Requirements
Requirements for Filmmakers
To ensure a high-quality viewing experience for audiences and judges, festivals often require specific technical formats and standards. Please review the requirements below before submitting your film to the Metamora Film Festival.
Eligibility Criteria
Theme Relevance: The film must directly or indirectly relate to criminal justice topics such as incarceration, reentry, policing, restorative justice, wrongful convictions, youth justice, the court system, etc.
Original Work
The film must be original and the filmmaker must hold all necessary rights (including music, footage, talent releases).
Accepted Genres & Formats
Documentary (short/feature), Narrative (short/feature), Experimental, Student Films
Submission Materials
Film Screener: Secure link (e.g., Vimeo with password), or upload via submission platform (e.g., FilmFreeway).
Synopsis: Short (50–100 words) and long (200–500 words) versions.
Director’s Bio & Headshot
Production Stills / Poster Art: High-res images for promotion.
Trailer (optional): 30 seconds – 2 minutes.
Logline: 1–2 sentence summary.
Clearances & Rights
Music Licensing: Must clear rights for all audio used.
Talent Releases: All on-screen individuals must have given permission.
Third-Party Material: Any archival or sourced footage must be licensed or fall under fair use with proper documentation.
Screening Rights & Permissions
Filmmakers must grant the festival non-exclusive rights to screen the film at least once.
Optional: Permission to use clips/stills for promotional use.
Option for educational distribution/screenings may be discussed.
Virtual Rights
Additional permissions may be required for digital streaming.
Video Resolution
Preferred: Full HD (1920x1080) or higher.
Accepted:
1080p (Full HD)
2K and 4K resolutions often accepted and appreciated
Note: Avoid submitting low-res versions (720p or lower), unless explicitly permitted.
File Formats
Submission Format:
.MP4 (H.264 codec) or
.MOV (Apple ProRes)
Projection Format:
Digital Cinema Package (DCP) may be requested for theatrical screenings.
Audio Specifications
Stereo Sound: Required (2.0), properly mixed and balanced.
Surround Sound: Optional (5.1); if submitted, stereo downmix must also be available.
Sample Rate: Minimum 48 kHz / 16-bit (standard for film).
Volume Normalization: Ensure audio levels are consistent and not peaking.
Subtitles & Captions
Required:
All non-English dialogue must have English subtitles.
Optional/Encouraged:
Closed Captions for accessibility (deaf/hard of hearing audiences).
Open Captions (burned-in) if you do not have captioning files.
Format for captions: SRT (preferred for digital), VTT, or embedded in video.
Aspect Ratio
16:9 (standard HD)
1.85:1 and 2.39:1 (cinematic widescreen)
Letterboxing/Pillarboxing: Avoid if possible—export in native resolution without black bars.
Ensure formatting fits screen standards of the venue.
File Delivery Methods
For Submissions:
Upload via FilmFreeway, Vimeo, or Google Drive (password-protected links OK)
For Final Screening:
Cloud transfer (WeTransfer, Dropbox, etc.)
USB drive or hard drive by mail.
Technical Review
Our team will watch the full exported file for:
Sync issues
Audio dropouts
Color inconsistencies
Subtitle timing
Use professional editing software to ensure proper encoding (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro).
March 27 and 28, 2026
The Metamora Film Festival (MFF) is an event dedicated to exploring the complexities of the criminal justice system through the lens of cinema.
Copyright © 2025 - Metamora Film Festival - All Rights Reserved
Schedule: March 27-28, 2026/10:00am to 7:00pm
Phone: 970-236-8861
Email: info@metamorafilmfestival.com
Location: PCC – Pueblo, Colorado