How can I submit my film?
Aesthetica Short Film festival only accepts submissions via FilmFreeway
Can I request a fee waiver?
The registration fee for your submission covers the administrative and programming costs of the festival. Unfortunately, we cannot offer fee waivers.
Do you accept works in progress?
Yes, as long as you can get the finished film to us by 25 June. If you decide to do this, please make a note on FilmFreeway letting the programmer know when we can expect your finished film.
Can I send my film in a higher quality format?
For the purpose of the judging process, we only require access to a viewable online version of your film. If your film is selected to be screened at ASFF, we will then ask you to supply a higher quality version for screening.
Are there any age restrictions on submitting to the festival?
There are no age restrictions on submitting to the festival so everyone is welcome to enter. Work can therefore be entered on behalf of someone who is under 18 and it is your judgment call as to whether you think the work is suitable.
Does my film have to have been produced this year?
We accept submissions of films produced in any year, but we will give preferred consideration to films produced within the last two years.
Is entry to the festival open to international entrants?
The festival is open to international submissions. We welcome submissions from all over the world and look forward to seeing a huge variety of entries.
My film is not in English, do I have to provide English subtitles?
All non-English films should be subtitled. Subtitles must be burnt into the quicktime version of the film. The only exception is with song lyrics, which do not have to be translated.
Can I submit work which has been previously screened elsewhere?
Yes, ASFF does not have a premiere requirement and we accept works that have screened at other festivals both nationally and internationally. Please include information on previous screenings with your submission.
What are the copyright regulations for the festival?
You retain the copyright for all your work. Any additional screenings organised by ASFF will be approved by the filmmakers in advance.
I haven't received confirmation of my submission. What can I do?
Through Filmfreeway you will receive an automatic confirmation upon your entry as well as a unique tracking number (eg ASFF0001). If you haven’t received a confirmation email within three days of submitting, we recommend that you contact us. Please let us know the film’s title, director and the date you originally submitted.
Can I alter my entry once it has been submitted?
You can alter your submission up until the final deadline on 7 June 2022. Following this, no further changes or updates can be made. Please be advised that our programmers begin watching films as early as March.
After the judging process is complete, can I get any feedback?
Due to the number of entries received, the judges unfortunately cannot offer any feedback on unsuccessful entries.
Do I need music/sound rights for my submission?
Yes. You are fully responsible for the clearance of all music or sound contained in your entry. You may be required to produce documentation at any time.
Find out more at:
My entry contains film/movie clips from other sources. Do I need to acquire copyright, even for non-commercial use?
Yes, but please be aware that the films will be shown in public screenings. The organisers of the screenings have the right to deny material that they deem unsuitable for their viewers. Please indicate the age rating of your film on your entry form as well as any trigger warnings.
I submitted my film to ASFF before and was unsuccessful. Can I submit it again this year?
We do accept submissions of films that have been submitted to ASFF before as long as there have been substantial changes. If your film has previously been rejected by us, consider what you can do to improve your application this time.
My short film slightly exceeds 30 minutes. Will you still consider it?
We specify 30 minutes as the maximum cut-off for a short film, but we will still accept submissions of films of up to 35 minutes in length. Short films over 30 minutes may have less chance of inclusion in our programme as we generally programme reels compiled of six films running between 60 and 90 minutes.
I have a feature film. Can I submit?
The 2022 festival will be our fifth year of accepting feature film submissions. We are encouraging entries of both narrative and documentary genres running between 60 and 120 minutes.
We are accepting feature films for the 2022 festival. Feature film submissions should have a run time of between 60 and 120 minutes.
Can you accept DCP for exhibition?
Only a number of our venues are equipped with DCP systems. We only accept high quality quicktimes from filmmakers, which can be converted to DCP by the festival team if required. If you are submitting a feature film, you may be asked to provide a DCP depending on the venue the film will screen at. However, as a standard, high quality quicktimes are our exhibition format throughout the festival.
I can't access the online entry form / I need an accessible version of the form
We prefer to receive submissions via the online form, but if you can’t access it, please contact us at [email protected] and we will assist with the process.
Can I enter more than one film?
You may enter as many films as you like. You must purchase a separate entry fee for each film you submit, and you must also complete the submission process separately for each film via FilmFreeway.
Does ASFF cover screening or licensing fees?
No. ASFF does not cover any screening or licensing fees.
Can I attend the festival for free as an Official Selection filmmaker?
If you are selected to be part of the Official Selection, we will send across your Filmmaker Accreditation kit. This includes information on how to claim your complimentary festival passes. These can be assigned to a member of your crew e.g. the director, producer, actor etc. Full details of Filmmaker packages will be sent in advance of the festival.
How can I submit my game?
Please visit the ASFF shop. Purchase your entry. You will then be emailed a link with the entry form to submit.
How will my game be exhibited?
It depends on how it will be played. We expect most to be on PC, console, device or headset.
Can I request a fee waiver?
No. We cannot offer fee waivers.
What formats can I send?
Please send a playable link using github or itch.io.
How long should my game be?
Your game can be as long as it is, but just bear in mind playtime will be one hour. However, attendees to the Lab Space will be able to return to play again.
How will the games be exhibited?
We have a Games Lab where there will be stations for audiences to play, socialise and interact with the games.
Are there any age restrictions?
There are no age restrictions to submit your game. However, please tell us if you have a target audience in mind to play your game.
Is entry open to international entrants?
Yes, we are open to entrants from across the world.
Can I submit a game that has been played online already?
Yes, you can submit a game that has been played online.
After the judging process, can I get feedback?
We will take notes about each game and so feedback will be given if requested.
Can I enter more than one game?
Yes, you can enter as many as you like.
Can I attend the festival for free if my game is selected?
Yes, you will be given two delegate passes and have access to all the film screenings, masterclasses, panels, parties, events, networking, VR and Games spaces.
I have a different question
If you have any other questions, please contact us at [email protected].