Rules & Terms
**ATTENTION ALL FILMMAKERS**
PLEASE READ SUBMISSION GUIDELINES BEFORE SUBMITTING.
ASIFF welcomes mobile films, vertical films, AI films and other works that demonstrate innovative filmmaking or storytelling.
ELIGIBILITY
Films may be created using smartphones, tablets, webcams, GoPro and other action cameras, drones, AI, animation, virtual production and other emerging technologies.
Films shot with conventional cameras are also welcome, provided filmmakers explain their innovative approach to storytelling in the submission.
Professional and homemade equipment is permitted. Any editing software, colour correction, sound production tools or visual effects may be used.
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
Films containing dialogue in languages other than English must include English subtitles.
COPYRIGHT AND PERMISSIONS
Applicants must own or hold the necessary rights and permissions to submit their films and authorize the screenings and promotional uses described below. This includes permissions for music, footage, images, performances and other third-party materials.
Submissions must not infringe copyright, trademarks, privacy or other rights. Applicants are responsible for obtaining any necessary participant consents, location permissions and releases.
For AI-generated or AI-assisted content, applicants are responsible for ensuring they have the rights and permissions necessary to submit and exhibit the work.
PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS AND RIGHTS
Applicants should provide a film poster, a short synopsis and film stills for festival publicity. Trailers and behind-the-scenes photographs or videos are welcome where available.
By submitting, applicants grant ASIFF a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to use the film’s poster, trailer, stills, behind-the-scenes materials and excerpts from the film, together with its title, synopsis and filmmaker credits, to promote the film and the festival across websites, social media, press, advertising and other promotional channels.
Screening or streaming the full film is governed by the screening rights below.
SCREENING RIGHTS
By submitting, applicants grant ASIFF the non-exclusive right to screen selected films as part of the announced festival programme, including online screenings where applicable.
Additional screenings outside the announced programme will be arranged with the rights holder.
Film ownership remains with the rights holder. Worldwide distribution opportunities are subject to our distribution partners’ selection and a separate agreement.
APPLICANT RESPONSIBILITY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
To the extent permitted by applicable law:
• Applicants are responsible for their submitted content and any claims arising from unauthorized use of copyrighted material, missing permissions, infringement, defamation or violations of privacy.
• ASIFF is not liable for inaccurate submission details, incorrect credits, missing subtitles, faulty files or inaccessible viewing links supplied by applicants.
• ASIFF is not liable for submission or screening interruptions caused by third-party platforms, internet outages, equipment failures or other circumstances beyond its reasonable control. We will make reasonable efforts to resolve issues affecting scheduled screenings.
• ASIFF does not guarantee selection, awards, audience numbers, media coverage, IMDb acceptance, distribution agreements or financial returns.
• Applicants are responsible for their own production, submission, travel, accommodation and related expenses unless ASIFF expressly agrees otherwise in writing.
• ASIFF is not responsible for unauthorized copying or sharing by third parties, although reasonable measures will be taken to protect films presented through festival-managed platforms.
• ASIFF is not liable for changes, postponements or cancellations caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control. Any resulting arrangements will be communicated to affected filmmakers.
Nothing in these guidelines excludes or limits liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.
SELECTION AND PROGRAMMING
Selection and award decisions are made by the festival’s programming team and jury. Submission does not guarantee acceptance or an award.
ASIFF may decline or remove a film if eligibility requirements are not met, submission information is materially misleading, or credible rights concerns remain unresolved.
We look forward to discovering your creativity and innovative storytelling.
Check out the winners of ASIFF 2020 here