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
Can we submit documentaries?
Please note each year the festival selects very few documentaries. We strongly prefer creative, author driven documentaries. These creative documentaries take a real-life subject as their starting point but require substantial original writing and set out an author's and/or director's point of view. Documentaries made especially for television we usually do not consider 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 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 of last year, will usually not be considered for the following year.
When is my film eligible for the Tiger Awards Competition?
Eligible for the Tiger Awards Competition are first or second time directors of a feature length film, 60 minutes or longer. The film should have its world, international or European premiere in Rotterdam. The selection of films which will compete is made by the programme committee.
When is my film eligible for the Tiger Awards Competition for short films?
Eligible for the Tiger Awards Competition for Short Films are directors with a short film less than 60 minutes. The film should preferably have its world, international or European premiere in Rotterdam. The selection of films which 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 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 & crew screenings.
SUBMISSION MATERIALS
My film is not yet finished. Can I submit a rough cut / work-in-progress?
Yes, our selection committee is very 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”. Also do not send in more than one work-in-progress without notifying the programme department. Because of the enormous amount of entries we cannot guarantee your final version will be viewed by our programmers at a later date.
Can I send my 35mm film for previewing?
Although exceptions can be made, the festival does not accept any 35mm prints for preview purposes. In case the festival accepts the request for a 35mm screening, the costs for previewing will be borne by the sender. Please contact the 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 normally is a brief statement by the director on the intention of the film and the inspiration/motivation to make the film. Usually this document is no longer than half a page.
Is it possible to still send 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 it will be viewed.
I have sent you a dvd 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 packages at once. Especially at peak moments, it is expected that you will receive the acknowledgment of your submission a bit later. However if a sufficient period has elapsed and you still haven’t heard from us, please get in touch with the programme department.
SELECTION PROCESS
What happens to my film once I have submitted?
Your film will be viewed by members of our selection committee. If you have been successful we will contact you by the end of December. In principle the following guidelines are followed when sending out selection letters:
Shorts: will be sent out mid-end December
Features: will be sent out mid-December until 1st week of January
In case you do not receive an invitation letter before the beginning of January, your film was not selected.
Which film and video formats are accepted for the festival if my film is selected?
Film formats and video systems that can be presented during the Festival are: 35mm, 16mm, HDCAM (not HDCAM SR or HDV) Betacam SP (PAL or NTSC), Digital Betacam (PAL or NTSC), DVcam (PAL or NTSC); presentation of other formats and video systems requires the authorization of the Festival. Please note that the Festival retains the right to exclude the film from the programme when aberrant formats are submitted without this authorization.
For more information please refer to our Rules and Regulations.
My film was not selected, can I have some feedback from you?
We are unable to provide feedback on your submission.
Will my screener be returned to me?
No. Due to the large amount of titles received, we are unable to return your screeners.
Information subject to change. Last updated: 5 April 2012.