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.
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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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Internships
Starting in June 2025, we’ll begin interviewing for internship positions on a rolling basis. Interns can join us as early as July and will work through the 64th Festival (March 24-29, 2026), wrapping up in late April 2026. Interns are welcome to stick around for multiple seasons, diving deeper into their roles and gaining more experience along the way!
AAFF is currently hiring for:
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Communications Assistant
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Digital Media Assistant
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Graphic Design
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Marketing
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Operations
Click here for internship descriptions and more detailed information.
Qualities of successful applicants:
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reliable
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flexible
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high attention to detail
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strong communicator
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team player
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organized
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eager to learn
Compensation is available as college credit.
AAFF internships require a commitment of 12-15 hours per week. Internships may happen remotely, but it is mandatory for AAFF interns to attend and help out in person during festival week.