SonScreen  
     
   
     
 

Sponsors


North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church

Vervent Church Resource Center

Adventist Media Productions

Adventist Filmmaker.com
 

Entry Application

Guidelines

The festival showcases films that reflect values such as: Redemption, Spirituality, Dignity, Tolerance, Equality, Diversity, Hope, and in some way tells the Christian story or one of creative inspiration that appeals to the human spirit.

The SONscreen Film Festival reserves the right to not award or accept projects, if submissions are of insufficient quality, there are too few entries submitted into a category, or if the message of the film is not inline with the beliefs on which this Christian festival has been founded (seek the Bible if you have questions about this). SSFF reserves the right to implement this for any other reason we deem reasonable without explanation. SSFF will not accept/screen any film that contains explicit sex, extreme violence, profanity or language deemed offensive (variations of curse words, etc.). In addition, SSFF will not return any film submissions sent to the festival.

Because this year is the 2010 SONscreen Film Festival Showcase Special GC Session edition, please note the new theme for films is "God's Grace".  There are only 4 award categories this year, special awards will be given to films that best depict the various aspects of the theme of Grace. Click Here for Award/Competition details. 

Not all submitted films will be accepted, but those that are accepted will be notified within three weeks prior to the festival.

Criteria

Festival entries fall into three categories: Student In Competition, Non-Student/Indie Pro In Competition and Out of Competition

Student In Competition: 

  • Festival entries are open to all Christian undergrad and graduate students enrolled in school at the time of film production.  High school and College/International entries that are accepted are also awarded in their own category, but students must be enrolled at the time of production.
  • Entries must be postmarked by the stated deadline.  
  • All films/videos submitted must be in English, subtitled in English or dubbed in English.  
  • Entries are not to exceed 30 minutes in length.  (Except PSA's. 60 sec. or less)
  • All High School submissions must be 10 min. or less.*
  • The six accepted category genres are: Drama, Comedy, Animation, Documentary, Public Service Announcement (PSA) and Music Video  
  • Entries must be submitted on DVD and High Resolution Digital Quicktime file or Mini DV tape formats for jury and festival screening. Must be in the NTSC format.  
  • Films must have been completed while filmmaker was a student at a recognized educational institution (or not more than 36 months old). No paid commercial, theatrical, or TV releases will be accepted.  
  • *SONscreen requires that all "above-the-line" production roles be filled by students. The film director, producer and writer *must* be currently enrolled students at the time of production.  Other creative roles may be filled at the discretion of filmmaking team. We encourage as many of the other creative roles as reasonably possible be filled by students as well, and to only receive instructional help from professional and/or non-student amateur filmmakers.
  • Each work goes through a selective screening process. Winners will be selected by a panel of professionals.  
  • Winners are expected to participate in the publicity for the SONscreen Film Festival as well as other promotional events.
  • The decisions of the judges are final.
  • Winners and all attendees are responsible for travel and all expenses. 

    Non-Student/Indie Pro In Competition:

  • General festival entries may be submitted to the Professionals Showcase or “PRO Shows”. This category includes both independent Professional and Non-Student Amateur filmmakers. A select number of filmmakers are featured in this category each year for exposure and acknowlegement of their work, mentoring purposes, and professional networking opportunities. This newest category of accepted submissions into competition are voted by the audience throughout the three day festival. One will be chosen as Best in Category and all will receive recognition as an official selection of the SSFF.
  • Where applicable, the submission criteria is the same as outlined in the “ Student In Competition” section.
  • Pro Show submissions must include a bio and list of other works credited.
  • The submission must support SSFF values and a representative must be present for the Question and Answer session following the screening.
Out of Competition:
The SSFF reserves the right to invite or include film works to be screened at the festival that may not have otherwise been initially submitted by the filmmaker. In these cases they are included for the enhancement of the festival experience and are not in competition with the other official selections screening.

 

Rules

  • Submitted entries should reflect the values of the festival.
  • Submit completed signed entry submission form along with your film on the following formats: (High Resolution Digital Quicktime file** or miniDV)
  • Submit copies of three (3) clearly labeled DVD’s and one (1) High Resolution Digital Quicktime file or Mini DV Master with this information ON EACH disc and tape:
Filmmakers Name
School or Organization
Mailing Address
Phone Number (in case we need to reach)
Film Title
Film Run Time
Submission Category (one category per film) 


Only one (1) draft version of the film may be accepted prior to deadline (if final cut is not available in time, but submission acceptance is based on this draft version so we do not encourage incomplete/draft works to be submitted). Upon acceptance into the festival, a final cut must be supplied atleast 2 weeks prior to the festival or the film may be pulled from the festival do be being incomplete.  *Please note:  We will do our  best to screen the correct version of the film but SSFF is not responsible for any mix up that might occur if more than one version is submitted. We recommend you always carry a copy of your film on DVD with you to the festival-- just in case.

FAILURE TO FOLLOW ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS OUTLINED IN THE SUBMISSION RULES MAY RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION  

Submission Process**

**new digital submission process forthcoming.
  1. Pay film submission/registration fee (for Paper/Non-digital submission-- Make Check's payable to: NAD/SONscreen and mail with film to the SONscreen office address listed in #4)
  2. Complete and submit the Online or a hardcopy of the SONscreen Entry Submission Form (PDF) for each work submitted.
  3. Complete and submit the Online or a hardcopy of the  SONscreen Usage Agreement Form (PDF). (These rights are non-exclusive)
  4. Mail Film Submission(s), Entry and Usage Agreement (if not already digitally submitted) to:
    SONscreen Film Festival
    c/o Stacia D. Wright, Festival Producer
    12501 Old Columbia Pike
    Silver Springs, MD 20904-6600
  5. Send submission in two (U.S. compatible) formats: Three (3) DVD's and One (1) High Resolution Digital Quicktime file or  one (1) Mini DV master
  6. Send a digital photo of yourself and still frame of your film to info@sonscreen.com (or you may submit on disc)
  7. NOTE: All entries must be postmarked no later than FINAL DEADLINE.   No exceptions. (Late submissions receive $5 additional charge)

    *If you do not have a High Resolution Digital Quicktime file. Please submit it on Mini DV Master.  (To be included on the commemorative DVD--you must provide a hi res master)
     
    NOTE: All entries must arrive by deadline or postmarked by final submission date:
    Early Submission—MARCH 8, 2010
    Deadline—MAY 17, 2010       

     Fees

Film Entry Submission Prices:
Student - $35 (for first film, $10 for each additional film by same filmmaker)
Professional - $50 (for first film, $25 for each additional film by same filmmaker)


*new rule amendment
**new submission format 
***Late Submissions receive $5 additional late fee per entry


 


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