SUBMIT A FILM

HOW TO SUBMIT

Submit your film through the FilmFreeway platform by the specified deadline. Submissions via any other platform will not be considered.

ELIGIBILITY

Short Films, Documentaries, and Animations must be 10 minutes in length or shorter.
Music videos must be 5 minutes in length or shorter.
Submissions must be made by a filmmaker of Pacific Island heritage, or a lead role in the production (such as a lead actor, director, producer, cinematographer, or writer) must be someone of Pacific Island heritage.
Films must not have been completed before January 2022.
Premiere status is not mandatory but may be considered during the selection process. Given the volume of submissions and limited screening slots, The festival may prioritize films by Pacific filmmakers that have not been publicly shown at other festivals or through other media platforms.
All films must be in English or have English subtitles.

KEY DATES

Opening Date: August 5, 2024

Early Bird Deadline: September 6, 2024

Regular Deadline: October 4, 2024
Late Deadline: November 8, 2024
Final Deadline: December 6, 2024
Notification Date: January 10, 2025
Festival Dates: February 14 – 15, 2025

SELECTION PROCESS AND CRITERIA

Selection Process:

Submission: Filmmakers submit their short films through our official platform, FilmFreeway, adhering to our guidelines and deadlines.
Initial Review: Each submission undergoes an initial review to ensure it meets the festival's eligibility criteria, including film length, completion date, and relevance to Pacific themes and stories.
Pre-Selection: Our team of pre-selectors, composed of film professionals and enthusiasts with a deep understanding of Pacific cultures and cinema, watches and evaluates all eligible submissions. They assess the films based on creativity, storytelling, technical quality, and overall impact.
Shortlisting: Films that pass the pre-selection phase are shortlisted for further consideration. These films are then reviewed by our festival programmers and a panel of industry experts.
Final Selection: The final selection is made by a diverse panel of judges, including filmmakers, critics, and cultural experts. They select the films that best represent the festival's mission and values, ensuring a varied and compelling program.
Notification: Filmmakers whose films are selected will be notified by January 10, 2025. They will receive detailed information about the festival schedule and any additional requirements.

Selection Criteria:

Creativity and Originality: We look for films that bring fresh and unique perspectives, showcasing original ideas and innovative storytelling techniques.
Storytelling: Strong narrative structure, engaging plot, and well-developed characters are key elements we consider. Whether fiction or documentary, the story should be compelling and resonate with audiences.
Relevance to Pacific Themes: Films should highlight the rich cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues of the Pacific Islands, reflecting the diversity and vibrancy of the region.
Technical Quality: High production values, including cinematography, sound design, editing, and overall visual and audio quality, are important factors in our evaluation.
Emotional Impact: We seek films that evoke emotions, provoke thought, and leave a lasting impression on viewers.
Cultural Sensitivity and Authenticity: Films should accurately and respectfully represent Pacific cultures and stories, avoiding stereotypes and misrepresentations.

Our selection process and criteria ensure that the films chosen for the Pacific Ocean Short Film Festival represent the best of Pacific filmmaking, offering audiences a diverse and enriching cinematic experience.