Pensacon Short Film Festival

Entry Rules

• Films must have been produced after January 1, 2011.
• Films must have a running time no longer than 20 minutes.
• Genres—science fiction, fantasy, horror, superhero/comic book related, nerd culture.  Live action narrative, animation, and documentaries are all acceptable.
• Films may contain “R-rated” content, but no pornography.
• It is permissible to enter films that have screened at other film festivals, but not commercially distributed.

Dates and Fees

• Early Deadline – August 15, 2014                             $20.00
• Regular Deadline – September 12, 2014                    $25.00
• Late Deadline – October 10, 2014                            $30.00
• Notification Date – December 15, 2014
• Screener Submission Date – January 31, 2015
• Screening Date – February 27, 2015
• Add 3% processing fee to all entry fees

Submission Procedures

• Upload an online screener.  Vimeo is preferred but YouTube is also acceptable.  It is suggested that links to videos are password protected.  Physical media is not accepted for submissions.
• Complete the online submission form and provide a link to the online screener, including password if applicable.
• Once Pensacon staff receives the submission form, a confirmation email will be sent to the filmmaker with information regarding payment.

Selection Process

• Official Selections will be determined by Pensacon staff based on a number of factors, including but not limited to genre, content, quality of filmmaking, and time allotment.  All decisions are final.
• Pensacon staff and their families are ineligible to enter.
• All Official Selections will be announced via email to the filmmakers and on the Pensacon website and social media on December 15, 2014.

Additional Info

• A screener copy of all official selections must be received by Pensacon no later than January 31, 2015 or will be disqualified from participating.  Films man be submitted on Blu-ray disc, DVD, or digital media file.  Specific information will be provided to filmmakers upon acceptance into the festival.
• Filmmakers are to provide a synopsis and movie poster. By January 21, 2015.  No other publicity material required.
• Non-English language films must be subtitled in English.
• All Official Selections of the Pensacon Short Film Festival will be shown during a special screening during Pensacon weekend.
• One representative for each film chosen as an Official Selection will be provided a free weekend pass to Pensacon and is invited to attend the screening and participate in a Q&A session immediately following the screening.
• Admission to the screening will be free to anyone attending Pensacon.  Due to the possible content of the films, anyone under the age of 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• The following awards will be presented on the night of the screening:
  • Best in Show – determined by Pensacon staff
  • Jury Award – awarded by a panel of filmmakers and celebrity guests
  • Audience Award – voted on by members of the audience during the screening

Winning filmmakers are invited to participate in an independent filmmaker panel discussion during Pensacon.

Sponsors

• BorrowLenses
• Glidecam
• Write Brothers
• The Writer's Store