Rules & Eligibility Requirements:

1. All BC films are eligible for submission.

2. We accept Short Documentary, Short Youth, and Narrative Short films.

3. To enter the Youth Film category, filmmakers must be 17 years of age or younger at the time of production.

4. All films must have a runtime of no less than 3 minutes and no more than 13 minutes, including credits.

5. Forks Film Festival is a family-friendly event. All films must adhere to PG-13 content guidelines. Final content eligibility is determined by the festival programming team.

PG-13 Guidelines Include:

• Language: Infrequent use of mild to moderate profanity; no repeated or aggressive strong language

• Violence: Non-graphic violence without gore or prolonged suffering

• Sexual Content: Non-explicit references, brief romantic situations, or mild innuendo (no nudity or sexual activity)

• Substance Use: Limited references to alcohol or tobacco; non-glorified, non-instructional references to drug use

• Thematic Elements: Mature themes such as grief, identity, or mental health, handled with care and age-appropriate context

• Fear & Intensity: Mild to moderate suspense or frightening moments that are not sustained or graphic

6. Filmmakers retain all rights and ownership of their work. This includes, but is not limited to, music, images, likenesses, and permissions to include individuals and locations. Forks Film Festival assumes no responsibility for copyright infringement, falsified information, or legal disputes related to submitted films.

7. Films must have been completed in 2025 or 2026.

8. Films must not have had a public theatrical or online release prior to the festival.

What is still allowed:

• Private or educational screenings, including:

• School screenings

• Classroom presentations

• Community or family screenings

• Festival screenings at other events, provided the film has not been made publicly available online

• Password-protected online links used for submissions, grants, or juried review

• Clips, trailers, or stills shared on social media for promotional purposes

What is not allowed:

• Public uploads of the full film on platforms such as YouTube, Vimeo, TikTok, Instagram

• Commercial or monetized online releases

9. All submissions must be made through FilmFreeway.

10. Forks Film Festival reserves the right to accept or decline any submission at its discretion.

11. If selected, filmmakers must sign a screening agreement granting Forks Film Festival permission to program and screen the film. For Youth Film selections, a parent or legal guardian must also sign the agreement.

FAQ:

Can I post my film online after the Festival?

Yes. Once your film has screened at Forks Film Festival, you’re free to release it online or submit it elsewhere, unless another festival you’re applying to has its own premiere rules.

Can I share a trailer or clips before the Festival?

Yes. You’re welcome to share:

• Trailers

• Teasers

• Short clips (under 60 seconds)

• Behind-the-scenes content

Just please don’t upload the full film publicly before the Festival.

What about private Vimeo or Google Drive links?

Private, password-protected links used for submissions, juries, classrooms, or feedback are completely fine.

Do you take ownership of my film?

No. You keep 100% ownership and all rights. The Festival only receives permission to screen your film and promote the Festival.

Will you edit or change my film?

No. The only changes made are technical (such as creating a DCP) to make sure your film plays properly in a theatre.

What is a DCP?

A Digital Cinema Package (DCP) is the standard format used by movie theatres.
If needed, the Festival may create one so your film can be screened properly on a cinema system.

Do you pay screening fees?

No. Forks Film Festival does not pay screening fees, but we work hard to promote selected films and filmmakers.

Can I withdraw my film after being selected?

We strongly discourage withdrawals after acceptance because they affect scheduling and promotion.
If something serious comes up, contact us as soon as possible.

Who is responsible if there’s a copyright issue?

The filmmaker is responsible for securing all rights and permissions for their film, including music, images, and performances.

My film is a youth selection — what extra steps are required?

A parent or legal guardian must review and sign the agreement on behalf of the filmmaker.

I still have questions — who do I contact?

We’re happy to help. Please reach out to the Forks Film Festival team at:
kostya@woodenballstudios.com

Youth Film Submission FAQ:

Who can submit a Youth Film?

Youth Films must be made by filmmakers 17 years of age or younger at the time of production. Collaborative projects are welcome, but the primary creative leads (director or writer) must meet the age requirement.

Can adults help with the film?

Yes. Adults may assist in mentorship, supervision, or technical support. However, the creative vision and decision-making must remain youth-led.

Do parents need to be involved?

Yes. If a Youth Film is selected, a parent or legal guardian must sign the screening agreement and any required consent forms before the film can be programmed. A Parent does not need to be involved in the production of the film

Can my child submit more than one film?

Yes, but each film requires a separate submission and submission fee (if applicable). If multiple films are accepted, programming will be at the festival’s discretion.

Are school projects eligible?

Yes! School projects are welcome as long as all rights and permissions are cleared and the film meets runtime and content guidelines.

What rating does my child’s film need to meet?

All Youth Films must adhere to the festival’s PG-13 content guidelines. Films dealing with mature topics are allowed when handled thoughtfully and age-appropriately.

Can the film be funny, weird, or experimental?

Absolutely. Forks Film Festival celebrates creativity in all its forms — comedy, animation, experimental work, and unconventional storytelling are encouraged.

Will youth films be screened separately?

Yes. Youth Films will be programmed in a dedicated Youth Films screening block.

What happens if a youth film is not selected?

All submissions are reviewed with care. Due to programming limitations, not all films can be selected. Submission fees are non-refundable.