Rules & Regulations

1. Eligibility

• CIFF is open to filmmakers from Canada and all other countries worldwide.

• Films must be primarily comedic in nature. Hybrid genres (comedy-drama, comedy-horror, satire, dark comedy, etc.) are eligible if comedy is a dominant element.

• All films must have been completed on or after January 1, 2020.

• There is no premiere requirement. Films may have been screened online, at other festivals, or released publicly.
   

2. Categories

CIFF accepts submissions in the following categories:

• Short Comedy Film

• Feature Comedy Film

• Comedy Web Series / Episodes

• Animated Comedy

• Student Comedy Film

• Experimental / Satirical Comedy

• Stand-Up Comedy Film or Special

Category placement is at the discretion of the festival programmers.

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3. Runtime

• Short films: up to 30 minutes

• Feature films: 60 minutes or longer

• Web series episodes: up to 30 minutes per episode

There is no minimum runtime.

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4. Language & Subtitles

• Films in any language are accepted.

• All non-English films must include English subtitles.

• Subtitles must be clearly readable and properly synced.

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5. Submission Format

• All submissions must be made online via FilmFreeway.

• Preview screeners must be provided as:

  • Secure online screener (Vimeo, FilmFreeway embedded, etc.)

• If selected, filmmakers may be required to deliver:

  • High-resolution digital file (ProRes / H.264 / H.265)

  • Additional materials (poster, stills, trailer, credits)

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6. Selection & Judging

• Films are reviewed by the CIFF selection committee and jury.

• Judging criteria include:

  • Originality

  • Comedic impact

  • Storytelling

  • Performances

  • Direction and overall execution

• All decisions made by the jury and festival programmers are final.

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7. Screening & Awards

• CIFF is a hybrid festival (online and/or physical screenings, depending on the edition).

• Selected films may be screened:

  • Online on the festival platform

  • At live screenings or special events

• Official selections are eligible for CIFF awards and laurels.

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8. Rights & Permissions

By submitting to CIFF, the filmmaker confirms that:

• They own or control all rights to the submitted film.

• All music, images, and third-party materials are properly licensed.

• CIFF bears no responsibility for copyright disputes.

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9. Promotional Use

• CIFF reserves the right to use:

  • Film stills

  • Trailers

  • Excerpts (up to 60 seconds)
    for promotional, marketing, and archival purposes related to the festival.

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10. Fees & Refunds

• Submission fees are non-refundable.

• Fees do not guarantee selection.

• Submission deadlines and fees vary by submission period.

11. Withdrawal & Disqualification

CIFF reserves the right to disqualify films that:

• Are found to violate copyright laws

• Contain hateful, abusive, or explicitly illegal content

• Misrepresent authorship or production details

Films may be withdrawn by the submitter before official selection is announced.

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12. Amendments

CIFF reserves the right to update or modify these rules at any time without prior notice.

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13. Acceptance of Rules

Submission to CIFF implies full acceptance of all rules and regulations listed above.