When CAN I SUBMIT MY FILM?

Submissions for Hertfordshire Film Festival 2025 are now open and will be accepted until the closing date on Friday 17th January 2025. Complete information regarding the rules and regulations can be found on our Film Freeway submissions portal here.

What length should my film be?

Films in the 11-17s category should be no more than 8mins long and films in the 18-25s category should be no longer than 15mins. Please note that these are maximum lengths, and we are happy to accept complete films of any length shorter than this.

CAN I USE COPYRIGHTED MUSIC IN MY FILM?

We strongly recommend using royalty free image, music, and sound in your film. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the right to show the film to a public audience (i.e. you have secured all music and image rights). You must obtain composition rights for the use of copyrighted music and recording rights if you are using a copyrighted recording. If you do not have the permission to use the music/images in your film, then you cannot submit the film for the festival. You should also consider that there may be opportunities for your work to be screened beyond the festival and you may need to secure additional permissions for your film to be screened.

CAN I USE AI IN MY FILM?

We are interested in young people’s creative ideas, but accept that sometimes AI can be a helpful creative tool in the filmmaking process or provide creative solutions. AI should not form a core part of your film’s creative voice. Any use of AI as a tool in the filmmaking process should be made clear and credited in your film and be included on the relevant section of your submissions form. Overreliance on AI or a lack of clarity on how/where it has been used will likely result us being unable to select your film.

There are people working ON the film outside the age range. Is it still eligible?

We appreciate that some filmmaking teams will include people outside the relevant age category, or input from family or course leaders. However, for your film to qualify, most of the input should be from people within your given age group and details of any creative or technical input from over 18s (for the 11-17s category) or over 25s (for the 18-25s category) should be included with your submission.

I’m one person and I want to get involved in a team, how can I find one to join?

We will be publicising any filmmaking opportunities or events in the run up to the festival. In the meantime, you could consider creating something yourself, or why not get your friends or family involved?