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A program of

Call for Entries

Every autumn, VAFF showcases celebrated new features and documentaries, fresh perspectives on timeless classics, and local filmmakers from here in Virginia. Each year, VAFF brings in a fascinating selection of guests, from internationally acclaimed directors and actors to professors and leading cultural experts who lead discussions that stimulate, educate, and engage.

We are looking forward to celebrating 31 years of the Virginia Film Festival this November 1-4 in Charlottesville!

How to Submit Your Film

The 2018 Call for Entries is closed.

Accepted films will be eligible for category-specific Audience Awards and Programmer’s Awards. Virginia-based films are available for VAFF’s Commonwealth Award, which carries a cash prize of $1,000 for Best Virginia Feature Film, and $500 for Best Virginia Short Film.

Before submitting, please read through the details below and on our FilmFreeway listing.

If a film is accepted, press materials for the film will be required, which can include but may not be limited to: high-resolution publicity stills, filmmaker bio, or online trailer. The Virginia Film Festival does not offer “notes” or specific critique of any films not accepted for exhibition, and reserves the right to not accept a submission for any reason.

If you have any questions about submitting your film, please email vffsubmissions@virginia.edu

Deadlines & Submission Fees

Dates
Regular Deadline – June 11, 2018
Extended Deadline – July 23, 2018
Notification Date – October 1, 2018

Features (50 min. and above)
$35 – Regular Deadline
$50 – Extended Deadline
FREE for Virginia residents and students at VA schools

Shorts (under 50 min.)
$15 – Regular Deadline
$25 – Extended Deadline
FREE for Virginia residents and students at VA schools

Discounts for Students & VA Residents

Students outside Virginia are able to submit projects in all categories for a discounted rate of $10. In order to qualify, you must upload a scanned valid student ID with your project, and enter the discount code 18STUDENTVFF31UVA18 when you complete your submission on FilmFreeway.

Virginia residents (including students at VA schools) are eligible to have their entry fee waived. In order to receive the VA resident fee waiver, the address you list in your submission must be in Virginia, and you must enter the code 18VFF31UVAFREE when you complete your submission on FilmFreeway.

Virtual Reality

New this year,  VAFF will be including virtual reality and 360-degree short films in the Call for Entries. Narrative, non-fiction, experimental, and animated virtual reality projects will all be considered.  Accepted films will be showcased in our Virtual Reality Lab located on the Downtown Mall.

Submission Guidelines:
VAFF 2018 is seeking short films that experiment with the language of storytelling in virtual reality and 360-degree.

Length: Maximum length of 15 minutes may be submitted.

Platforms: The content should run in one of the following headsets: Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, or Google Cardboard. Make sure your submission easily works on a VR ready PC.

File Submission: Please provide a link to a 360° video file (.mp4) or a PC installation package (provide instructions on how we can download the PC installation packages). For VR projects, please also submit a video documentation or demonstration (.mp4) via FilmFreeway.

Language: All submissions must be in English. For submission in a non-English language, subtitles are required.