RULES AND TERMS
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The Ann Arbor Film Festival is open to experimental films as well as films that demonstrate a high regard for the moving image as an experimental art form, no matter the genre. Each year the AAFF selects 100-145 shorts and features for exhibition in the awards competition portion of the festival.
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Films previously submitted may not be re-entered unless there has been a significant change to the edit. Later versions of a film may be reviewed and/or selected at the programmer's discretion.
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Short and feature-length entries are accepted.
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Short films run no longer than 60 minutes. Feature films run 60 minutes or more.
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Entries not in English should have English subtitles.
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Works in progress may be submitted, but are juried in the same pool as all other submissions.
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Work must be contemporary - completed within the last three years.
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Entry fees are per film entered, and must accompany the entry form for confirmation. Entry fees are non-refundable.
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Make checks and money orders payable to the Ann Arbor Film Festival.
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The Ann Arbor Film Festival does not give waivers or discounts.
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Entries are accepted via secure online screening and 16mm only. We do not accept DVD, VHS or video data files for screening purposes.
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16MM
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If you would like the festival to preview a 16mm print of your film, please contact the festival directly at submissions@aafilmfest.org to make arrangements.
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COVID-19 Health & Safety Protocols
*These guidelines are subject to change, based on MI State and Washtenaw County guidelines
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Our most important consideration in planning the festival this year is how to safely bring together artists, audiences, volunteers, and staff. As part of our commitment to this community, we are working in lockstep with the Michigan Theater and the University of Michigan. We will require all participants attending in-person to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Attendees can be confident that our staff will be fully vaccinated as well. We are providing this information early to our patrons to ensure that everyone interested in attending in-person has ample time to get vaccinated. We are implementing this policy to ensure that our constituents feel as safe and comfortable as possible while attending, and to do our part to lessen the virus spread. Those who are not fully vaccinated are invited to attend the Festival virtually through our online platform. We will continue to assess other elements of health and safety protocols regularly and in accordance with best practices provided by the CDC, State of Michigan, City of Ann Arbor, and any other related government agencies.
To keep our attendees, staff, vendors and artists as safe as possible, we have implemented the following policies:​
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS ​
At the 60th Ann Arbor Film Festival, we require all guests entering the festival to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.​
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We will check documentation for every guest upon entry to the lobbies. Please have your proof of vaccination ready to present at the festival’s welcome table before entering the Michigan Theater Lobby or 2435 North Quad Space. Proof of full vaccination includes the following options: a vaccination card (or photo), a digital record within an app, an official immunization record, the ResponsiBLUE mobile app, or a photo result saved to your phone. We do not accept QR codes as we will not have a reader.
After you present your vaccination card you will be issued a wrist band to use throughout the Festival​.
MASK POLICY ​
​The University of Michigan and the Michigan Theater are currently requiring masks while indoors. Stay up to date with the University and Michigan Theaters' policies at the links provided.
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FAQ’s RE: VACCINATIONS
Lost your vaccine card?
Washtenaw County Public Health recommends taking a picture of the front and back of your vaccine card for your records. If you need a replacement card, you can request one through the Michigan Department of Health Services.
​ When is my last chance to get vaccinated? ​
​In order to be fully vaccinated in time for the Ann Arbor Film Festival, you’ll need to have received your second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine (or single dose of Johnson & Johnson vaccine) by Tuesday, March 8th (two weeks prior to Festival).
Where can I get vaccinated? ​
In the United States, you can find vaccination locations at this link.
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COVID-19 SAFETY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
​An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public space where people are present. By attending The Ann Arbor Film Festival, you expressly agree to comply with all rules and safety guidelines put in place by the event organizers, and voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19, waiving all claims and potential claims against the event organizers, and their affiliated companies relating to such risks.