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FAQ’S
1) What are the submission deadlines and what are the fees?
Film Festival dates: October 9 – October 16, 2023
Early Bird Entry: May 1 – May 31, 2023
Regular Entry: June 1 – July 1, 2023
Extended Entry: July 2 – August 2, 2023
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 just 4 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 CYF wants to give emerging filmmakers the opportunity this year to REPRESENT, through their films, in the following 4 categories:
Animated Short: Animated pieces written by Latinos/as and inspired by Latino culture or storytelling.
Music Video: Music videos featuring Latinos\as artists or artistry. (Must have the rights or written permission for the music.)
Politics Today: Pick 1 of the 2 subcategories (Politics/Climate Change):
Politics Today Films description: – The current political landscape, & how it affects Latino communities – Stories that analyze the history & culture of politics, focus on Latino representation in politics, or the impact of policies on our communities. – Topics related to systemic racism, economic inequality, environmental injustice & more through a Latino lens.
Climate Change Film Description: – Highlighting the impact of climate change on Latino communities. – Exploring topics such as natural disasters, pollution, water availability, food insecurity, ecosystem degradation from a Latino/a perspective. – How extreme weather events have disproportionately affected people in Latin American countries/communities. – Possible solutions to climate change, including renewable energy sources & sustainable development practices in our communities/countries.
Sci-Fi/Fantasy: Designed to transport viewers to other worlds – ones they may only have ever seen in their imagination.
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 2020 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 3 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