FILM ENTRY: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. When is the next festival?

Melbourne International Film Festival 2009 will run from Friday 24 July to Sunday 9 August, 2009.

2. When are the submission deadlines for MIFF 2009?

We have early bird entry and late entry.
•    Early Bird entries are shorts and features received by 30 January 2009
•    Late entries are entries received after 30 January, with the deadline closing on the 13 March 2009

3. What are the entry fees?

Early bird entry fees are:
Shorts - AUD$55
Features - AUD$65

Late entry fees are:
Shorts - AUD$60
Features - AUD$70

4. Are the deadlines postmarked?

Yes, your package has to be postmarked by the deadline date to be accepted.  Any packages posted after this date will not be accepted and you will be notified of this by email upon receipt of the package.

5. Am I able to have the entry fee waived?

No.  Unfortunately we’re unable to waive the entry fee as we rely on these fees to administer the large numbers of entries we receive.  Sorry, no exceptions.

6. How do I submit my film?

Online, it’s easy and takes approximately 10 minutes.  Due to the large amount of submissions we receive, this is the easiest, most efficient way to keep track of them all.

7. How do I pay the entry fee?

You can pay online when completing your application using VISA or Mastercard.
If the full amount is not paid, we will be unable to process your film and you will be notified by email.

8. I have completed the online application, what should I do now?

Once you have successfully completed ALL the film details online, an automated email will be sent to the email address specified on the entry form (please ensure this email is in working order). 

This email will outline the details you have submitted to MIFF and will act as the receipt of your payment.  Please print this email and send it along with your preview DVD.

You will be notified of whether your film has been selected at the discretion of the festival.  If your film has been unsuccessful you will be notified by email by June 5, 2009

9. Does MIFF have a competition?

Yes, but only for short films.  Details will be announced early in 2009.
We don’t have a competition for feature films.

10. How does MIFF define a ‘short’ and a ‘feature’?

Features are films of 31 minutes or more, for entry and categorisation purposes.
Short films are under 30 minutes.

11. Does the film have to be shot with specific equipment?

No, this doesn’t matter to us.  What does matter is that the film format follows our requirements (outlined below).

12. Which format should the preview copy be?

Preview screeners must be on DVD, and we accept both NTSC and PAL formats.

Please test your DVD on a stand-alone DVD player before sending it in, as technical problems will delay/affect your submission.

Please ensure your DVD is clearly labelled with the film title, main contact email and telephone number, director’s name and length in minutes.

13. What formats do you accept for selected films?

If your film is selected, MIFF will accept the following formats:
35mm prints
16mm prints
Digital Betacam PAL
Digital Betacam NTSC
Betacam SP PAL
Betacam SP NTSC
HD 24p
HD 25p
We cannot screen from HD CAM SR

14. What else should I include with my submission?

All we require, once you have completed the online submission process, is your DVD preview screener and a copy of the email that was sent to you after finishing the online entry.  Please do not send any press kits or publicity materials at this stage.

15. Will you return my DVD preview screener?

No, we do not have the resources available to do this.

16. What is the shipping address for submission packages?

If you are sending your package by post, please send to:
    Film Submissions at MIFF
    GPO Box 4982
    Melbourne
    VIC 3001
    Australia

If you are using a courier, please send to our street address:
    Film Submissions at MIFF
    Level 5, 225 Bourke Street
    Melbourne
    VIC 3000
    Australia

17. Will you notify me once you have received my film?

Due to the volume of submissions the festival does not confirm receipt of parcel.  We recommend you choose the registered mail option to keep track of your parcel.  However, you may email submissions@melbournefilmfestival.com.au with the name of your film and the director to receive confirmation 10 days after the submission was sent.

18. I have made a mistake on my online form.  What should I do?

Please do not start a new submission for the film.  Instead, make a note of the correction by hand on the automated email response that you have printed and send it in along with your preview screener.  We will make any changes to our database once the submission has been received.

19. How many films can I submit?

You may submit as many films as you like providing that each of the films meet the submission criteria and you have completed an online submission form and paid the entry fee for each film.  Please ensure that each film is on its own DVD rather than on a compilation.

20. Can I resubmit my film from last year?

No.  Films must have been completed after January 12, 2008 and must not have already been presented in any other form or duration, not even as a work-in-progress.

21. Can I submit a work-in-progress or a ‘rough cut’?  Is it possible to get an extension for an unfinished film?

You can submit a rough cut, but please include a note outlining the work still to be completed, and the selection panel may take this into account when viewing the film.  Unfortunately we can’t provide any extensions.

22. Can I submit my film if previously screened at other festivals?

Yes, as long as the screenings weren’t within the state of Victoria, Australia.

23. Can I submit my film if it was released theatrically, on DVD, or broadcast on TV or online before the festival?

No.  Any films broadcast on Australian television, released theatrically or on DVD for sale or rental, prior to September 14 2009 are ineligible for entry.

24. If my film is not in English, do you require English subtitles?

Yes, your film will be ineligible for selection if it is a foreign language film without subtitles.

25. When will I hear if my film is selected?

All applicants will be notified by mid-June 2009 by email if they have been selected.  Please ensure that the email address provided is correct and operational at that time.  If your contact email changes it is important that you let us know.

26. If my film is not selected, may I speak with a programmer for feedback?

No, unfortunately, due to the number of submissions we receive we are unable to correspond with each applicant in these circumstances.

27. If my film is selected, does MIFF provide screening tests prior to the film’s screening?

No.  We do not have the facilities to provide any screen tests.  If you are concerned about your film, please check it prior to sending us the print/tape.


If you need further assistance after reading this information, please call the festival office on +61 8660 4888 or email us at submissions@melbournefilmfestival.com.au

ENTER HERE