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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OPENING NIGHT
TUESDAY, MARCH 21
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$50 general admission
$40 students / seniors / AAFF and MTF members
$12 screening only
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All parties are free to enter unless otherwise noted.
Opening Night Party | 6:30 – 8pm
Michigan Theater Grand Foyer
Celebrate the first night of the festival with drinks and food generously provided by Ann Arbor area businesses including Ann Arbor Distilling Company, Bigalora, Bløm, Dalat, Everest Sherpa, Frita Batidos, Havana Island BBQ and Tapas, Mothfire Brewing Co., Side Biscuit, Teahaus, Vinology, and more. DJ set by Alvin Hill, and open bar.
A ticket to Films in Competition 1 is included in the price of admission.
Films in Competition 1 | 8:15pm
Michigan Theater Main Auditorium (available online at 11:59pm ET)
The 61st Festival kicks off with this screening of experimental, documentary, narrative, and animated films, featuring a minimalistic musical, plant sentience, a guided pseudo-mindfulness exercise, the last thing left of the Aral Sea, smear frames through the history of painting, a recently discovered monarch butterfly subspecies, members of the UK polyamorous community, and three masters of football.
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Knight's After Party | 9:30pm–11:30pm
600 E Liberty St
Featuring jazz by Trip Flammonds Trio.