Online submissions for IFFR 2014 will be open from early August 2013 on.
Please note that regulations, FAQs and further entry-related information refer to IFFR 2013. Updated information will be available when submissions open.
The answers to most of your questions can be found in our
Rules and Regulations. Please read these carefully before submitting your film.
Does the Festival charge an entry fee?
As a non-profit festival, the International Film Festival Rotterdam does not charge for the submission of films.
FILMS ELIGIBLE FOR SUBMISSION
May I submit documentaries?
Please note that the festival selects very few documentaries each year. We strongly prefer creative, author-driven documentaries. In our eyes, such creative documentaries take real-life subjects as their starting points but require substantial original writing and explore an author's and/or director's own point of view. Documentaries made especially for television are normally not considered for our festival.
I made a student film, can I send this to you?
Student films (with the exception of post-graduate works) are excluded from submission.
I submitted a film last year, can I submit the same film this year?
We will not consider previously submitted work unless it has been considerably re-edited/re-shot. Please include a letter with detailed description of the alterations. Previously considered rough cuts submitted one year will usually not be considered for the following year.
When is my film eligible for the Tiger Awards Competition?
Feature-length films (60 minutes or longer) of first or second time directors are eligible for the Hivos Tiger Awards Competition. The film should have its world, international or European premiere in Rotterdam. The selection of films that will compete is made by the programme committee.
When is my film eligible for the Tiger Awards Competition for short films?
Short films of less than 60 minutes are eligible for the Tiger Awards Competition. The film should preferably have its world, international or European premiere in Rotterdam. The selection of films that will compete is made by the programme committee.
What constitutes a Dutch Premiere?
Any public screening in the Netherlands prior to the IFFR dates will disqualify your film from inclusion in the IFFR. For our purposes, a public screening is any screening that has taken place in the Netherlands before January. This does not include private cast and crew screenings.
SUBMISSION MATERIALS
My film is not yet finished. Can I submit a rough cut or work-in-progress?
Yes, our selection committee is used to previewing unfinished films, and will judge accordingly. Please fill this out on your online entry form and clearly mark the DVD with 'rough cut'. Furthermore, do not send in more than one work-in-progress without notifying our programme department. Because of the enormous amount of entries, we cannot guarantee that your final version will be viewed by our programmers on a later date.
Can I upload my film for previewing?
The festival accepts uploaded files of
short films (up to 60')
only. We will
only accept .MOV files with these technical specifications:
- Video setting: Compression: H.264
- Quality: High Bit rate: 3000
- Encoding mode: multi-pass Dimensions
- Optimized for: Streaming
- Audio Setting: Format: ACC
- Sample rate: 44.100 kHz
- Channels: Stereo (L R)
- Bit rate: 128 kbps
- Prepare for internet Streaming: Fast start
For more information on how to prepare your Quicktime file for uploading read our
IFFR Upload manual.
The file should be sent via
filmfestivalrotterdam.wetransfer.com to
programme@filmfestivalrotterdam.com
Please note: the file should contain your submission number which you will receive upon completion of the online entry form (e.g. 12345_title.mov)
Can I send my 35mm film for previewing?
Although exceptions can be made, the festival does not accept any 35mm prints for preview purposes. Should the festival accept the request for a 35mm screening, the costs for previewing will be borne by the submitter. Please contact our programme department for further details.
Do I need to send a signed copy of the entry form after submitting my film online?
No, it is not necessary to enclose a signed entry from.
What is a director’s statement?
A director’s statement is normally a brief statement by the director about the intention of the film and the inspiration/motivation to make it. This document is usually half a page long.
Is it possible to submit a film after the deadline has passed?
The Festival will make an effort to consider late entries, but because of the overwhelming amount of entries and limited time available, we cannot guarantee that your film will be viewed.
I have sent you a DVD / .MOV file but haven’t received a confirmation email.
Due to the enormous amount of entries, it is possible that we are not able to fully process all entries at once. Especially at peak moments, you should expect to receive a confirmation of your submission at a later time than usual. However, if you feel that a sufficient period of time has passed without any reply, please get in touch with the programme department.
SELECTION PROCESS
What happens to my film once I have submitted it?
Your film will be viewed by members of our selection committee. If you are successfully selected, we will contact you by the end of December. The following guidelines are followed when sending out selection letters:
- Shorts: will be send out mid-end December;
- Features: will be send out mid-December until the first week of January;
Should you not receive an invitation letter before the beginning of January, your film was not selected.
Which screening formats are accepted for the festival if my film is selected?
Formats that can be screened during the Festival are: DCP, 35mm, 16mm, HDCAM (not HDCAM SR or HDV) Betacam SP (PAL or NTSC), Digital Betacam (PAL or NTSC); presentation of other formats and video systems requires the authorization of the Festival. Please note that we retain the right to exclude the film from the programme if aberrant formats are submitted without our authorization.
For more information, please refer to our
Rules and Regulations or check our
Upload Manual for Shorts.
My film was not selected, will I have feedback on the reasons why?
Unfortunately, due to the large amount of titles we receive each year, we are unable to provide feedback on your submission.
Will my screener be returned to me?
Unfortunately, due to the large amount of titles we receive each year, we are unable to return your screeners.
Information subject to change. Last updated: 12 September 2012.