Beach Cities Inspirational Film Festival tm
"A grain of sand is more than a small pathway to Hollywood, it's a digital beginning!" tm
Produced by W.S.W. Foundation a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit by which contributions are deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Questions regarding entry:
Feature Films & Short Films:
Application
Please review the Rules & Regulations on our website, (BeachCitiesInspirationalFilmFestival.com) BEFORE
completing the submission form at FilmFreeway.com.
GUIDELINES RULES - By submitting to Beach Cities Inspirational Film Festival, (BCIFF) you understand and completely agree with the following terms and conditions:
1. How do I submit my film to the Beach Cities Inspirational Film Festival?
a) To submit your film to the Beach Cities Inspirational Film Festival, you must complete the online submission form at: https://filmfreeway.com/festival/BeachCitiesInspirational, and pay the submission fee as well as upload a link to your film on the application. A confirmation e-mail from a BCIFF Staff Member will be sent within 72hr. to confirm your entry, telephone, e-mail address and address.
b) Please review the Rules and Regulations on this website, (BeachCitiesInspirationalFilmFestival.com) and filmfreeway.com/festival/BeachCitiesInspirational BEFORE completing the submission form.
c) Approved films must be delivered on (2) Thumb Drives or DVD's to Beach Cities Inspirational Film Festival, (BCIFF) within 14 days from notification of Nomination/Acceptance/Approval for Judging. Warning, If you have exceeded the 14 days the Judges can disqualify your entry. We ask for two discs because we have received damaged discs and on occasion there is a recording error or glitch. We would prefer not to disqualify your film because of this reason. Rarely there is time for a replacement copy to be shipped and received by our Judges before the festival. U After a film has been a Semi-Finalist, the filmmaker will be notified. Semi-Finalist doesn’t mean that your film will be screened at the festival. It means that you are now eligible for the awards consideration and you can use the festival Laurel’s for your promotions. At this point in the Judging process a .DCP file of your film is required to be submitted upon notification. This is the only way a film can be shown in a professional venue. It is important that you have the financial ability to provide a digital file.
d) The filmmaker assumes the cost of the shipping to/and from the Beach Cities Inspirational Film Festival, (BCIFF.) The Bluray/DVD or USB Chip will not be returned.
e) Films must have been completed after Jan. 1, 2023 to enter the competition. Films completed prior to Jan. 1, 2023 may be submitted for screening consideration only - not for competition. (The Judges will have absolute discretion about any exceptions.) All remaining rules, regulations, and fees remain the same.
f) Films that have been submitted to BCIFF in previous years are eligible to be resubmitted, provided they are eligible according to all of BCIFF current rules.
g) After a film has been a Semi-Finalist, the filmmaker will be notified. Semi-Finalist doesn’t mean that your film will be screened at the festival. It means that you are now eligible for the awards consideration and you can use the BCI Film Festival Laurel’s for your promotions. Semi-Finalists are required to submit a .DCP file of their film in-order to be screened at a Professional Venue. DCP Files become a permanent record of the film festival and are not returned. Please do not send your only copy. Failure to provide this will disqualify a film for awards and screening opportunities.
h) All non-English films must have English subtitles.
i) Do NOT send stills or press kits. If your film is selected we will ask you to Email us still(s) in .Jpeg format and trailers for your film (Please post them on FilmFreeway.)
J) Roku Platform: The Beach Cities Inspirational Film Festival has its own channel on Roku on which the streaming occurs as part of our film festival. Roku is a platform in which our event is available so those who can't attend, can still appreciate the events and films via streaming. (The Pandemic Covid-19 and restrictions on public Theaters and Screening Venues continue to be undependable. This has has inspired us to develop alternative ways to allow filmmakers to participate and receive professional recognition, awards, and accolades.) Filmmakers will be selected depending on the Festival's Producers choice, featured, and interviewed about their film and the production process. Prior film festival winners can be included on this platform.
k) We sell tickets to an audience wanting to watch your movie at the festival, this not only allows you to compete professionally, but to also get your film projected or streamed in a professional venue. Filmmakers compete for recognition, accolades and prize money. Paying a fee for submission to a film festival does not guarantee your films acceptance, nor does it guarantee that a film will be shown at the festival, or on our Roku platform. The Beach Cities Inspirational Film Festival donates all monies to charity. (Sponsors are listed on the website.)
l) The Beach Cities Inspirational Film Festival films have been selectively featured in national magazines and have featured interviews with the filmmakers.
m) It is extremely difficult in this day and age, where each film produced is competing not only for recognition, but also for the attention of an audience. Independently produced projects can be a stepping stone, but without an opportunity to be seen they can be lost to the shelf of obscurity. Many projects can be produced to perfection, yet never find their audience because of the lack of a single producer's ambivalence, and the inability to spend a lifetime promoting one single film. When the stage is set, never miss the opportunity to have your film appreciated, never miss the opportunity to make a difference in the life of your audience for the true meaning of being a “filmmaker” is the art and the ability to make more films.
n1) If your film is selected for screening it cannot be withdrawn for any reason. Filmmakers accept and understand liability and all costs for a breach.
n2) The submitter guarantees the BCIFF that the film hasn’t been and will not be available online or as a rental until the conclusion of our festival; the film will not be screened in Orange County, California and neighboring communities prior to BCIFF in the case of features. Documentary & Short Films don’t need to be Orange County, California premieres, but if BCIFF selects your documentary or short film before other festivals in Orange County, California community, you agree to show your film at BCIFF first.)
o) Filmmaker assures the delivery of (2) Discs Blu-ray/DVD or USB Drives to BCIFF within 14 days from notification of approval for the Judging process, as well as a .DCP file of the film for professional screenings after the Judging process. The BCIFF reserves the right to change any: number of screenings (+/-); dates; deadlines; the rules; enforce disqualification; change venues at its sole and absolute discretion.
p) Filmmaker agrees that the BCIFF will not be held liable in case your exhibition materials are lost or damaged, or for any claims arising from improperly secured rights/permissions for your film. A Filmmaker acknowledges that it is fraud to represent that you have the rights when submitting your film. Should it be found that you do not have the rights involving actors, music, artwork, poster, graphics, images and sound effects used or displayed in the construction of of your film you will be disqualified and banned from using any logos, certificates, trophy's, letters of commendation in any and all social media and media for self-promotion. You agree to return all to the producers of the BCIFF within 14 days after notification.
q) Submitter accepts all of the rules and decisions of the Film Festival Judges as final.
r) Employee's and Family members of the: BCIFF, WSW Foundation, The Film Festival Roku Channel, as well as Theater, Screening Venue Employees, Volunteers, Sponsors and Donors of the Film Festival are not eligible to participate in the film contest.
s) A film entered under a special waver, or for less than 50% of the submission fee at the time of entry will NOT be eligible for any prize money or trophy awards. (Judges can make an exception.)
t) All films submitted to the BCIFF must include a trailer and a film poster for promotional purposes. (A film can be disqualified by the Judges if not provided. These items are part of the FilmFreeways.com submission form.
2. Can I mail or fax my submission form?
Submission forms may be submitted online only through: “FilmFreeway” @ FilmFreeway.com/festival/BeachCitiesInspirational. (Deadlines are listed below.)
3. How do I pay my submission fee?
After filling out the submission form, you will be able to pay the submission fee. Cards accepted: Amex, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa. You can also pay the submission fee via paypal.
4. If I am submitting a Student Short Film is there a submission fee?
a). There is a nominal fee for Student Short film(s) submissions which is donated to Charity. Students must submit a Student ID as well as a letter from an Instructor, Department Chair, or Career Counselor on School Letterhead to obtain a code for entry.
b). Student submissions of Still, 60 Second Films, Features, and Documentaries will be required to pay a standard submission fee.
c). All remaining rules and regulations remain the same.
5. What is the submission deadline, fees, and time guidelines for the 2025 Beach Cities Inspirational Film Festival?
The submission deadlines for the 2025 Beach Cities Inspirational Film Festival are as follows:
DEADLINES:
• Submissions Begin: February 28,
• Early Bird Deadline: June 10,
• Regular Fee Deadline: July 18,
• Late Deadline: October 09,
• Final Deadline: January 9,
• Drop Dead Deadline: February 14,
TIME GUIDELINES:
• 60 Second Films: Not to exceed 60 seconds.
• Short films: 1 to 39 min.
• Documentary: 25 min and up.
• Features: 40 min and up.
SUBMITTING FILM:
6. I already finished my submission form; can I make changes to it?
When you finish and submit your submission form, you may not make any changes to it.
7. Can I make a submission if my film is not completed?
In order to receive consideration for your film submission it must be completed at the time of submission.
8. Can I submit multiple films?
Yes, you can submit multiple films if each meet’s eligibility requirements. Each film submitted will need a separate submission form and a separate fee paid.
9. Will I get a confirmation when I submit my film(s)?
Yes, you will get a confirmation Email with a submission number.
10. What format do I need to submit my film in?
a). Digital submission via "FilmFreeway '' completes the application and pay your fee. When instructed you must submit, (2 Blu-ray/DVD copies or 2 USB chip) directly to the BCIFF producer W.S.W. Foundation address.
b). We accept online password protected screeners. Approved films for Judging must be delivered on Blu-ray/DVD (or Blu-ray/DVD and .MOV file) to BCIFF within 14 days from notification of acceptance.
c). When your film has been selected as a Semi-Finalist you must submit a .DCP file of your film for professional screening in a theater venue within 14 days from notification.
11. Do I have to obtain rights for music or other copyrighted materials in my film?
a). When you submit your film, you do not "yet" need to have the rights. If your submission is selected you must sign a release certifying that you have received all rights.
b). You must have "all" the necessary rights/permissions proof submitted 14 days from notification of selection as a Semi-Finalist. You must submit documents directly to BCIFF producer (W.S.W. Foundation) address.
c). The BCIFF will not be held liable in case your exhibition materials discs, DCP files, and press packages are lost or damaged, or for any claims arising from improperly secured rights/permissions for your film.
12. Is there an age requirement?
There is not an age requirement for filmmakers. The submitter must be at least 18 years old, (under age requires parent approval.) Parental documents must be submitted directly to BCIFF producer (W.S.W. Foundation) address or Festival e-mail address.
13. Can I submit to other festivals other than the Beach Cities Inspirational Film Festival?
Yes, your submission to other festivals will not impact the submission with the Beach Cities Inspirational Film Festival only if it is outside Orange County, California. Judges decisions are final in the event a breach is determined.
14. Does my film premiere status matter?
All films submitted are required to have a Orange County, California premiere. The film may NOT have been shown publicly in Orange County, California before the festival with the sole exception of Documentaries and Student Films which may have been exhibited at school, museum, or for educational purposes.
NOTIFICATION:
15. How will I know if the Beach Cities Inspirational Film Festival selects my film?
An E-mail will be sent to the submitter to notify them that their film submission has been selected.
Be sure to keep your contact information up to date; you must submit documents directly to the BCIFF producer (W.S.W. Foundation) via E-mail. BCIFF will not be responsible for Awards which have not been retrieved. A shipping/handling fee may be required if the Award is to ship outside the United States. A shipping/handling fee may be required if an Award is returned and the recipient requested to have it reshipped.
FESTIVAL:
16. When is the Beach Cities Inspirational Film Festival?
The “Beach Cities Inspirational Film Festival” will be April 25, 2025 with additional dates to be added.
17. All Attendees will be required to comply with Staff & Security Personnel at All Times while attending the film festival. (Passes & Tickets will be void should you fail to comply. NO EXCEPTION & NO REFUNDS.)
18. Loud & Confrontational Behavior will not be tolerated. Security Personnel will remove those who fail to comply. (Passes & Tickets will become void should you fail to comply. NO EXCEPTION & NO REFUNDS.)
A ONE MINUTE THEME FILM:
Make a 60-second film for the 7th Annual Beach Cities Inspirational Film Festival, (BCIFF) and have the honor of having it seen every night.
The 2025 festival's theme is: "Never, Never Give Up'' we are looking for a great 60-second short that reflects this idea. The best films will be selected as finalists.
If selected, the 60-second short film will be seen at the Festival on a rotating basis before each screening at this year's Festival.
The first place winner will receive a cash prize of $ 250. USD and will be presented before the Opening Night film and before Special Presentations at the Festival.
SPECIAL SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
Entries accepted only from February 28, 2024 through February 14, 2025.
ELIGIBILITY:
All films must be in English or subtitled in English.
All music and other copyrighted material used must be properly licensed.
The length of all submissions must be no more than 60 seconds.
Please do not include any credits.
SUBMISSION PROCESS:
Please include a title for your one-minute film.
Submit Secure Online Screeners via FilmFreeway.
You may submit as many films as you like, but with an early entry fee, (US) and completed entry form/FilmFreeway submissions must accompany EACH entry. "Selected" submissions will be notified via email before March 17, 2024. Because of the high volume of submissions, we are unable to provide feedback on why your film was/was not selected. If your film is selected, you will need to provide electronic digital images for publicity. (If the still origin is film a minimum 1,200 dpi, high quality)
Please review the Rules & Regulations on our website, (BeachCitiesInspirationalFilmFestival.com) BEFORE
completing the submission form at FilmFreeway.com.
ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES:
1. How do I submit my "One Minute Film" to the Beach Cities Inspirational Film Festival?
To submit your film to the Beach Cities Inspirational Film Festival, you must complete the online submission form at: https://filmfreeway.com/festival/BeachCitiesInspirational, and pay the submission fee as well as upload a link to your film on the application.
Please review the Rules and Regulations on this website, (BeachCitiesInspirationalFilmFestival.com) and filmfreeway.com/festival/BeachCitiesInspirational BEFORE completing the submission form.
By submitting to Beach Cities Inspirational Film Festival, (BCIFF) you understand and agree that:
if your film is selected, it cannot be withdrawn for any reason; the film hasn’t been and will not be available online or as a rental until the conclusion of our festival; the film will not be screened in Orange County, California and neighboring areas prior to BCIFF.
The BCIFF reserves the right to change any: dates; deadlines; terms; enforce disqualification; venues at its sole and absolute discretion.
that the BCIFF will not be held liable in case your exhibition materials are lost or damaged, or for any claims arising from improperly secured rights/permissions for your film.
The Submitter accepts the decision of the Judges as final. Disqualification can occur at any time, for any reason by any Official or Judge of the Beach Cities Film Festival.
2. How do I pay my submission fee?
After filling out the submission form, you will be able to pay the submission fee. Cards accepted: Amex, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa. You can also pay the submission fee via Paypal.
3. Do I have to obtain rights for music or other copyrighted materials in my film?
a). You will need to have all the necessary rights/permissions proof submitted 14 days from notification of acceptance. You must submit documents directly to the BCIFF producer W.S.W. Foundation address.
b). The BCIFF will not be held liable in case your exhibition materials are lost or damaged, or for any claims arising from improperly secured rights/permissions for your film.
4. Is there an age requirement?
There is not an age requirement for filmmakers. The submitter must be at least 18 years old, (under age requires parent approval.) parental documents must be submitted directly to the BCIFF producer W.S.W. Foundation address. Failure to submit will disqualify your submission.
NOTIFICATION:
5. How will I know if the Beach Cities Inspirational Film Festival selects my film?
An E-mail will be sent to the submitter to notify them that their film submission has been selected.
Be sure to keep your contact information up to date; you must submit documents directly to the BCIFF producer W.S.W. Foundation via E-mail. Failure to provide address, telephone, e-mail address and contact names/producer will disqualify an entry.
PHOTOGRAPHY THEME:
The 2025 festival's theme is: "Eye of the Beholder". We are looking for a great photograph that reflects this idea as well as captures the inspirational purpose of the Film Festival. (Learn about these inspirational purposes on our link: About Us - Mission Statement.)
The First Place Winner will receive a cash prize of $250.00 USD. All finalists will receive screen credits and be recognized in any official program book of the Festival.
The number of prizes and the number of honorable mentions issued is entirely up to the Judges discretion.
SPECIAL SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
Submissions start on February 28, 2025.
Entries accepted only between February 28, 2025 through February 14, 2025
ELIGIBILITY:
All persons and objects depicted in the image must be properly licensed. Submissions can be in Black & White or in Color. Please do not include any text to explain how it complies to the Festival Theme: "Never, Never Give Up.." This is a Judging aspect for interpretation, unless the judges request an explanation none should be submitted. All images submitted will be considered for an Honorable Mention and may also be considered for additional recognition. Submissions are submitted with the complete and absolute understanding that the artistic interpretation is at the sole discretion of the BCIFF and the WSW Foundation.
SUBMISSION PROCESS:
Submit your image via e-mail directly using FilmFreeway.com. You may submit as many photographs as you like, but with an early entry fee, (US) and a separate completed entry form submission must accompany EACH entry. "Selected" submissions will be notified via email before March 17, 2025, remaining submissions after. Because of the high volume of submissions, we are unable to provide feedback on why your photograph was/was not selected.
By submitting to Beach Cities Inspirational Film Festival, (BCIFF) you understand and agree that:
if your Photograph is selected, it cannot be withdrawn for any reason; the Photograph hasn’t been and will not be available online or as a published image until the conclusion of our festival; the image will not be previously published prior to BCIFF.
The BCIFF reserves the right to change any: dates; deadlines; terms; enforce disqualification; venues at its sole and absolute discretion.
The BCIFF will not be held liable in case your exhibition materials are lost or damaged, or for any claims arising from improperly secured rights/permissions for your film.
The Submitter accepts the decision of the Judges as final.
2. How do I pay my submission fee?
Photo Submission - Link
https://filmfreeway.com/festival/BeachCitiesInspirational
3. Do I have to obtain subject rights for the person or persons depicted in the photograph?
a). You will need to have all the necessary rights/permissions proof submitted 14 days from notification of acceptance. You must submit documents directly to the BCIFF c/o WSW Foundation in Rancho San Clemente, California 92673.
b). The BCIFF will not be held liable in case your exhibition materials are lost or damaged, or for any claims arising from improperly secured rights/permissions for your photograph.
4. Is there an age requirement?
There is not an age requirement for Photographers. The submitter must be at least 18 years old, (under age requires parent approval.) parental documents must be submitted directly to the BCIFF c/o WSW Foundation in Rancho San Clemente, California 92673.
NOTIFICATION:
5. How will I know if the Beach Cities Inspirational Film Festival selects my Photograph?
An E-mail will be sent to the submitter to notify them that their Photograph submission has been accepted.
Be sure to keep your contact information up to date; you must submit documents directly to the BCIFF c/o WSW Foundation in Rancho San Clemente, California 92673.