Frequently Asked Questions
NFFTY 2012 FAQ
When and where does the festival take place?
NFFTY 2012 is April 26 – April 29 in Seattle, Washington.
Where is the entry form?
Complete the entry form online via our website: http://nffty.org/submit.
Where do I send my DVD?
We strongly prefer that you upload your screening film as part of the entry application process. If you must send a DVD, send it to:
Indee Submissions
C/O ZAP
39 Mesa Street
Production Suite One
San Francisco, CA 94129
U.S.A
What is the final deadline for entry?
Both entry forms and films must be received by January 31, 2012.
If my film is selected, should I attend the festival?
Definitely! You should begin thinking about plans to attend the festival as soon as you submit your film. Over 200 young filmmakers attend each year, making NFFTY is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,unlike any other youth film festival or student film festival.
Reasons to attend NFFTY:
See your film shown in a state-of-the-art theater and grow as a filmmaker by receiving audience feedback following your film’s screening.
Meet and learn from Hollywood industry professionals who attend NFFTY and participate in panels and workshops.
Meet other young filmmakers from across the US and the world.
Have fun! NFFTY is a weekend of parties, music, food, and meeting great people.
Can Elementary and Middle School kids submit a film?
Yes! Anyone 22 or under can submit. Our youngest filmmaker to date was 7 years old. We even have special awards for very young filmmakers.
Are entry fee reductions or waivers available?
We offer a 50% fee reduction after the first full fee payment on multiple submissions from the same filmmaker or organization. After you submit your first film you will receive an email confirmation with the discount code. Use this discount code when submitting additional films. There will be no discounts or refunds once you process your payment.
Is there any help with travel and lodging to NFFTY?
We offer a limited number of travel stipends to filmmakers in low-income situations. Because NFFTY cannot guarantee assistance, filmmakers should assume they need to arrange for their own airfare and hotel. As the festival gets closer, we will send out information on special rates with hotels in Seattle, we can help match filmmakers to share hotel rooms, and we can do our best to coordinate homestays to place filmmakers with Seattle hosts.
Do you accept Commercials, PSAs, News Videos, or Trailers?
No. Our festival’s main focus is on narrative films and documentaries. All films must fit into one of the seven screening categories.
Can a rough cut be submitted if this is only what is available by the submission deadline?
We strongly do not recommend submitting rough cuts. If you do send in a rough cut, make a title on-screen before the film that says what is rough or temp. Your overall film length may not get any longer with your final cut.
How are the films selected? Who watches them?
A team of volunteer NFFTY programmers watches every film that is submitted. They rate films on storytelling, filmmaking techniques, and general audience appeal.
Do you give out any awards?
NFFTY presents both Jury and Audience awards during the festival, as well as other special awards.
Why do you ask for rights to distribute my film?
Our mission is to get your film seen by as many people as possible so it can have the greatest impact and so that you can grow as a filmmaker and get more exposure. NFFTY has relationships with several distribution outlets and participates in local and national events to help promote youth filmmaking. Because we can group lots of short films together, we make it possible for young filmmakers to obtain distribution and exposure they could rarely get by themselves. NFFTY does not own your film. We do this to help our filmmakers and increase the exposure of the festival and youth filmmaking community.
Can there by violence, nudity or swearing in my film?
We have no rules against it. However, films that are excessively graphic for no apparent reason will likely not be shown. A rating system in our festival guide will advise viewers of content maturity levels.
Can my film screen publicly prior to NFFTY?
Yes, although we prefer to have premieres (World, West Coast, Seattle) and that may help your film get a better screening slot. Please note your premiere status and other screenings when you fill out your entry form. Private screenings for family, friends and crew do not count as public screenings or as a premiere.
Should I have a web trailer or film website?
Yes, these are great marketing tools to have. If you have a web trailer you will have an opportunity to upload it prior to the festival to our website.
Can my film be online prior to NFFTY?
Yes, but we recommend you wait to put the film online until after the festival. Trailers and clips are recommended to be online prior.
Do I get in free?
If your film is accepted to NFFTY, Yes. Every film that is accepted gets 1 complimentary All Access Pass to NFFTY. Discounted Festival Passes and Opening Night Tickets will be available to all filmmakers for cast and crew, family, and friends.
If you have additional questions about the rules, submission process or festival, email: filmmakers@nffty.org.