How do I submit my film?

For short film and music video submissions wwe exclusively use the Filmfreeway platform.

https://filmfreeway.com/SunderlandShorts

How much does it cost to submit to Sunderland Shorts?

The costs for submission at Sunderland Shorts Film Festival 2023 are:

Short Films:
Standard: $15
Student: $10
Filmfreeway Gold Members: $12

Music Videos:
Standard: $10
Student: $7.50
Filmfreeway Gold Members: $7.50

Prices are listed in United States Dollars as standard on the Filmfreeway platform.

Submission fees listed are non-negotiable and not transferable.

My film is longer than 25 mins, can I still submit it?

We currently specify 25 minutes as the maximum cut-off for a short film including credits. Short films over 25 minutes may have less chance of inclusion in our programme as we generally programme reels running between 60 and 90 minutes.

What categories does Sunderland Shorts programme?

For our 2023 edition we will be having dedicated short film screenings of:

• Art & Experimental
• Documentary
• Animation
• Comedy
• Drama
• Horror
• Sci-Fi
• Music Video
• Art and Experimental
• Young, Emerging and Student
• North East Filmmakers

Is entry to the festival open to international entrants?

Yes, at Sunderland Shorts we champion filmmaking talent from around the World.

My film is not in the English language, do I need to provide subtitles?

All non-English language films must have English subtitles burnt into the film file. If you would like to submit a film with non-English scenes and no subtitles, please contact the SSFF Programming Team prior to submission to discuss your entry. The only exception is with song lyrics, which do not have to be translated.

Can I submit work which has been previously screened elsewhere?

We do not have a premiere status requirement. We will accept submissions of films that have previously screened elsewhere, including at other festivals both nationally and internationally. However we do ask that films are not readily available online through the duration of the festival and ask you to please include information on previous screenings with your submission.

What are the copyright regulations for the festival?

To make a submission to the SSFF you must be authorised to submit the film for consideration including having the relevant permission(s) from a distributor or sales agent representing the film and you must have obtained the necessary permissions for the inclusion of copyrighted music and/or images within your film. By making a submission, you confirm you possess all rights necessary for the screening of the submitted film at the SSFF, including holding the relevant ownership rights and you are agreeing that the work is original. SCC, its members, employees, partners and volunteers of SSFF will not be held responsible for the authorised inclusion of any copyrighted materials contained within or in connection with the submitted film or where the appropriate rights or permissions have not been obtained. SSFF reserves the right to disqualify, without refund of the submission fee, any film with the unauthorised inclusion of copyrighted materials or incorrect rights/permissions.

Can I get feedback on my short film?

Yes. After the completion of this year’s event we are happy for you to reach out and ask for feedback on your film.

Can I submit a feature film?

Unfortunately we currently only allow films with a maximum running length of 25 minutes.

I haven’t received confirmation of my submission. What should I do?

Through Filmfreeway you will receive an automatic confirmation upon your entry as well as a unique tracking number (eg. SSFF1138). If you haven’t received a confirmation email within three days of submitting, we recommend that you contact us. Please let us know the film’s title, director and the date you originally submitted.

Can I enter more than one film?

Yes, you may enter as many films as you like to SSFF. However, you must purchase a separate entry fee for each film you submit, and you must also complete the submission process separately for each film via FilmFreeway.

Have any further questions?

Further information, rules & terms can be found at: https://sunderlandshorts.co.uk/rules/

If you have any further questions get in touch via info@sunderlandshorts.co.uk or our social media pages and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.