Film Submission FAQs

Where do I send my submitted film?
We no longer accept DVD submissions. All film submissions must provide either a Vimeo link (preferred) or upload a FFW Secure Online Screener as part of their submission via Film Freeway. If you have any questions, please e-mail submissions@nantucketfilmfestival.org.

Do I need to upload my film or send it via e-mail by the deadline?
Film submissions should be uploaded or link sent via e-mail by the stated deadlines and be accompanied by the corresponding fee.

What kind of films do you accept?
We accept both domestic and international features and shorts (narratives, documentaries, animated works) from every genre and budget, always selected with an eye towards storytelling.

What format should the films be submitted on?
We strongly encourage film submissions to provide a Vimeo link to their work. Films may also be submitted as a FFW Online Secure Screener.

What exhibition format should the films be available on if selected?
Films’ exhibition format should be DCP. We do NOT screen films on DVD or Blu-ray.

What are your eligibility requirements?

• Works must be available for exhibition on DCP;

• Films must have a composite optical sound;

• Entries must be post-marked by the deadline date;

• Films must be in English or include English subtitles;

• Films must be completed after March 1, 2022;

• NFF will only consider previously submitted films if the new version has changed significantly. Do not send the same cut—the film should be a distinct reworking of the previously submitted version. If you are in doubt, it probably hasn’t changed enough;

• Feature films may not have been released theatrically, appeared online, or aired on television in the U.S. prior to the festival;

• Short films may not have been released theatrically or on television in the U.S. prior to the festival. If the film has screened online, the filmmaker is required to include this information in the film’s submission materials.

I’m having issues submitting through www.filmfreeway.com. What should I do?
For issues related to Film Freeway’s website, please contact their webmaster directly.

Are works-in-progress permitted?
Yes, you may submit a work-in-progress for programming consideration as long as the film will be completed by June 1, 2023. If you are submitting a work-in-progress, your screener must be clearly marked as a work-in-progress or rough cut. It's also a good idea to include an initial card on your screener with concise bullet points indicating what is not complete (ie, no color correction, temp sound mix, etc).

Can I send a work-in-progress now and a replacement copy later?
No, only one cut of a film may be considered—replacement cuts are not accepted—so please keep this in mind when deciding when to submit. The only way we can accept a new revised version of your film is if you re-submit it using a new entry form and pay the corresponding entry fee.

Can I submit more than one film?
You can submit as many films as you want as long as each of them is accompanied by its respective entry form and fee.

I don’t live in the USA. Can I submit a film?
Yes, as long as the film is in English or includes English subtitles.

I don’t live in the USA. How do I pay the submission fee?
You can pay the submission fee with a money order in U.S. dollars payable to the Nantucket Film Festival.

My film is about 42 minutes long. Should I submit it as a short or a feature film?
Films must be 40 minutes or shorter to be considered a short film. Films of 41 minutes or more are considered feature-length.

I didn’t receive an e-mail confirmation for my submission.
The Festival does not send email confirmations for submissions made through www.filmfreeway.com. Film Freeway handles all email confirmations processed through their site. You can verify the status of your submission by checking the Film Freeway website. If you submitted your film by email rather than via FFW and have not received a confirmation, please send us a note inquiring about it at submissions@nantucketfilmfestival.org.

How many submissions do you get?
We receive between 600-800 submissions per year.

When will the results be announced?
Notifications will be sent by early May by e-mail only.

What would you need from me if my film is accepted?
We will need almost immediately your film’s press kit materials which include at least some production stills, a short synopsis, and filmmaker bios.

For additional questions regarding submission and other general inquiries, please e-mail submissions@nantucketfilmfestival.org.