FESTIVAL RULES

In submitting your film or video to Fantastic Planet: Sydney Science Fiction and Fantasy Film Festival you guarantee that you have all the relevant permissions, licenses and releases for your film or video to be screened in a public exhibition. You must have in your possession the permissions, licenses and releases for the submitted film or video's music, script, actors etc.

Submissions must be postmarked no later than the corresponding deadline date to qualify for its entry fee.

International entries, please mark your submission envelope/parcel: "Festival submission only - no commercial value". Mark value no higher than AUD$10. All postage costs and duties are the responsibility of the sender.

There is no restriction as to the year that the film was made.

We prefer films to be initially submitted on DVD (PAL, NTSC or SECAM, any region). However, you may also submit films on VHS (PAL and NTSC only). Make sure that the disc/tape, and/or disc/tape cover, is clearly marked with the title of the film, its running time, and a contact name, phone number and email address.

If your film is selected to screen at the festival, you must supply us with a copy of your film in one of the following formats: DVD; digital media file (avi, .mov, or mpeg-2.); DigiBeta, or 35mm print.

DVDs and VHS tapes will not be returned.

While care will be taken, we are unable to guarantee the safety of your DVD, tape, or film while in our possession, or in transit. Please do not submit a master copy, or your only copy of the film.

After the festival, 35mm feature film prints and DigiBeta tapes submitted to the festival for exhibition will be either returned to entrant or forwarded to another film festival as requested by entrant.

Additional publicity materials (stills, posters etc.) are welcome but not required.

Please select the most relevant category for your film. You may choose between:

1. Feature Films: Any feature length film (45 to 140 minutes in duration) that deals with science fiction, or fantasy themes. (Documentaries and animations are also welcome.)

2. Short Films: Any live action film (45 minutes or under in duration) that deals with science fiction or fantasy themes. Your film can be narrative fiction, experimental, or even a documentary about science fiction or fantasy.

3. Short Animations: Any animated film (45 minutes or under in duration) that deals with science fiction or fantasy themes.

4. Music Videos: Any music video that deals with science fiction or fantasy themes.


A panel of judges, selected by Lovecraft 21C Productions, will decide the winners of each of the above categories. The winners of each category, along with additional festival awards including, Best Director, Best Special Effects, Best Performance will be announced on the night of the festival. In all cases, the judges' decisions are final.

Entrants whose films are chosen for screening at the festival will be notified in mid July 2010. Entrants whose films are selected will be given two free tickets to the screening of their film at Fantastic Planet Film Festival 2010.

If you decide to attend the festival and require accommodation while in Sydney we are able to recommend local hotels/motels, but unable to cover any costs that your travel or accommodation might incur.


Click here to download a copy of these rules in .pdf format

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