Submission Rules

Entry Information

1. All entries must be accompanied by a complete Entry Form and 3 CD/DVDs of the film.
2. Entries must portray the filmmaker's vision of the natural world and/or environmental issues, preferably involving Armand Bayou Nature Center.
3. All genres are welcome: documentary, narrative, experimental, comedy, animation, music video, etc.
4. Entries from all age groups are welcome, including youth-produced projects.
5. All music and other rights must be cleared for the intended use; copyrighted music or materials must have written permission from the copyright holder.
6. Film content must be acceptable for viewing by a general audience.
7. Films must not have been debuted in other venues prior to or during the Film Festival.
8. Limit one submission per filmmaker.
9. Films must have been made within the last two years.
10. Running time for entries is 30 seconds minimum and 5 minutes maximum.
11. All entries must be received by Armand Bayou Nature Center by March 31, 2008.
12. Submission may be mailed or hand-delivered during the Nature Center's regular business hours.
13. There is NO ENTRY FEE.

Confirmation & Return

1. Confirmation of receipt will be provided only if a self-addressed stamped postcard is included with the entry.
2. Materials will be returned only if an appropriate self-addressed, stamped mailer is included with the entry.

Selection Process

1. Selection process: all films will be reviewed by the jury panel, which will include representatives from the Nature Center and the art world. Decisions of the judges will be final. Entries will be judged on:
   1. Content - clarity and coherence, originality, appropriateness for general audiences.
   2. Technical aspects - editing, image quality, sound quality
   3. c. General aspects - interpretation of theme, audience impact
   4. Other - the jury may consider other factors, including but not limited to type of equipmentused to make the film and filmmaker's age.
2. Prizes will be awarded among those films selected for inclusion in the Film Festival.
3. Notification of acceptance into the Film Festival will be provided by letter by April 12, 2008. Prize winners will be announced at the Festival.

Submission of entry confers automatically all rights, without fee or penalty, to Armand Bayou Nature Center to present the film on any and all platforms without limitation. Organizers, jurors, Armand Bayou Nature Center staff, Board members, Volunteers and others associated with the Film Festival accept no liability or responsibility for illegal, harmful, or defamatory acts represented in the films.

Film Festival officials reserve the right to reject any and all films submitted, and to cancel or decline to show the Festival if suitable entries are not submitted.