We only accept submissions through Withoutabox.
Awards
Cash prizes will be awarded for:
- Best Feature ($5,000)
- Best Short Film ($1,000)
- Local Student Short Audience Award ($250)
- Local Short Film Award ($250)
Important Dates
January 1, 2012: Early Submission Deadline
May 1, 2012: Regular Deadline
May 8, 2012: Late Deadline
May 15, 2012: Withoutabox Extended Deadline
August 15, 2012: Final Notification of Acceptance
September 15, 2012: Film Prints Due
September 27-30, 2012: Festival Dates
Films selected for screening will be notified no later than August 15, 2012.
Eligibility Requirements
- Length: Features must be over 40 min. Shorts must be under 10 min. Any and all genres are accepted.
- Language: Foreign language films must be available with the original language soundtrack and English subtitles.
- Presentation: For preview purposes we only accept DVDs and secure online screeners. For exhibition purposes we only screen, DCP, HDCAM and Quicktime files.
- Local Student Shorts Submissions: Students must be enrolled in an academic institution at the time of submission. Filmmakers must have a San Francisco/Peninsula/Bay Area address.
Required Submission Materials
- Entry Fee paid by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, money order, or check payable in US funds to: PAIFF. International entrants who do not pay by credit card must use an international money order paid in US dollars through a US bank. Entry fees are not refundable. (Entry fee waiver: Students who are enrolled in an academic institution, or local filmmakers who have a San Francisco/Peninsula/Bay Area address may be eligible to receive a fee waiver. No other waivers or exceptions will be granted. Please contact submissions@paloaltoinstitute.org for more details).
- Self-addressed, stamped postcard to verify receipt (optional)
- Preview DVD (optional). DVDs will not be returned unless accompanied by an addressed and PREPAID return envelope or express service waybill.
- Entry materials will not be returned. Incomplete entries will not be considered. Required materials can be submitted digitally on a CD.
Accepted Films
A press kit is required, but only after acceptance.
- Production Still Photos – 300 dpi JPEG image, captioned with the name of actors
- Photo of the Director – 300 dpi JPEG image
- Biography & Filmography for Director, Producer, and/or Writer
- Statement by the Director
Shipping
It will be the filmmaker’s responsibility to cover the incoming shipping costs to PAIFF.
All films will be insured against damage or loss while participating in the Festival. PAIFF will cover the return costs to the address.
Screenings
If a film is invited to participate, the Festival will not screen a film more than three times as allowed by international regulations.
For questions, please contact submissions@paloaltoinstitute.org
