1. Accepted Film Categories
Only films submitted under the following categories will be accepted. Any film outside these categories will not be considered.
Feature Films (60–90 minutes)
- International Feature Film
- Regional Feature Film (NRW / Germany)
NOTE: Documentary feature films are NOT accepted.

1a. Short Films (maximum 15 minutes, including credits)
- International Short Film
- Regional Short Film (NRW / Germany)

1b. Short Documentary Films (maximum 15 minutes, including credits)
- International or Regional Short Documentary Film
NOTE: Only short documentaries are accepted. Feature-length documentaries are NOT permitted.
1c. Music Videos (maximum 4 minutes)
- International Music Video
- Regional Music Video (NRW / Germany)
1d. Social Short Films (maximum 15 minutes, including credits)
International or Regional Social Short Film

2. Eligibility & General Conditions
Only films that fall under the above-listed categories are eligible.
Films exceeding the maximum runtime will be automatically disqualified.
All genres are welcome within the accepted categories only.

3. International & National Submissions
Submissions are open to German and international filmmakers.
Regional categories are limited to NRW / Germany-based productions.

4. Submission Fees
Submission fees are non-refundable under all circumstances, including:
Withdrawal
Non-selection
Disqualification

5. Student Submissions
A valid student ID is required if the producer or director is submitting as a student.

6. Language & Subtitles
Films must be in English or German.
Films in other languages must include English subtitles.
Subtitles must be clear, accurate, and properly synchronized.

7. Rights & Copyright
By submitting a film, the filmmaker confirms:
Full ownership of all rights, including music, images, and third-party material.
The film does not violate any copyright or intellectual property laws.
The filmmaker agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the NRW Film Festival, its organizers, and partners from any legal claims arising from the submitted film.
GEMA & Music Rights
By submitting a film, the filmmaker confirms that all music rights, including GEMA rights and any other collecting society rights, have been fully cleared.
The responsibility for music licensing, GEMA registration, fees, and permissions lies entirely with the submitting party.
The NRW Film Festival does not cover, reimburse, or assume liability for any GEMA fees or music-related rights.
Any claims, fees, or legal issues arising from unlicensed or improperly licensed music are the sole responsibility of the filmmaker.
Films found to violate GEMA or other music rights regulations may be disqualified.

8. Multiple Entries
Filmmakers may submit multiple films.
Each film requires a separate submission and fee.

9. Screening & Promotion Rights
By submitting, filmmakers grant the festival the right to:
Screen the film during the festival
Use trailers, clips, posters, and stills for promotional purposes
All screenings are private, invitation-only events. No public ticket sales will be made.

10. Submission Format
Films must be submitted in high-quality digital format (MP4 or MOV).
Selected films must provide a DCP format for screening.
Failure to deliver the DCP may result in removal from the program.

11. Selection & Jury
All films are reviewed by the festival jury.
Selection is based on:
Creativity
Storytelling
Originality
Technical quality
Jury decisions are final and non-negotiable.
Only shortlisted BEST SHORT FILMS (finalists) will be screened during the festival.
Other selected categories will:
Receive a certificate
Be invited to attend the festival

12. Notification
Filmmakers will be notified of their selection status via email according to the timeline published on the festival website.

13. Age & Content Restrictions
Films must comply with German legal and ethical standards.
No adult or explicit content is allowed.
Films violating regulations will be disqualified.

14. Winners & Awards
All officially selected films receive:
Festival Laurel
Certificate
Winning films are eligible for:
Festival screening
Promotional events and encore screenings

15. Festival Rights
The NRW Film Festival reserves the right to:
Change scheduling or venues due to technical, legal, or organizational reasons
Submission fees remain non-refundable in all cases.