Here are some reoccurring questions sent in by our inquisitive filmmakers regarding the Iris Film Festival. We've responded individually to these inquiries, but figure some of you other folks might have the same questions. We hope this helps you out!
1. QUESTION: "Can I submit more than one film to the Iris Film Festival?"
ANSWER: Yes you can! Submit to as many categories as you want! Remember, each film is considered a separate entry and requires a separate entry fee. The entry fee per film in the features, shorts, documentary, animation and youth categories is $25. The fee per film submitted to the 60-Second Challenge is $10. So, for example, if you are submitting one film to the shorts category and one to the 60-Second Challenge, your total entry fee would be $35.
2. QUESTION: "Is the festival open only to students?"
ANSWER: Nope. As long as you reside in Pennsylvania OR are attending one our state's colleges or universities, you can submit your work.
3. QUESTION: "Are there any restrictions on language?"
ANSWER: Well, we are not looking for pornography. Sorry. But maybe that doesn't help. Your films represent your artistic expression. So as far as language goes, we don't lay down any laws. Films submitted to the festival will be judged based on much, much more - originality, vision, creativity, story, character, editing and such merits.
4. QUESTION: "Are you pre-screening submissions?"
ANSWER: Yes. We have only so much time allotted to show films. If it were possible to show 1,000, we would. But we can’t, so our pre-screeners decide which films we should show. Their decision is not a reflection on the value of your film should it not be selected for screening. Oh, and remember that thing about porn? You can also call this our anti-pornography mechanism. Iris will not screen pornography. What we are looking for is genuine, honest effort - be it comedy, drama, horror, action - but NO PORN!
5. QUESTION: "I qualify for the youth division, but can I submit to the other categories?"
ANSWER: Youth may submit to other categories - but of course, adults can't submit to the youth category. Ask yourself: Where do I feel most comfortable competing? We do ABSOLUTELY ENCOURAGE our youth to submit to the Youth Category - that is what it is there for. But, do what you think is right for you and your film.
6. QUESTION: “Does my submission have to be received by the deadline date or just postmarked by then?”
ANSWER: Your submission must be postmarked by the deadline date. The Iris Film Festival will not accept submissions until we announce our call for entries.
7. QUESTION: “Who the heck is Iris?”
ANSWER: Iris was a dog. A German shepherd mix. She was a very good dog. An iris is also a pretty flower, but more importantly a term for certain eye parts and camera parts essential to watching and making movies.
8. QUESTION: “Where the heck is Huntingdon?”
ANSWER: Huntingdon is located about 35 miles south of State College, about 35 miles east of Altoona and about 90 miles west of Harrisburg.
9. QUESTION: “Do I need to have my music rights squared away before my film will screen?”
ANSWER: In the words of the great Slamdance Film Festival, all we care about is that you tell us you have rights to use the music in your film. But seriously, you need to consider this carefully. If you hope to distribute your film someday, music rights can become an issue. Look into this for your film’s sake - or get a guitar-strummin’ friend to score your movie in exchange for a cheeseburger or something. Also look into obtaining “festival rights” to the music in your film. Check with ASCAP: www.ascap.com.
10. QUESTION: “If my film has screened at other festivals already, am I still eligible to submit?”
ANSWER: YES! Iris encourages you to share your film with as many people as possible and show them that Pennsylvania has talent to reckon with. So, whether you plan to submit to another festival or have already screened your film at another festival, we take no issue.
Small Town.
Big Screen.
Cute Dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Iris Film Festival • P.O. Box 385, Huntingdon, PA 16652 • doggeygood@yahoo.com • www.irisfilmfestival.org • (814) 644-0672