5 Mistakes International Filmmakers Make

These are the 5 most common mistakes International Short Filmmakers make when they submit their film to VFF - here's how you can avoid them.

Our annual festival week is all about celebrating creative voices from around the world and we’d love to see your film! Whether it’s a heart-pounding thriller or a quiet character piece, your story has a place at VFF. However, even incredible films can get sidelined due to a few common submission mistakes. Don’t worry, we’re here to break down the Top 5 Mistakes that can keep your film from making the festival lineup, and how to avoid them:

1. Films produced before January 1, 2025

We know you’ve made great work in the past, but we aim to spotlight the newest stories. All submissions must be produced on or after January 1, 2025. Now is the time to show us your latest projects! 

2. Films Over 20 Minutes

Short films need to be, well, short. Your film must be 20 minutes or less, including the opening and closing credits. Trust us, our audience appreciates films that deliver big impact in a short runtime.

3. Films That Are Publicly Available

If your film has already been published or shared online with an open link (ie: YouTube, Vimeo, etc.) we won’t be able to screen it. Exclusivity helps your film stand out, so make sure to keep it offline until after the screenings.

4. Missing English Subtitles

As an international film festival, accessibility is non-negotiable. Regardless of the spoken language, all films must include English subtitles. You want to make sure every audience member can follow and enjoy your film.

5. Not Disclosing the Use of AI

AI tools are becoming more common in filmmaking. If it was used in the creation of your film at any stage (writing, animation, editing, sound, etc.), it must be disclosed to avoid disqualification. This does not mean that you cannot use AI at all, but transparency and artistic integrity are greatly valued.

Being aware of these mistakes and how to avoid them will help your film stand out for all the right reasons. Ready to share your story?

Submit your film to VFF HERE before the final deadline January 31, 2026.