Submission Criteria
Submissions for the 2024 JFilm Festival are open!
JFilm is designed for people of all races, religions, ages, and abilities and attracts lovers of international, independent, Jewish-themed films. The festival features Pittsburgh film premieres, amazing guest speakers and visiting filmmakers, inspiring conversations, parties and receptions, and other special events that celebrate the best of Jewish film from around the world!
Our 2024 festival will be held in person May 2nd through May 12th, at a venue to be announced soon.
AWARDS & PRIZES
Audience Awards are given for “Best Narrative” and “Best Documentary” at the JFilm Festival.
RULES & CRITERIA
JFilm is open to any and all independent filmmakers, including college and graduate level film students, as well as professionals in the field. Eligible films must adhere to the following criteria:
• Must be a Pittsburgh premiere (no prior public Pittsburgh screenings or TV broadcasts)
• Must be completed in 2022 or later
• Foreign language films must have English subtitles
Acceptable genres include narrative, documentary or animated films. Submissions must contain an essence of Jewishness as represented by theme, history or culture.
Films that are 35 minutes or less should be submitted to the Robinson International Short Film Competition, which awards more than $18,000 in cash prizes.
ENTRY FEE
• By September 30 (Early deadline): $20
• By November 30 (Regular deadline): $30
• By January 31 (Late deadline): $40
Entries are due January 31, 2024.
Entry fees are non-refundable. Films will not be considered complete and your film will not be previewed until the submission fee has been paid.
ENTRY FORM
All applicants must complete an online entry form. Entrants may submit more than one film. Each entry requires a separate entry form and fee.
The following info is needed to complete the entry form:
Entrants may submit more than one film. Each entry requires a separate submission and fee. Please include the following as part of your submission:
• Print Source name, address, phone, e-mail, and Web site link (if applicable)
• Film synopsis
• Director's bio along with contact information (if the filmmaker is traveling with film)
• Country of origin, release year, running time, language(s) spoken in the film
• Publicity materials: press reviews, awards and nominations, screening history, and any other relevant press materials.
ENTRY FORMAT
Please submit online via FilmFreeway.
EXHIBITION FORMAT
DCP and in some limited circumstances ProRes
Questions?
Terms and Conditions
Film Pittsburgh is not responsible for late, lost, damaged or ineligible entries. Entrants will retain all ownership rights to their submitted films. By submitting to this festival, the entrant certifies that they have the legal right to submit and exhibit the film. The applicant is responsible and liable for any breach of rights or the law in the submission and exhibition process. By submitting your film you give Film Pittsburgh the right to exhibit your film at the JFilm Festival. Entrants may be required to sign an affidavit confirming that their film is original and that he/she holds all rights. All federal, state, and local taxes, and customs fees, when applicable, are the sole responsibility of the entrant. The undersigned assumes responsibility to ensure the submission payment information is complete and correct and agrees to reimburse Film Pittsburgh for any additional fees incurred by incorrect submission payments, submission disputes, and credit card chargebacks. The undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless Film Pittsburgh for any and all fees, claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving submission payment disputes, copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the content submitted and/or screened. By entering the festival, the entrant grants the right to publish or transmit portions of the film for the purpose of press or promotion, unless otherwise noted. Additionally, entry constitutes permission to use winners’ name, likeness, and voice for advertising and publicity purposes without additional compensation. Void where prohibited.