FAQs
+ Will EIFF consider fee waivers?
ONLY to ALUMNI Filmmakers!
We feel cold-hearted just writing this. NO FEE WAIVERS (aside from ALUMNI) will be considered. Don’t e-mail us, don’t phone us, don’t hunt us down on the streets — we’ve worked very hard to create an affordable submission system that offsets a (very) small portion of our costs. Trust us… filmmaker submission fees are not a revenue generator for ANY fest.
We realize this means we will likely miss out on a lot of fantastic stories, but know that this decision was very carefully evaluated and is supported by our executive.
+ What formats are you able to exhibit?
Our theatre venues are professional year-round cinemas with CHRISTIE and BARCO projectors, and DOREMI servers.
EXHIBITION/Projection formats are: FEATURE Films: DCP or BluRay (with NTSC DVD back-up) SHORT Films are ‘packaged’ as feature-length short film programs and exhibited on a BluRay. Electronic file format: H.264 or .mp4. 1920 x 1080. 23.98fps.
+ What genres are you looking for?
Whatever the genre, we’re looking for films from all corners of the globe that have strong STORIES. Movies that make you question your own values; move you in some mysterious way; or make you laugh out loud. We are also uber-interested in Music Documentaries, FOOD on Films, Spoken Word and filmmakers who are changing how we consume our cinema.
+ I produced a film 3 years ago, can i submit to eiff?
This year yes! With the COVID-19 pandemic, we understand that maybe you weren’t able to shoot a new film this year. Maybe you didn’t get around to submitting to EIFF and you’ve recently discovered our programming that is PERFECT for your film! As long as your film was finished AFTER January 2019, you are eligible for EIFF 2021.
+ do you require premiere status?
Our priority is to program films (of all lengths) that have exclusive, EDMONTON premiere status. Edmonton is the capital City of Alberta, Canada. Films which have had a theatrical screening in Edmonton, OPEN to the general public, are not eligible for consideration. A cast & crew screening which is private and closed to the general public, does not disqualify a film, but preference will be given to premieres.
+ Does broadcast or VOD disqualify my film?
Yes. Projects that are available to the public FOR PURCHASE — in CANADA — prior to EIFF are NOT eligible. Films that have screened theatrically in Edmonton to the general public before EIFF are also ineligible.
+ what does oscar® qualifying mean?
Fewer than 100 film festivals – in the world – are honored to be chosen as OSCAR® Qualifying for Short Films. Jurors select our GRAND JURY Awards in the LIVE ACTION and ANIMATION short film categories, which become eligible for OSCAR® consideration without the standard theatrical run, provided the film otherwise complies with the Academy rules.
SHORT FILMMAKERS… EIFF is your final OSCAR® Qualifying Festival of the year! We announce the two (2) OSCAR® qualifying films in the LIVE ACTION and ANIMATION categories on or before SUNDAY, October 10. The application deadline to submit to 2021 AMPAS (The Academy) is WEDNESDAY, December 1, 2021 (maybe, this may change due to COVID)
+ How do you define alberta filmmaker?
You live in Alberta. OR. You grew up in Alberta and have moved away. You’re considered an ALBERTA Filmmaker and are eligible for a DISCOUNTED submission fee. Submit to the ALBERTA Filmmaker category. If you are both an ALBERTA and ALUMNI Filmmaker, follow instructions for submitting as an ALUMNI (below).
+ who do you consider festival 'alumni'?
Filmmakers who have a Producer, Director, Actor or Writer credit on a film that screened at EIFF in the past 5 years (2016-2020) previous years are considered ALUMNI and eligible for a FULL FEE WAIVER. Send an email with the TITLE of your film and the YEAR it screened at EIFF to: submissions@edmontonfilmfest.com.
Our people will then send a WAIVER CODE to your people! Let’s do lunch
+ i submitted my film to the wrong category, can you help?
Absolutely! If your film is a better ‘fit’ in a category OTHER than the one you submitted to, or if you submitted to the incorrect category, we will automatically ensure your ‘cinematic baby’ is moved to the proper category. Don’t stress!
+ can i submit multiple films as one entry?
No. Entry fees are non-refundable and the fees listed are per entry.
+ How will i be notified of 'official selection'?
All accepted and non-accepted entrants will be notified of their selection status on or before AUGUST 1, via e-mail notification through your online submission tool.
+ What languages do you accept?
We accept films in every language. All films with NON-English dialogue must have English subtitles.
+ Who is watching our submission?
All submissions are screened and evaluated by EIFF Preview and Selection Committees. Their reports and decisions are final and confidential.
+ does EIFF pay for filmmaker travel/accomodation?
ALL filmmakers are invited and we totally wish we could cover everyone’s flight and hotel rooms, but we just don’t have the resources.
+ do atending filmmakers receive passes and/or tickets to their film?
Complimentary Festival Passes and single tickets are available to attending filmmakers. Quantities are dependent on film length, category and based on availability. EIFF representatives will communicate this information to filmmakers upon acceptance of film/s.
+ When do you need my exhibition copy?
To allow for time to test and inspect exhibition copies, EIFF must receive your EXHIBITION copy by: SHORT FILMS – August 1 FEATURE FILMS – September 1
+ How many screening of my film at the festival?
EIFF requires a maximum of three (3) public screenings of the film
+ Prizes and awards!?
Each year our programmers and jurors acknowledge outstanding, independent films — feature, short and documentary — in a variety of categories. Some are tried, true, and traditional — Canadian Feature Film, International Feature, Documentary and Short Film Awards. For more Awards information, visit our awards page!