RULES AND TERMS
​
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.
-
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.
-
Short and feature-length entries are accepted.
-
Short films run no longer than 60 minutes. Feature films run 60 minutes or more.
-
Entries not in English should have English subtitles.
-
Works in progress may be submitted, but are juried in the same pool as all other submissions.
-
Work must be contemporary - completed within the last three years.
-
Entry fees are per film entered, and must accompany the entry form for confirmation. Entry fees are non-refundable.
-
Make checks and money orders payable to the Ann Arbor Film Festival.
-
The Ann Arbor Film Festival does not give waivers or discounts.
-
Entries are accepted via secure online screening and 16mm only. We do not accept DVD, VHS or video data files for screening purposes.
-
16MM
-
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.
-
CALL FOR ENTRIES
July 1 - September 30, 2025
RULES AND TERMS
​
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.
-
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.
-
Short and feature-length entries are accepted.
-
Short films run no longer than 60 minutes. Feature films run 60 minutes or more.
-
Entries not in English should have English subtitles.
-
Works in progress may be submitted, but are juried in the same pool as all other submissions.
-
Work must be contemporary - completed within the last three years.
-
Entry fees are per film entered, and must accompany the entry form for confirmation. Entry fees are non-refundable.
-
Make checks and money orders payable to the Ann Arbor Film Festival.
-
It is the policy of the Ann Arbor Film Festival not to give waivers or discounts.
-
Entries are accepted via secure online screening and 16mm only. We do not accept DVD, VHS or video data files for screening purposes.
-
​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.
FESTIVAL AWARDS
​
The AAFF offers approximately $39,000 in both cash and in-kind awards each year.
In addition to conferring prestige and financial support, an AAFF award can also qualify filmmakers for an Oscar® Nomination by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in the short film category.
Qualifying AAFF awards include the Ken Burns Award for Best of the Festival, the Chris Frayne Award for Best Animated Film, the Lawrence Kasdan Award for Best Narrative, and Best Experimental Film. For more information, see the 2024 63rd AAFF award winners and a description of all the 63rd AAFF Awards.
DEADLINES​
Early Deadline - July 31, 2025
Regular Deadline - August 31, 2025​
Late Deadline - September 30, 2025
CATEGORIES & FEES​
Shorts - films that the filmmaker deems to be experimental with a runtime of 59 minutes or less.
-
Early Deadline - $40
-
Regular Deadline - $55
-
Late & Extended Deadline - Standard: $70
Features - films that the filmmaker deems to be experimental with a runtime of 60 minutes or longer.
-
Early Deadline - $60
-
Regular Deadline - $75
-
Late & Extended Deadline - $90
​
Off the Screen (OTS) Performances and Installations - new this year, we're accepting proposals for expanded cinema performances and installations-based works. “Off the Screen” includes live cinema performances—often staged on the Michigan Theater main stage or in the Screening Room—as well as sculptural and installation works typically presented in the theater’s lobby areas. Submissions are also through FilmFreeway.
​
OTS Short (under 60 minutes) - for installations and performances featuring up to 59 minutes of time-based content.
-
Early Deadline - $40
-
Regular Deadline - $55
-
Late & Extended Deadline - Standard: $70
​
OTS Feature (60+ minutes) - for installations and performances featuring 60 minutes or more of time-based content.
-
Early Deadline - $60
-
Regular Deadline - $75
-
Late & Extended Deadline - $90
​
If you're unsure what OTS category to choose, check out our FAQ page for more helpful details.
​
​NOTE: Early bird pricing for the 64th Ann Arbor Film Festival is limited to the first 800 submissions. If we reach 800 submissions before July 31, the regular deadline pricing will take into effect - submit early to secure the discounted rate!
​