Mpumalanga Short Film Festival (0)

Début du Festival: 05 août 2015      Fin du Festival: 09 août 2015

With its headquarter in Mbombela, the Mpumalanga International Film Festival (MIFF) is strategically located, easily accessible to filmmakers from all over the world.

Mbombela is the capital city of Mpumalanga and a getaway to the province renowned for its fauna and flora such as the Kruger National Park, Panorama Route and vibrant townships. Mpumalanga offers prime locations for any shoot, from television commercials to movies. It also boasts perfect weather and climate conditions as well as solid infrastructure.

Since its inception in 2013, MIFF has provided a platform for filmmakers to showcase their craft in an enabling environment. To date, the festival has shown 139 films of which 89 were international.

The province, being home to the Big Five, Three Rondavels, Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window and world-class infrastructure, including an international airport, is ideally geared and best situated to meet the needs of filmmakers.

In Mpumalanga, Mother Nature and man have combined to ensure filmmakers create perfect filmic moments that last for years.

Mpumalanga International film festival is an annual event showcasing new independent films or recently produced films, high profile and undiscovered talent, established and upcoming filmmakers, student filmmakers, and films from around the world. Festivals normally have two or more screens or venues to showcase films. Accepted filmmakers’ hustle to get their film noticed in the hope of obtaining distribution or favorable media.

The prize and award will be based on the amount mentioned bellow and will be share to different categories, for awards, Bursary, cash, Production money.

MPUMALANGA SHORT FILM FESTIVAL GUIDELINES FOR SUBMISSION 2015


1) WHEN ARE THE SUBMISSION DEADLINES AND WHAT ARE THE FEES?

EARLY SUBMISSION DEADLINE: PROVINCIAL, NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILMS July, 2nd, 2015 – R100 ENTRY FEE PROVINCIAL, NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NARRATIVE & DOCUMENTARY FEATURE FILMS Friday, October 25, 2013–R100 ENTRY FEE LATE SUBMISSION DEADLINE: PROVINCIAL, NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NARRATIVE & DOCUMENTARY
FEATURE FILMS July, 2nd, 2015–R300 ENTRY FEE These are the dates that films must arrive at our office in Mpumalanga SA. They are NOT postmark deadlines. We handle all submissions identically, regardless of which deadline you choose. Late deadline submissions are processed and screened in exactly the same manner as early and official deadline submissions are-- the only difference is the higher submission fee. We encourage you to submit as early as possible! Please note that your film MUST arrive at our office no later than the deadline for which you have registered. For example, if you pay R100 to register your Short Film for the Official Submission deadline and we receive it after June the 2nd, you will be prompted to make an additional payment of 200 in order to bring your account up to date. We will not view your film until this payment is received. For this reason, it is suggested that you mail your film to us well in advance of the deadline for which you have registered!


2) WHAT ARE YOUR SUBMISSION CATEGORIES AND HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT ONE FOR MY FILM? Each year, we select 30-60 Feature Films and 20-40 Short Films to play in one of 4 Festival programs. However, you may not submit your film directly to any one specific program. Instead, you must select from one of six submission categories, listed below:

MPUMALANGA NARRATIVE FEATURE FILMS: Any narrative work of fiction with a running time of 50 minutes or more, including films that are shot in a "mockumentary” style, In order to qualify as a MP Narrative Feature Film, the submitted project must be either scripted or improvisational fiction, and at least half of the project's financing must originate from within MP. Only films that are World Premieres are eligible for our MP Dramatic Competition program, but MP Narrative Feature Films that have previously played at up to two other festivals anywhere in the world are still eligible for one of our out-of-competition programs.

SA DOCUMENTARY FEATURE FILMS:
Any non-fiction film with a running time of 50 minutes or more, NOT including entirely scripted or improvised fictionalizations of actual events. If your documentary contains some dramatization of actual events, you may submit in this category, but we will ultimately decide which program is best suited for your project, if accepted. In order to qualify as a SA Documentary Feature Film, at least half of the submitted project's financing must originate from within South Africa. Only films that are World Premieres are eligible for our SA Documentary Competition program, but SA Documentary Feature Films that have previously played at up to two other festivals anywhere in the world are still eligible for one of our out -of-competition programs.

INTERNATIONAL NARRATIVE FEATURE FILMS: Any narrative work of fiction with a running time of 50 minutes or more, including films that are shot in a "mockumentary" style, In order to qualify as an International Narrative Feature Film, the submitted project must be either scripted or improvisational fiction, and more than half of the project's financing must originate from outside of the SA. International Narrative Feature Films that have been exhibited theatrically, broadcast on television, released on DVD or screened at any Film Festival outside of their country of origin are not eligible to submit to the Institute for Festival consideration, though we reserve the right to include in our Festival program International Narrative Feature Films that have previously been exhibited outside of their country of origin.

INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY FEATURE FILMS: Any non-fiction film with a running time of 50 minutes or more, NOT including entirely scripted or improvised fictionalizations of actual events. If your documentary contains some dramatization of actual events, you may submit in this category, but we will ultimately decide which program is best suited for your project, if accepted. In order to qualify as an International Documentary Feature Film, more than half of the project's financing must originate from outside of the SA. International Documentary Feature Films that have been exhibited theatrically, broadcast on television, released on DVD or screened at any Film Festival outside of their country of origin are not eligible to submit to the Institute for Festival consideration, though we reserve the right to include in our Festival program International Documentary Feature Films that have previously been exhibited outside of their country of origin.

SA SHORT FILMS: Any narrative or documentary film of SA origin with a running time of less than 50 minutes, In order to qualify as a SA Short Film, at least half of the submitted project's financing must originate from within SOUTH AFRICA. Short Films have no premiere requirements or prior screening restrictions-- they may have had any number of public theatrical exhibitions, been released on DVD, and may have been broadcast on television or the Internet and still retain eligibility.

INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILMS: Any narrative or documentary film of International origin with a running time of less than 50 minutes, In order to qualify as an International Short Film, more than half of the submitted project's financing must originate from outside of SA. Short Films have no premiere requirements or prior screening restrictions-- they may have had any number of public theatrical exhibitions, been released on DVD, and may have been broadcast on television or the Internet and still retain eligibility.


3) WHAT ARE THE FESTIVAL PROGRAM CATEGORIES AND ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR EACH? Mpumalanga Short Film Festival is comprised of five Competition program categories and seven non-competition program categories, listed in separate sections below. You may not submit your film directly to any specific category! If your film is accepted into the Festival, our Programming team will decide which of the Festival program categories it will play. Please be aware that these may vary from year to year, so the information listed below is subject to change at any time. At the core of our Festival program are our competition categories. Films that are selected to be in one of these five program categories are eligible for Jury Prizes in their respective sections:

SA DRAMATIC COMPETITION (10 SA Narrative Feature Films): For over a year, MSFF Dramatic Competition has offered a first look at groundbreaking new voices in Local independent film. Fueled by fierce creativity and vision, these 10 films are guaranteed to leave a lasting impact on the next generation of cinema. Films must be WORLD PREMIERES in order to be considered for this program.If your film has screened at any other film festival, been released on DVD, broadcast on television or the internet, or had a ticketed public theatrical exhibition anywhere in the world, it is not eligible for this program. In order to qualify, the submitted project must be either scripted or improvisational fiction, have a total running time of 50 minutes or more, and at least half of the project's financing must originate from within SA. Films selected to play in this category will compete against one another for jury prizes and an audience award.

SA DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION (10 SA Documentary Feature Films): From human rights to popular culture, these 10 films confront the subjects that define our time. Stylistic diversity and rigorous filmmaking distinguish these new African documentaries. Films must be WORLD PREMIERES in order to be considered for this program. If your film has screened at any other film festival, been released on DVD, broadcast on television or the internet, or had a ticketed public theatrical exhibition anywhere in the world, it is not eligible for this program. In order to qualify, the submitted project must be a non-fiction documentary subject ("mockumentaries" do not qualify), have a total running time of 50 minutes or more, and at least half of the project's financing must originate from within SA. Films selected to play in this category will compete against one another for jury prizes and an audience award.

WORLD CINEMA DRAMATIC COMPETITION (12-14 International Narrative Feature Films): From all corners of the globe, these emerging filmmaking talents offer fresh perspectives and inventive styles. We present these exceptional works as a way to honor the independent spirit in filmmakers everywhere. Submissions must be INTERNATIONAL PREMIERES in order to be considered for this program. If your film has screened outside of its country of origin, whether at a film festival or other ticketed public theatrical exhibition, it is not eligible for this program. It is also ineligible if it has been released on DVD or broadcast on television or the Internet in any country. In order to qualify, the submitted project must be either scripted or improvisational fiction, have a total running time of at least 50 minutes, and more than half of the project's financing must originate from outside of SA. Films selected to play in this category will compete against one another for jury prizes and an audience award.

WORLD CINEMA DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION (12-14 International Documentary Feature Films): Made by some of the most courageous and extraordinary filmmakers working today, these films from around the world poignantly examine issues that range from the personal to the universal. Submissions must be INTERNATIONAL PREMIERES in order to be considered for this program. If your film has screened outside of its country of origin, whether at a film festival or other ticketed public theatrical exhibition, it is not eligible for this program. It is also ineligible if it has been released on DVD or broadcast on television or the Internet in any country. In order to qualify, the submitted project must be a non -fiction documentary subject ("mockumentaries" do not qualify), have a total running time of at least 50 minutes, and more than half of the project's financing must originate from outside of the SA. Films selected to play in this category will compete against one another for jury prizes and an audience award.

SHORT FILM COMPETITON (70-80 SA& International Short Films): Limited only by runtime and driven by innovation and experimentation, short films transcend the rules of conventional storytelling. From cutting-edge animation to the best in Native and documentary cinema, these Shorts Programs call out filmmaking’s most original imaginations. All short films are selected to play before features or in one of eight Shorts Programs, and all accepted shorts are eligible for awards in our Shorts Competition. Short Films must have a total running time of less than 50 minutes, including credits. There are no premiere or prior screening restrictions for short films. Shorts may have been released on DVD, broadcast on television or the Internet, and/or publicly screened anywhere in the world and still remain eligible for our Shorts Competition. All short films at the Festival are eligible for the Short Film Grand Jury Prize. Short films will also compete for jury prizes within their specific categories (SA Fiction, International Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Animation). Additionally, Special Jury Prizes may be awarded to short films at the discretion of the jury. Films selected for the following Festival program categories will screen out of competition, so the eligibility requirements are generally not as strict. With the exception of the Premieres and Documentary Premieres categories, non-competition films do not need to retain any sort of premiere status, and are allowed to have screened at up to two other film festivals before MSFF.

SPOTLIGHT (10-12 SA& International Feature Films):
The Spotlight category is a tribute to the cinema we love. Regardless of where these impressive films have played throughout the world, MS Film Festival is thrilled to light a marquee for them. We are confident you'll love them, too.In order to qualify for this out-of-competition category, films are not required to retain any sort of premiere status, and are allowed to have screened at up to two other film festivals or ticketed public theatrical exhibitions prior to MSFF. However, they may not have been released on DVD or broadcast on television or the Internet in their entirety.

NEXT (8 MP Narrative Feature Films): Films selected for this category stretch a low budget to create big art. < = > (Less than equals greater than) is our words for the creativity that limited resources can inspire. Although these films share a Festival category, there is nothing categorical about them. By nature, they embody the spirit of indie filmmaking. Films must be WORLD PREMIERES in order to be considered for this program. If your film has screened at any other film festival, been released on DVD, broadcast on television or the internet, or had a ticketed public theatrical exhibition anywhere in the world, it is not eligible for this program. In order to qualify, the submitted project must be either scripted or improvisational fiction, have a total running time of 50 minutes or more, and at least half of the project's financing must originate from within MP. Films selected to play in this category will compete against one another for the “Best of NEXT Audience Award.”

PARK CITY AT MIDNIGHT (8 SA. & International Feature Films): A treat for true cinephiles and casual filmgoers alike, this out-of-competition section presents an eclectic mix of horror, sci-fi, over-the-top comedies, surreal tales, explicit animation, and bizarre stories that defy categorization. Raucous, rowdy, and rebellious; softies need not enter! Films selected for this section do not need to retain any sort of premiere status, and are allowed to have screened at up to two other film festivals before MSFF. However, they may not have been released on DVD or broadcast on television or the Internet in their entirety.

NEW FRONTIER FEATURES (5-6 SA& International Feature Films): The New Frontier category celebrates experimentation and the convergence of film, art, and new media technology as an emerging hotbed for cinematic innovation, highlighting work that pushes the limits of traditional aesthetics and structures of filmmaking. Films selected for this out-of-competition category do not need to retain any sort of premiere status, and are allowed to have screened at up to two other film festivals before MSFF. However, they may not have been released on DVD or broadcast on television or the Internet in their entirety.

FROM THE COLLECTION (1-2 SA& International Feature Films): Rediscover classic works of independent cinema as the Mpumalanga Short Film Festival presents films from the vaults of the MP Collection at Caster Bridge. A unique archive devoted to preserving indie film, the Collection exists not only to save important works that would otherwise disappear but also to make them accessible to new audiences and show them as they were intended to be seen: on the big screen. Formed in partnership with the SABC, Mzansi Magic, E TVand Film and Television Archive and growing through the support of donor companies and individual filmmakers, the Collection will contains more than 800 films. Acceptance into this out-of-competition category is by invitation only. Open submissions will not be considered for this program. PREMIERES (14-18 SA& International Feature Films): The Premieres program showcases some of the most highly anticipated dramatic films of the coming year. Catch world premieres and the latest work from established directors at Mpumalanga Short Film Festival before they create a splash at local theatres. Acceptance into this out-of-competition category is by invitation only, but films that are selected must maintain a SA or World Premiere status.

DOCUMENTARY PREMIERES (8-10 SA & International Feature Films): Reflecting the growing impact and popularity of documentaries in our world today, the Documentary Premieres section furthers our commitment to this important form of storytelling. Expect to see the debut of new docs about big subjects from established filmmakers. Acceptance into this out-of-competition category is by invitation only, but films that are selected must maintain a SA or World Premiere status.


4) WHAT IS THE DEFINITION OF THE TERM “TICKETED PUBLIC THEATRICAL EXHIBITION”? As outlined in Item #3 above, your feature-length film is ineligible for many of our Festival Program
Categories if a prior “ticketed public theatrical exhibition” have occurred or will occur before January July 21st, 2014. This doesn’t mean that you may not submit your film, but it does limit the number of Program Categories it is eligible for. A “ticketed public theatrical exhibition” is defined as any screening of your completed film to which members of the general public may purchase or otherwise obtain tickets, whether at a film festival or any other public screening. If you hold a work-in-progress screening of your film in order to raise completion funds, this does not count as a “ticketed public theatrical exhibition.” However, the version of the film you submit to us must be significantly different than the one that was screened as a work-in-progress. Test screenings held for the purpose of obtaining feedback are also considered to be work-in-progress screenings. A private, invite-only screening of your completed film will also not be considered as a “ticketed public theatrical exhibition,” even if the invited guests were required to purchase tickets in order to attend. Although feature-length films that have previously screened elsewhere are still eligible for submission to many of our out-of-competition categories, we do prefer to play SA feature films that are world premieres and international feature films that have not yet screened outside of their country of origin, so we reserve the right to use premiere status in our decision-making process. We have no such requirements for Short Films, which may have had any number of prior screenings and still remain eligible.


5) WHAT IS YOUR PREFERRED FORMAT FOR SUBMISSION? Films should be submitted to us on a single DVD-R or DVD+R disc, and we would prefer that they be sent in a simple paper CD/DVD sleeve in order to cut down on waste. Once we receive your DVD, the case or sleeve will be recycled, so it doesn’t matter what type of packaging you use to submit your disc. DVDs must be compatible with standard set-top DVD players-- do not simply burn a QuickTime or AVI file to a disc as data. Please ensure that your disc plays in a standard DVD player before it is mailed to us! We will also accept submissions on dual-layer discs (DVD-R Dual Layer or DVD+R Dual Layer), but if you choose to submit your film in that format, please include a standard DVD-R or DVD+R disc as a backup. Please be sure to include both your tracking number and the title of your film directly on the face of your DVD. It is also very helpful for us if you write your tracking number clearly on the front of your envelope.


6) CAN I SEND YOU MY DVD IN PAL FORMAT, OR DO YOU ACCEPT NTSC ONLY? It is highly preferred that you send us an NTSC, Region 1 or region free (Region 0) DVD when submitting to us, but we will accept PAL and SECAM formats as well. If you are sending a DVD that has a region code other than 0 or 1, and/or a format other than NTSC, please mark this CLEARLY on the face of the disc and on the DVD sleeve or case. As a general rule of thumb, always make sure that your DVDs region code is set to 0.


7) CAN I UPLOAD MY FILM DIGITALLY INSTEAD OF SENDING A DVD? Yes, but you must use a Secure Online Screener system. If you choose to submit an online screener, you may do so via Festhome please be sure to attach your film to your application. Simply uploading the film is not enough. You must upload your file in the accepted digital format. Once your upload is complete, you MUST view the uploaded file in its entirety to ensure that everything is in order.


8) DO YOU ACCEPT SUBMISSIONS ON VHS OR ANY OTHER FORMAT? No. Films must be submitted on either a standard DVD-R/DVD+R or DVD-R/DVD+R Dual Layer disc, or via Festhome. For the purposes of reviewing your initial submission, we cannot accept Blu-Ray, VHS, Beta, Mini-DV, HD-CAM, 16mm, 35mm or any other format not referenced in items 5, 6, and 7 above.


9) WHY DON’T YOU ACCEPT SUBMISSIONS ON BLU-RAY? Although we have accepted both Blu-Ray and HD-DVD formats in the past, it has proven to be more efficient to use to one standardized format for viewing submitted films. For that reason, we ask that you do not submit a physical disc in any format other than DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-R Dual Layer, or DVD+R Dual Layer. You may not submit discs that will only play in a Blu-Ray player, even if they are burned to a standard DVD.


10) HOW DO YOU DISTINGUISH SHORT FILMS FROM FEATURE FILMS?
Films with running times of less than 50 minutes are classified as Shorts. Films that are 50 minutes or longer are classified as Features,You should select your submission category based on what the final projected running time of the film will be, including credits. We have no minimum or maximum length restrictions-all we ask is that your film be submitted on a single DVD or uploaded via Festhome.


11) HOW DO YOU DETERMINE WHETHER A FILM IS CONSIDERED SA OR INTERNATIONAL? In almost all cases, this is determined by the primary source of the film's funding. If 50% or more of the film’s financing came from sources within SA, it qualifies as a SA Film. If more than 50% of the film’s financing came from international sources, it qualifies as an International Film. Please select your submission category based on the primary source of financing, but we do reserve the right to make a final judgment call based on a number of other factors, such as the primary shooting location, language(s) spoken in the film, and the nationalities of key members of a film’s cast and crew.


12) IF MY FILM INCLUDES NON-ENGLISH DIALOGUE, DO YOU REQUIRE ENGLISH SUBTITLES? We require that all films that contain significant non-English dialogue include on-screen English subtitles. A translated list of dialogue on paper is not sufficient! If your film is mostly in English and you intend to intentionally leave out subtitles for any non-English dialogue included in the film, you do not need to provide subtitles for those particular sections.


13) WHAT SHOULD I INCLUDE WITH MY SUBMISSION? After you have completed the online application, all we need from you is a single copy of your film. In an effort to cut down on waste, we ask that you do not send printed press or promotional materials to us-- we will not keep anything in your package except for your DVD. Quite often, films sent to us in standard size retail DVD cases will become dislodged during shipping, resulting in scratched, unplayable discs, so we recommend mailing your film in a paper sleeve or slim jewel or clamshell case. Please refrain from taping your disc to any surface, as tape residue may also render your disc unplayable. Our preferred method of packaging is a medium (approximately 6” x 9”), bubble padded envelope. This is not a requirement, but it does help make the process run more smoothly. It is not necessary to wrap your DVD in bubble wrap and mail it to us in an oversized box. Doing so will only make it more difficult for us to process your film once it is received. Please do not use a paper label on your disc! There are many different variables with stickers and paper labels that could render your disc unplayable-- a permanent marker (such as a Sharpie) will work just fine. Discs with text or graphics printed directly on the surface are also acceptable. Please write or print your film's title and tracking number directly on the face of the disc, like below:


14) HOW OLD CAN MY FILM BE AND STILL QUALIFY FOR SUBMISSION? Any film submitted for 2015 Festival consideration must have been completed in either 2013 or 2014. If your film was completed prior to 2013, it is no longer eligible for submission. If your film's production took place prior to 2012 but your final cut was not completed until 2013 or 2014, your film is still eligible.


15) MY FILM WAS NOT ACCEPTED LAST YEAR. CAN I RE-SUBMIT? Yes, but only if it has changed significantly. We are not interested in seeing the same cut again-- it should be a complete reworking of the previous version that was submitted to us. If you are in doubt, it probably hasn’t changed enough.


16) WILL YOU NOTIFY ME IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE MY FILM?
Due to the volume of submissions we receive, we are unable to contact each applicant individually if we do not receive his or her film. It is your responsibility to make sure that your package makes its way to our office. Once your film has been marked as received in our system, you will be able to log into your Withoutabox account and see that it has been marked as such. Alternately, you may also include a self-addressed, stamped postcard, which we will mail back to you once your submission has been processed. Due to the volume of submissions we receive (100 films for 2013 Festival consideration), we ask that you allow up to one month for us to process your submission once it has been mailed. If your film has still not been marked as received within this period of time, contact us at info@msffestival.co.zafor further instructions.


17) WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO GET MY DVD TO PLAY? We will make every effort to play your DVD, but in the event that we are unable to view your film, we will attempt to contact you to request another copy using the primary contact information that you provided on your application. However, there is no guarantee that we will get your replacement disc in time, and we must give preference to those who sent in a working copy to begin with. For this reason, we ask that you make absolutely sure that your DVD plays all the way through BEFORE you submit it to us!


18) CAN I SUBMIT A NEWER CUT OF MY FILM AFTER I'VE ALREADY SUBMITTED AN EARLIER VERSION?
Sending in replacement cuts after you have already submitted a prior version of the film can cause a great deal of confusion throughout the screening process and it is also not fair to those who sent in a cut prior to their selected submission deadline. If you pay R100 to submit your short film to us by the early deadline, you absolutely may not send us a replacement cut once that deadline has passed. We reserve the right to disqualify, without refund of any or all submission fees, any applicant who attempts to avoid submission fees by sending in a replacement cut of their film after their selected deadline has passed. WE WILL ONLY VIEW THE FIRST CUT OF YOUR FILM THAT WE RECEIVE!


19) IF MY FILM HAS AIRED ON TELEVISION, MAY I STILL SUBMIT IT? If your film is a short (less than 50 minutes in length), it is still eligible even though it has been broadcast on television. If your feature-length film (50 minutes or longer) had one or more nationwide television airings in one or more countries, that particular cut is NOT eligible for submission. However, it may be submitted if the version that aired on TV is significantly different from the one you wish to submit. For example, a documentary that aired in an hour-long TV slot may still be submitted if a longer cut is created for the purposes of theatrical distribution. Though we reserve the right to make a final determination on any given film’s submission eligibility, those that were broadcast locally or regionally and did not receive a nationwide television broadcast in any country are still eligible to submit the same cut that was broadcast.


20) CAN I SUBMIT MY FILM AS A ROUGH CUT? A large percentage of the films submitted to us every year are unfinished versions with incomplete or temporary sound, missing scenes, no credits or titles, unfinished effects, etc. However, it does need to be complete enough for us to be able to make a decision. If you expect that your final version will be 90 minutes long, it’s probably not a good idea to send us a 45-minuterough cut. Whenever possible, you should provide an on-screen description of missing scenes or elements as placeholders within the continuity of the film.


21) CAN I SUBMIT MY FILM WITH A TEMPORARY MUSIC TRACK? Temp tracks, scratch music, and temp scores are perfectly fine for your submission, but please include a list of missing or temporary elements directly on-screen before the film begins.


22) DO I REALLY HAVE TO REGISTER MY FILM ONLINE?
If you are having trouble with the online form, please e-mail us at info@msffestival.co.za and we will be glad to help guide you through the process.


23) AM I REQUIRED TO OBTAIN RIGHTS CLEARANCE FOR MUSIC OR OTHER COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL INCLUDED IN MY FILM? From a legal standpoint, you must clear all copyrighted material included in your film before you can publicly screen it.However, MSFF does not check to ensure that you have obtained or not, clearance for these materials at any point during the application process, nor will we be held responsible for any inclusion of uncleared materials in your film. It is the sole responsibility of the entity submitting the project to secure permission from the copyright holder of the material in question, whether it is music, stock footage, or any other elements that could violate an existing copyright. Films that are accepted into the Festival must sign a waiver stating that materials used in the film do not violate any existing copyright. Quite often, rights holders offer reduced rates for festival films, so you should contact them directly to avoid any possible rights infringements.


24) DO I NEED TO MEET A MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT IN ORDER TO SUBMIT A FILM? No, we encourage filmmakers of all ages to submit their work. However, we do not have any separate categories or programs specifically related to young or student filmmakers. All submitted films will compete against each other for available slots in each program. If you are under the age of 18 and your film is accepted, we will require signed, written permission from your parent or legal guardian before we are able to screen your film.


25) HOW MANY FILMS MAY I SUBMIT? You may submit as many films as you'd like, but you only need to create one account. Upon doing so, you may fill out individual applications for multiple films. We do not offer reduced rates in fees for multiple submissions. If you submit three films, you must pay the submission fees for all three of them. Please do not submit multiple projects on the same DVD. If we receive a submission with multiple films on one disc, we will only consider the first film included.


26) WHAT IF MY CONTACT INFORMATION OR ANYTHING ELSE ABOUT MY SUBMISSION CHANGES AFTER I'VE FILLED OUT THE APPLICATION?
You may log into your account at www.festhome.com at any time to update or revise your application. We will use the public contact information from your application to contact you regarding problems with your submission and to notify you of your acceptance status, so please ensure that this information is always kept up-to-date.


27) WHEN WILL I FIND OUT IF MY FILM WAS SELECTED?
We will contact you via e-mail during the first week of July. Please make sure that the e-mail address you provided on your application will be operational at that time. If your e-mail address changes after you’ve filled out the application, please log into your account and update it. We will not be held responsible for any failed delivery of notification! If you haven’t heard from us by July 10th, please contact us at info@msffestival.co.za for an official notification.


28) IF MY FILM IS ACCEPTED, WHAT PROJECTION FORMATS DO YOU ACCEPT? We accept Film prints in 16mm or 35mm format, digital video on Sony HDCAM tape and DCP. For 35mm film prints, we screen 24fps in aspect ratios of 1.37, 1.66, 1.85, or 2.39. We accept sound formats of mono, stereo, Dolby SR and Dolby SRD (Dolby Digital). For 16mm, we accept prints in 1.37 aspect ratio with mono optical sound. For Sony HDCAM tape, we accept HD 1080 format in the following frame rates: 59.94i, 23.98psf, 25p, and 50i. If your video image is 4x3, 1.85, 1.66, or 2.35/2.39/Scope you must have it pillarboxed or letterboxed during the lab transfer for it to be screened without any image distortion. For HDCAM sound, we require LtRt or Dolby Pro Logic compatible stereo mixed tracks on channels 1 & 2. Optional: Dolby E on channels 3 & 4 (not all theaters are equipped for Dolby E playback). DCP must be DCI compliant, keys must be open for window specified by festival, and HDCAM or 35mm backup copy must be provided in addition. DCP will only be accepted with prior approval. Please note that these specifications are subject to change each year.


29) IS THERE A SCREENPLAY COMPETITION AT THE FESTIVAL?
We do currently have a screenplay competition. Completed feature films that are accepted into our narrative competition program categories are eligible for a screenwriting prize, but we do have a screenplay competition at the Festival.


30) YOU DON’T ACTUALLY WATCH ALL OF THESE SUBMISSIONS, RIGHT? We depend on new talent and new filmmakers to uphold our mission as a Festival of discovery. If we didn’t watch the films submitted to us, we would miss out on so many new works of independent film. If your film is received in time, your account is paid in full, and there are no playability issues with your video file, your film will be treated exactly the same as all other films submitted to us for consideration.


31) WHAT TYPES OF FILMS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? WHAT STANDS OUT? We celebrate the independent spirit of interesting and original storytelling. Diverse voices and films that push the limits of style and narrative also excite us, but there is no single aesthetic that we look for over any other. We are mainly looking for great films and interesting points of view.


32) IF MY FILM IS NOT CHOSEN, MAY I SPEAK WITH A PROGRAMMER FOR NOTES OR FEEDBACK? Yes. With up to 250 film submissions expected this year alone, it simply viable for us to correspond with each applicant individually. Don't be discouraged if your film isn't accepted-- we view far more worthy films each year than we have room to play. This subject to change once a high volume of Submission is received over the years.


33) WHERE DOES MY SUBMISSION FEE GO?
MSFF is a non-profit organization that provides many different programs and initiatives for film and theatre writers, directors, actors, producers, and composers. Fees from Festival submissions help fund programs such as these, and also help us keep the submissions process thorough and democratic. We strive to process every package promptly and view every film with an attentive and unbiased eye. For more information about MSFF many programs, please visit us at www.msffestival.co.za the submission fee is non-refundable.


34) WHEN DOES THE 2015 MPUMALANGA SHORT FILM FESTIVAL TAKE PLACE? The Festival will take place in Ehlanzeni Disaster Center, Mbombela on JAugust 5th - 9th, 2015. We hope to see you there!