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FAQ’S
1) What are the submission deadlines and what are the fees?
Film Festival dates: October 9 – October 16, 2024
Early Bird Entry: April 1 – June 31, 2024
Regular Entry: June 5 – July 5, 2024
Last Chance Entry: July 6 – August 6, 2024
Student Film Fee: Early Entry – Free, Standard Entry – $10, Late Entry -$15
Standard Submission Fee: Early Entry – Free, Standard Entry – $20, Late Entry – $25
2) What are the submission themes?
This year there are five categories.
Films are a powerful medium for representing the diversity of the human experience. When we see someone on screen that looks like us, it can be a deeply affirming experience and remind you that your story matters too! The Latino/a voice has been one of the most underrepresented voices in film – so many opportunities exist with this theme. That is why Tú Cuentas Cine Youth Fest wants to give emerging filmmakers the opportunity this year to REPRESENT, through their films, in the following 5 categories:
Animation and Experimental:
Animated shorts or experimental films that tell stories in new ways, all sparked by the awesome and colorful traditions of Latino culture.
Documentary Shorts:
True stories or investigative pieces that shed light on issues important to the younger generation.
Identity and Self-Discovery:
Films that deal with themes of personal growth, identity formation, and the journey to self-discovery.
Mental Health Awareness:
Films that aim to destigmatize mental health issues among youth.
Social media and Digital Life:
Films that explore the impact of social media and digital technology on youth culture and personal relationships
3) What is the length of submission required?
Only films 30 minutes or shorter are eligible.
4) May I submit my project as a rough cut?
No, we are only accepting finished projects/films.
5) How old can my project be and still qualify for submission?
The project needs to have been produced and completed within 2022 till now.
6) If my project includes non-English dialogue, do you require English subtitles?
Yes, English subtitles are required.
7) Is my project eligible if it has aired on television or digital/streaming services?
Yes, within the last 2 years to be consistent with submission.
8) Do I need to meet a minimum age requirement in order to submit a project?
The minimum age requirement is 16 years old. All legal responsibilities of a Minor under the Official Rules will be assumed by his/her Parent, and a Minor winner’s prize will be awarded in the name of the Parent for the benefit of the Minor. In the event a potential prize winner is a Minor, the Minor’s Parent may be required to sign and return an Affidavit of Eligibility and Release on behalf of themselves and/or the Minor, and any other legal documents that Sponsor may require, including documentation to have an agreement affirmed by a Surrogate’s Court. To be eligible to win the Student Prize (defined below), you must be enrolled in high school or enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student at a community college or four-year college or university (a “Student”). If you enter the Contest as a Student, you are eligible to win only the Student Prize.
9) Which video formats do you accept?
A Film must be submitted to the Sponsor in one of the following formats: .mov, .mp4, or .m4v. There is an upload size limitation of 100MB per Film. If your film is larger than 100mb, please contact us directly at TCCYF@hitn.org.
10) How do I submit my film?
During the Contest Period, submit through cineyouthfest.org or enter tu cuentas cine youth fest on Filmfreeway’s website and submit there.
11) Are scholarships/waivers available?
Residents of the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Vermont should contact TCCYF@hitn.org directly to obtain an Entry Fee Waiver. There will be no refunds of any Entry Fees, regardless of whether a Film is selected or not, except at the Sponsor’s sole discretion.
12) How do I know you received my submission? How will I be notified?
All notifications will be sent out from TCCYF@hitn.org
13) If applicable, can I submit my film to more than one theme?
Yes, however, each entry must be a different film, not multiple entries for the same film.
14) Is there a geographical qualification?
Films may only be submitted by legal residents of the 50 United States, Washington D.C. or Puerto Rico.
15) Still have questions?
Send us an email TCCYF@hitn.org
