Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there an entry fee?
Yes, there’s a $5 entry fee to submit a short film. This fee is payable when submitting a short using the FilmFreeway website. See our Submissions page for more info. There is no entry fee for submitting a feature length film.
Q: I don't live in Ashfield, Buckland, or Shelburne. Can I still submit a short film?
Yes, you can – we strongly encourage you to! Remember, the submitted short must have a connection to Western Mass.
Q: I have made a movie that is five and a half minutes long, can I still submit it?
No. In the interest of fairness and for planning purposes, all movies must be five minutes or less in length. This maximum length includes any titles, credits, etc. that might be part of your submission. We’re happy to consult with you about ideas for trimming the film down to 5 minutes — many films benefit from be tighter.
Q: I am a professional filmmaker. Can I submit a film?
Sure! We welcome all entries provided that they follow the contest rules.
Q: I am an amateur filmmaker who wants to make my first film. Will I even stand a chance if professional filmmakers make submissions?
You sure will! Remember that films are not judged solely on their professionalism. The judges consider other factors, such as subject matter, creativity and engagement. All entries are considered and welcomed.
Q: My young daughter has filmed a lot of material and I helped her edit and put the final film together. Will the film be considered for the Youth Prize?
It all depends on how much adult help she received. In many ways it is like school homework. There is a fine line between doing the homework for your child and helping your child do their own work. The same can be said for your child's film submission. We rely on the honor system for parents and children to submit their respective works appropriately.
Q: Can I submit more than one short?
Absolutely! However not all submissions may be selected for the shorts competition
Q: Are all short film submissions shown?
Not necessarily. The FilmFest competition screening is limited in time and we aim to create a great show, therefore, on years when we receive many submissions, the panel of judges might need to be selective and all film entries may not be shown. The films that are shown will include prizewinners as well as other films that are judged to represent the diversity of submissions and are likely to be enjoyed by the audience. Please don’t assume that by submitting a short film you will be guaranteed inclusion in the final Saturday screening event.
Q: Will all prizes be awarded?
Not necessarily. If there are not enough submissions in a category, the judges can determine that no prize will be awarded for that category in this year.
Q: Will my submission be returned to me?
No. However, entrants retain all copyrights for their materials and they may submit their entries to other venues.
Q: How can I get music for my entry?
You can compose your own music using Garage Band or similar software. You also can obtain license to use music from various web sites like www.rumblefish.com or www.mobygratis.com for non profit or student use. Also try searching Google with terms like: fair use, public domain or fair use songs for further options. You can compose your own music using Garage Band or similar software. You also can obtain license to use music from various web sites like www.rumblefish.com or www.mobygratis.com for non profit or student use. Also try searching Google with terms like: fair use, public domain or fair use songs for further options.
Q: Can a group submit an entry?
Yes, we encourage collaboration, but you will have to share the prize.
Q: Do you accept feature films as well as competition shorts?
Yes, feature films are generally 60 minutes or longer and are accepted only for consideration for screening on the Friday evening Feature Film Event. For the Saturday Short Film Competition, submitted films must be 5 minutes or less.
Q: Is there prize money for features?
No
Q: Will screening a feature at the Ashfield FilmFest preclude me from screening at another film festival?
No. All of our feature length films are shown in our "showcase" venue. These are considered "Friends and Family" screenings and so far have not kept films from premiering at other film festivals. Please double check with any other festivals you are considering entering just to be safe.