send us ONE version of your film. PICFF can only guarantee that the FIRST version of your film will be viewed. If you expect to have a more complete cut done before the final deadline passes, you should wait until that time to initially submit your film to us. If your film is chosen for screening at the festival, you will be contacted and be able to display the final version.
Must i submit online, or can I fax or mail my application form instead?All submissions must fill out the online application at www.christianfilmfest.org or by using www.withoutabox.com. Once you finish all required fields on the online application form you must print it out and include with your DVD. If you are having trouble with the online form, please e-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and we will be glad to help guide you through the process.
How many films can I submit?You may submit as many films as you’d like, but you need to send an individual submission form and submission fee with each DVD. We do not offer reduced fees for multiple submissions. If you submit three films, you must pay the submission fees for all three of them. Please do not submit multiple projects on the same DVD. If we receive a submission with multiple films on one DVD, we will only consider the first film included.
What if my contact information or anything else about my submission changes after I’ve filled out the application?You may log into your account at www.withoutabox.com at any time to update or revise your application.
When will I find out if my film was selected for screening?We will contact you via email during the first week of July, 2010. Please make sure that the email address you provide on your application will be operational at that time. If your email address changes, you may log into your account at www.withoutabox.com and update it at any time.
Does PICFF project digitally at the festival?Yes. Our required digital projection format is HDCAM 1080i 59.94 (NTSC), 16:9 (1:1.78), with no anamorphic squeeze, or HDCAM 720p 59.94 (NTSC), 16:9 (1:1.78), with no anamorphic squeeze. For audio, we require either standard stereo or LTRT on channels 1 & 2, and have been able to accommodate Dolby E mixes on channels 3 & 4. If your film was shot on DVCAM you can make a transfer to one of our preferred formats.
Does it matter if my film is low budget and doesn't feature any celebrities?Absolutely not! We select a wide array of projects without prejudice. Furthermore, we depend on unknown filmmakers to uphold our mission to bless, celebrate, and encourage the production and distribution of films and media expressions that feature Godly Kingdom values and shine as reminders that love is real, hope exists, and there is always an answer. If your submission is paid in full and there are no playability issues with your DVD, your film will be screened in its entirety and given the same level of consideration as any other film that is sent to us. Discovering new talent and fresh voices rank amongst our top priorities.
Is there a screenplay competition at the festival?We do not currently have a screenplay competition, nor do we accept screenplay submissions. While we do award a screenwriting prize, it is only open to completed films playing in one of our competition genres.
What types of films are you looking for? What stands out?We celebrate interesting and original storytelling. Positive themes, films that elevate, comedy, drama, witty or whimsical, children’s entertainment, nourishing and life affirming stories, stories that explore the human journey in a hopeful manner, thought provoking films, entertaining, uplifting and heartwarming, and educational films.
If my film is not chosen, may I speak with someone for notes or feedback?Unfortunately, not. With so many film submissions, it isn't viable for us to correspond with each individual applicant in this regard.
When does the 2010 Phoenix International Christian Film Festival take place?The Festival will take place at the Fiesta Resort and Convention Center, Tempe, Arizona, on August 23 - 28, 2010. We hope to see you there! |
