Filmmaker’s FAQ
The International Film Festival of Cinematic Arts provides a platform to recognize the work of the upcoming independent film makers and artists from all over the world. The festival also presents an opportunity to connect independent film makers and share their vision and ideas with the community.
This season we are accepting films in Short Film Narrative, Short Film Documentary, Micro Film Narrative and Music Videos.
Here are some frequently asked questions which film makers often ask. If you have any further question then send out a note to us at info@iffca.org.
Q: Do you accept international films?
A: Yes, we believe in a global cinematic dialogue and highly encourage international filmmakers. If the films are in a foreign language, the film must have English subtitles and be submitted in one of the acceptable format. List of acceptable format is provided on our withoutabox festival page.
Q: What are the festival deadlines and schedule?
A: The film festival is scheduled for the month of November/December. Stay tuned for updates on exact dates and times. This information will be posted on our withoutabox page and also on our site www.iffca.org .
Q: Is this a not for profit initiative?
A: Goal of the festival is to contribute to the spirit of recognizing good cinema. All the expenses for the event will be covered by the donations and application fees received
Q: What is the venue of the event?
A: Based on the number of selections and showings, Films will be screened in Los Angeles, Hollywood or Santa Monica theatres.
Q: How do I submit my film?
A: We accept submissions through Withoutabox (WAB). Follow the link for submissions.
Note: Withoutabox logos are trademarks of Withoutabox, a DBA of IMDb.com Inc. or its affiliates.
Q: What is the selection process for films?
A: The programming committee will decide the films for the festival. Once the decisions are made email communications will be sent to all applicants. Selected films will be screened at least once during the festival. Venue and Schedule of the selected film will be communicated to the contact email address provided at the time of submission.
Q: What is the preferred way of communication?
A: In our effort to go green we promote all communications via email.
Q: What film programs you offer?
A: IFFCA offers following film programs for this season (in upcoming seasons we will be expanding the programs):
- Short Film Narrative
- Short Film Documentary
- Micro Cinema Narrative
- Music Videos
Q: Can I submit a work in progress cut?
A: We only accept finished films.
Q: What is the best way to send my DVD screeners?
A: Screeners can be submitted using withoutabox online. You can also send DVD screener on the mailing address provided on withoutabox page.
Q: How many copies of screeners do I send?
A: We prefer the screeners to be submitted online through withoutabox. If you are sending a screener by mail then send one DVD screener.
Q: What information should I include on the screener?
A: The following information should be included with the screener, if screener is on DVD then write the same information on DVD:
- Film title
- Total Running time
- WAB Tracking number
Q: Can I send publicity material with my screener?
A: No. Please do not send any publicity or marketing material. If your film is selected for the festival, we will request marketing and publicity material at that time.
Q: Will I be notified if you have received my screener?
A: You can monitor your submission via Withoutabox, we will indicate when the submission has been received.
Q: Will my screener be returned to me?
A: We are unable to return screeners.
Q: I do not have time to make sure my screener works. Should I just send it anyway?
A: No. PLEASE test your screeners to make sure they work before you send them. If they don’t, we might not have time to contact you.
Q: How can I pay the submissions fee?
A: Submissions must be completed via WithoutaBox. You must fill out the online submissions form first. At the end of the form, you will be prompted to pay the fee. We accept payment by credit card (American Express, Discover, Mastercard and Visa). Please do not send checks, money orders, or cash.
Q: What if my submission is late?
A: In this case email us with your question and you may get lucky.
Q: What formats and media is acceptable?
A: Updated list of all the media and supported formats are available on our withoutabox page.
Q: What happens if you are unable to get my DVD to play?
A: Make sure before sending the copy of film to us that it works. If your DVDs do not play, we will contact you with email to request another copy. Team will do its best to work within the deadlines but IFFCA will not be responsible for any delay or meeting the deadlines for selection or even for screening for that matter.