The Ann Arbor Film Festival serves as an Academy Award®-qualifying festival in the United States for the Short Films category. The AAFF presents over $20,000 in cash awards to filmmakers in competition, as determined by the awards jury. The AAFF is highly competitive, receiving over 3,000 submissions annually from more than 60 countries. All submissions are reviewed by a minimum of 2 trained screeners, with many films watched and discussed collectively by 6 - 10 members of the festival screening team.
Each year the festival presents 100-125 shorts and 6 -10 features as part of the films in competition programming. The majority of the works selected are documentaries, experimental and animated films and are screened throughout 20-24 competition programs composed of films from all genres; with additional programs dedicated to LGBTQ-themed films, Animation, and Music Videos.
Entry Fees & Deadlines
July 1st - Submissions Open
August 1st - Early Deadline ($30 Short, $40 Feature)
September 1st - Official Deadline ($45 Short, $55 Feature)
October 1st - Late Deadline ($60 Short, $70 Feature)
October 15th - EXTENDED Deadline ($60 Short, $70 Feature)
Submission Rules and Requirements
Entries are accepted in the following formats: Internet Link (URL) and 16mm. We do not accept DVD, Blu-Ray, VHS or video data files for screening purposes. Entries are accepted in five categories: Experimental, Animation, Documentary, Narrative, and Music Video. All Music Video submissions must be 10 minutes or less. All other categories are further divided into shorts (less than 60 minutes) and features (60 minutes or longer).
Internet Link (URL)
If you have a link (ie. Vimeo, YouTube) you may submit with this entry form only. There is a section to submit your films URL and password (if applicable). If at any time you change the URL and/or password it is your responsibility to contact the AAFF immediately. You do not need to send in a physical copy of your film(s).
16mm Screening
If you would like the festival to preview a 16mm print of your film, please contact the AAFF directly to make shipping arrangements - submissions@aafilmfest.org.
Selection Notification
All submitting filmmakers will be notified regarding acceptance by approximately February 1, 2017 with the email address provided at the time of submission (please add "mail@aafilmfest.org" to your email address book to ensure receipt of notification). If your email address changes before notifications are sent out please contact the AAFF immediately with the new email.
Exhibition Formats and Delivery
If your film is selected for the festival program, you must provide an exhibition copy (16mm, 35mm, Digital File, DCP) by February 12, 2017 unless otherwise informed.
