Rules & Terms

Eligibility

  • The Films of Return festival is open to filmmakers, video artists, and multimedia creators worldwide.

  • Submissions must align with the festival's themes, exploring environmental issues and the intersections of climate, society, and ecosystems.

  • We accept films in the following categories:

    • Short Documentary & Documentation

    • Short Experimental (eg. generative, analogue, montage, found)

    • Video Art

    • Short Fiction

    • Short Animation

    • Feature Films (limited selection)

  • Films must have been completed on or after January 1, 2021.

  • While we prefer short films under 15 minutes, we may consider exceptional works up to 30 minutes.

  • The festival also accepts feature-length films (over 40 minutes), though only a small number will be selected.

Language & Subtitles

  • Films may be in any language, but non-English films must include English subtitles.

  • We encourage high-quality subtitles for accessibility.

Submission Guidelines

  • All films must be submitted via FilmFreeway.

  • Each submission should include (using Film Freeway’s profile text spaces)

    • A synopsis (max 250 words)

    • An artist/filmmaker statement (max 250 words)

    • A brief bio (max 100 words)

    • If these elements cannot be added using Film Freeway, we will reach out for this information upon selection)

  • Multiple entries are allowed, but each film must be submitted separately.

  • We do not accept rough cuts or incomplete films.

  • If FilmFreeway is inaccessible or presents issues, please email us directly at info@alaluz.org to discuss alternative submission options—we’re happy to help.

Submission Fees

  • There is a $8 USD fee for short film submissions.

  • There is a $12 USD fee for feature-length submissions.

  • These modest fees help us cover administrative and technical costs for the festival.

  • However, if the fee presents a barrier to submission, please reach out—this should not be an obstacle to participation. We are committed to accessibility and will do our best to accommodate.

Selection & Exhibition

  • Selected films will be part of the Films of Return online festival, which will run from September 19th 2025.

  • The final dates of the festival may vary depending on audience reception, partnerships, or extended programming opportunities.

  • Additional in-person screenings may take place at select venues, but they are not guaranteed.

  • By submitting, you grant A La Luz the non-exclusive right to screen your film during the festival period and beyond (online)

  • The festival webpage(s), with their content, will remain active after the initial exhibition period. We will discuss with each artist whether their film will remain online in the form of an excerpt, trailer, or a still image.

Rights & Permissions

  • The filmmaker must have full copyright ownership of the work, including music, images, and any third-party content. We can only accept Fair Use in specific circumstances.

  • The festival assumes that by submitting, you have secured all necessary permissions.

  • A La Luz and Films of Return will not be responsible for any copyright claims regarding submitted films.

General Terms

  • Submission fees are non-refundable, unless waived by prior arrangement.

  • We are a small team artist-run project operating, at this time, without funding; thus, we cannot pay participation fees. Revenue from this open call goes entirely to project production.

  • By submitting, you agree to allow A La Luz to use stills, trailers, and excerpts (up to 30 seconds) for promotional purposes.

  • The festival reserves the right to disqualify submissions that contain hate speech, misinformation, or material unrelated to the festival’s themes.

  • Decisions by the selection committee are final. Regretfully, as a small team, we cannot offer individual feedback.

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