2027 International Short Film Submissions
Now Open
 

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS & GENERAL RULES:
• Films must not exceed 20 minutes runtime.
• Films must be produced after January 1, 2026.
• Entries must be submitted on FilmFreeway.com with a password-protected or private link that remains available until the notification date. Films submitted via public links will not be considered.
• Films can contain any language from any part of the world. Foreign-language films must include English subtitles for accessibility purposes.
• VFF considers films that have already premiered at other festivals. Applicants must include the status of the film’s premiere upon submission. Premiere status (World/North American/Canadian) must be updated no later than May 1, 2027.
• By submitting your film to VFF, you agree that the film will not be made publicly available online (e.g., Vimeo, YouTube, streaming platforms, or social media) prior to its official VFF screening date. Failure to comply may result in disqualification.
• Films must be wholly original and must not infringe on any copyright or intellectual property unless appropriate permissions or licenses have been secured.
• Filmmakers must disclose if any generative AI technology (e.g., for visuals, dialogue, voice, or music) was used in the creation of the film. VFF reserves the right to assess and potentially disqualify submissions that rely heavily on generative AI, especially when such use is not clearly disclosed or impacts artistic integrity.
• By submitting a film to VFF, the submitter confirms they have obtained all rights and permissions required for exhibition and accepts all festival rules and requirements.

• Submissions are open to all filmmakers from all countries and regions. 

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SUBMISSION AGREEMENT:
• Processing fees are non-refundable and payable via FilmFreeway.
• VFF reserves the right to disqualify any submission that does not meet eligibility requirements.
• By submitting, the applicant grants VFF the rights to: Use all or parts of the film, stills, and filmmaker information for promotional purposes (e.g., website, program, social media).
• Provide screeners to press and media for review purposes.
• Screen the film for educational, press, and official Festival purposes.
• Exhibit the film before, during, or after the Festival at VFF’s discretion.
• These rights are granted without further compensation.
• Applicants must include marketing assets (Trailer, Stills, Press Kit, Cast/Crew info) at time of submission.
• VFF will make every effort to accurately list credits but is not liable for errors or omissions.
• Festival programming decisions, including award selections, are final.
• Screening dates and times may be adjusted with at least two weeks' notice; VFF is not liable for delays or cancellations due to technical or logistical issues.

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IF SELECTED:
• Accepted filmmakers will be notified by email and must confirm participation by the stated deadline or risk removal from the lineup.
• VFF does not provide screening fees or financial compensation for selected films.
• Travel expenses are the responsibility of the filmmaker.
• Final delivery must include a high-resolution version of the film (ProRes, .MOV, or high-quality H.264 MP4), trailer(s), stills, and press kit by the given deadline.
• Attendance to the festival is highly encouraged.

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LEGAL AGREEMENT:
By submitting your film to the Vaughan International Film Festival:

• You confirm that you hold all necessary rights for submission and exhibition.
• You release and discharge VFF and all related parties from any liability related to your participation.
• You agree to indemnify VFF against any claims related to copyright, trademark, publicity, and content issues.

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These rules are subject to change. Full terms and eligibility on Film Freeway.