Rules & Terms

1. Eligibility

Films must be for, about, or inspired by youth content.
Filmmakers of any age may submit their work.
All entries must be family-friendly, meaning content should be appropriate for young audiences.

Filmmakers may submit the same film in multiple categories within a single monthly showcase.
Winning films may not be re-entered into the same category in future months.
Winners may submit their film to a new category they have not previously won.

Entries must be submitted via FilmFreeway or WFCN with an active, accessible viewing link.
Entries must be original works—no unauthorized clips or copyrighted material.
Films must align with family-friendly and ethical standards.
Films containing discriminatory, violent, or harmful content will not be accepted.
The festival reserves the right to remove a film from competition if content violates ethical guidelines.

Filmmakers must own or have proper clearance for all content, including music, images, and footage.
By submitting, filmmakers grant non-exclusive rights for the festival to showcase their film on official platforms.
The festival does not claim ownership over any submissions.

No refunds for unselected films. Submission fees are non-refundable, even if a film is not selected for competition or screening.
No refunds for withdrawn films. If a filmmaker chooses to withdraw their submission for any reason, they will not receive a refund.

Films will be judged based on a variety of criteria specific to their category.
Winning films receive:
- Official Bright Minds Film Festival laurels
- Certificates of recognition
- Features on the festival website and promotional platforms
Monthly first-place winners in each category will automatically advance to the year-end showcase, where standout films will receive additional recognition.

The festival reserves the right to modify the screening schedule or remove films from the showcase without prior notice.
A film’s inclusion does not guarantee public screening, and selections may be adjusted at the festival’s discretion.

While we plan to host an in-person festival, unforeseen circumstances may result in cancellation.
If canceled, notifications will be sent to filmmakers, but Bright Minds Film Festival is not liable for refunds on travel, accommodations, or other expenses incurred.

Scholarships will be awarded regardless of whether the in-person festival takes place.
If the festival is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances, scholarship recipients will still be recognized and awarded accordingly.
The selection process for scholarships will remain unchanged, ensuring fairness and accessibility for filmmakers.

Full refunds will be provided if the festival is officially canceled before ticket sales end.
If cancellation occurs after ticket sales have begun, refunds may be adjusted based on costs already incurred, such as venue fees or promotions.
No refunds will be issued for travel or accommodation expenses, as the festival is not responsible for third-party costs. Attendees should plan accordingly.
Tickets can be transferred. If a ticket holder is unable to attend, tickets may be given to another guest. The festival does not handle resales, but attendees may gift or exchange tickets privately.
Non-refundable tickets. If the festival proceeds but an attendee cannot attend, their ticket is non-refundable.

Filmmakers are encouraged to celebrate their participation in Bright Minds Film Festival on social media.
Official festival laurels may be used for promotional posts but must not be altered or misrepresented.

Constructive discussions are welcome, but negative, defamatory, or harmful commentary about the festival, judges, or winners will not be tolerated.
Public criticism or complaints regarding selection outcomes should be handled professionally and not directed at individual filmmakers or festival staff.
Any attempts to discredit the festival, harass winners, or spread false claims may result in disqualification from future submissions.