Plano International Film Festival Contest Rules

Official Plano International Film Festival Fules
presented by NTPA Studios

Submission Period

• Submissions start on October 9th, 2023.
• The deadline for regular submissions is January 15, 2023 at 11:59 PM CT.
• The final late deadline is January 26, 2024 at 11:59 pm CT.

Film Categories

• Middle School – Short/Short (5 min & under)
• Middle School – Short (5:01-20:00)
• High School – Short/Short (5 min & under)
• High School – Short (5:01-20:00)

Length is the total length of the film, including titles and credits. Films that are greater then 20 minutes, even by one second, may be disqualified.

Submission Guidelines

All films must be submitted online through the official festival website form (ntpa.org/film-festival).

The film submission must include an unlisted YouTube weblink to ensure the privacy and protection of the content while allowing all reviewers access to the link.

On your YouTube video description, please include the name of your film, the producing organization/individual, and the name of all students in the following roles (if applicable) in your description:

• Actors name and role
• Cinematographer
• Editing
• Original Music or Song
• Director
• Producer
• Set Design
• Any other crew positions with students

Films can be made by a single student or multiple students. The film should have been completed on or after January 1, 2022. Films may include students that have graduated or adults, however should have at least half of its cast and crew still in middle school or high school. Films may be submitted to other film festivals and competitions. NTPA does not have a premiere status requirement.

Content Guidelines

All submitted films must be the original work of the filmmaker. Films must be suitable for family viewing, free from explicit content or any other material that may be considered offensive or inappropriate for a general audience. Content must not promote hate speech, violence, or any form of discrimination.

Selection and Notification

A panel of esteemed judges will review all submissions and select the films to be screened at the Plano International Film Festival. Filmmakers whose films are selected will be notified via email no later than February 1, 2024. Each film will receive Official Selection Laurels to be used in promotion with their film.

Screening and Awards

The 2024 Plano International Film Festival will take place at the Courtyard Theater in Plano on February 10, 2024. Each film will be screened only once during the festival. A “Best Film” Awards will be given in each category. Other awards may be given dependent upon total number of entries and participation. Some of these categories may include Best Director, Best Crew, or Best Screenplay.

Ownership and Permissions

By submitting the film, the filmmaker confirms that they hold all necessary rights to the work and have obtained any required permissions for its use. The filmmakers will retain all rights to the film but will grant North Texas Performing Arts permission to show the films in accordance with its film festival and other promotions.

Archiving and Promotion

The selected films may be retained in the festival’s archives for future promotional purposes with appropriate credits to the filmmaker.

Publicity

The filmmakers permit the Plano International Film Festival and North Texas Performing Arts to use excerpts from their films, including trailers and posters, for promotional purposes.

Indemnification

The filmmaker shall indemnify and hold harmless the Plano International Film Festival and North Texas Performing Arts from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses arising out of or in connection with the screening of their film.