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THE GUIDELINES

Submission Rules

The La Quinta International Film Festival (LQIFF) welcomes independent storytellers from across the globe. To ensure a professional and fair selection process, all applicants must adhere to the following eligibility criteria and terms of submission. Our commitment to cinematic excellence begins with a clear framework for entry.

Submission Rules & Terms

Please review our official guidelines for the 2027 festival season. We are dedicated to showcasing the very best in independent cinema.

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1. Eligibility, Categories & Runtimes

  • Extended Completion Date: We accept films completed any time after January 1, 2021. This allows catalog films to compete for the Capra Gold Award.

  • Short Film Runtime: To qualify as a short film, the project’s total running time (including credits) must be under 40 minutes.

  • Feature Film Runtime: To qualify as a feature film, the project’s total running time must be 40 minutes or longer.

  • Premiere Status: We have no premiere requirements. Your film may have screened at other festivals, be available online, or have distribution.

  • Rough Cuts / Works-in-Progress: We do not accept rough cuts. Only completed, locked, and final edits will be judged.

  • Student Submissions: Student films are eligible but must provide proof of enrollment (student ID) to qualify for student discount rates.

2. Strict Submission & Financial Terms

  • Strict No-Refund Policy: All submission fees are non-refundable. This applies if you withdraw your film, if your film is disqualified, or if the event changes dates or formats.

  • Payment Currency: All fees must be paid in USD through our approved submission platforms.

  • Correct Category: Entries submitted to the wrong category will not be refunded. The festival may reassign the film at its discretion without notification.

  • Fee Waivers: To maintain fairness to all paying filmmakers, the festival does not grant fee waivers or discounts upon individual email requests.

3. Technical Specifications & Online Festivals

  • Review and Exhibition Links: Filmmakers must provide a secure, working online link (such as Vimeo or YouTube, with passwords if applicable) for both judging and seasonal online festival showcases.

  • Link Responsibility: The submitter is solely responsible for ensuring their links and passwords remain active. Broken or deactivated links will result in immediate disqualification without a refund.

  • Gala Exhibition Format: Finalists chosen for the live gala must provide a high-quality digital download (Apple ProRes or DNxHD file) following our technical venue guidelines by January 15, 2028.

4. MANDATORY GALA ATTENDANCE, TICKETS & LIABILITY DISCLAIMER

  • Attendance Requirement: Nomination for or winning a quarterly online session does not automatically guarantee a screening or physical award at the live gala if the filmmaker cannot attend.

  • Finalist Confirmation: All seasonal winners must officially confirm their physical attendance (or designate an official representative to attend in their place) for the February 26, 2028 Gala by no later than January 15, 2028.

  • Forfeiture of Presentation: If a filmmaker fails to confirm attendance or RSVP by the deadline, the festival reserves the right to remove their film from the live screening lineup and present the Capra Gold Award trophy to another finalist.

  • Complimentary Gala Tickets: Each nominated film tracking toward the Capra Gold Awards will receive exactly two (2) complimentary VIP tickets to the live Gala event.

  • Additional Tickets: Any additional tickets for crew, cast, family, or friends must be purchased separately through our official ticketing box office. Tickets are subject to venue capacity and availability.

  • Travel Expenses: [Festival Name] is not responsible for any airfare, lodging, visas, or travel accommodations. All travel costs to the live gala are the sole financial responsibility of the attending filmmakers and their teams.

  • Liability & Injury Waiver: By submitting a film, purchasing a ticket, or attending the in-person Gala on February 26, 2028, all attendees, filmmakers, and guests voluntarily assume all risks related to property damage, personal injury, illness, slips, trips, or falls at the venue. [Festival Name], its staff, volunteers, directors, and sponsors shall not be held legally or financially liable for any accidents, injuries, or medical emergencies that occur during the event.

5. Legal Protections, Copyright & Indemnity

  • Music and Media Clearance: The submitter holds sole responsibility for securing all legal rights for music, stock footage, and talent appearing in the film.

  • Full Indemnification: By submitting, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless [Festival Name] from any legal claims, liabilities, or losses related to copyright infringement.

  • Disqualification Rights: The festival reserves the right to disqualify any project at any time if legal ownership or clearance is questioned.

 

6. Selection, Notification & Festival Rights

  • Programming Autonomy: The festival's panel chooses selections based on proprietary scoring metrics. All decisions are final and non-negotiable.

  • Marketing Rights: You grant the festival the right to use your film's poster, trailer, logline, and up to 30 seconds of footage for promotional purposes.

Ready to Join the Story?

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