Everything You Should Know Before Submitting ...
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
SUBMISSION & ELIGIBILITY
Q: What's eligible to submit?
A: Shorts up to 30 minutes (including credits).
- Experimental welcome
- Narrative welcome
- Documentary welcome
- Any device (phone, DSLR, animation)
- Non-English films OK (include English subtitles)
Q: Can I submit an unreleased film?
A: YES. Unreleased films are our preference.
Also welcome: Films completed on or after January 1, 2020.
Q: Can I submit a film I made years ago?
A: If it's never been publicly released, yes. Submit the power.
Q: What if my film is 3 minutes? Or 29 minutes?
A: Both welcome. We celebrate all lengths.
Ultra-shorts (under 5 min) equally valued as standard shorts.
Q: Can I submit multiple films?
A: Yes. Each submission is separate with its own fee.
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FEES & DEADLINES
Q: Why does SCI charge a submission fee?
A: Fees directly fund:
• Jury members' time (they're paid professionals)
• Platform operation & security
• Website & community maintenance
• Technical support for filmmakers
Q: Do I get my money back if rejected?
A: No. Fees are non-refundable.
Every submission gets reviewed by human jury.
Q: What if I can't afford the submission fee?
A: We have a very nominal fee structure to encourage upcoming filmmakers. We may occasionally offer fee waivers for underrepresented filmmakers. Reach out at: founder@shortcult.com
Q: Can I submit after the deadline?
A: Late submissions accepted until March 31 at $12.99.
Everything gets same jury attention.
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JURY & SELECTION
Q: How many films get selected?
A: Approximately 10% of submissions.
Only films meeting our selection standards make the cut.
Q: What's the acceptance rate?
A: ~10% Official Selection rate.
~3% award rate (out of Official Selections).
Q: Who judges my film?
A: Independent filmmakers, cinephiles & curators who champion experimental cinema.
Full jury names announced post-selection (blind review process).
Q: How does blind review work?
A: Your film is judged on merit, not filmmaker reputation or budget.
Judges don't know who made it. This levels the playing field.
Q: When do I find out if my film was selected?
A: April 15, 2026.
Q: If I win an award, do I get jury notes?
A: YES. Award winners receive personalized jury statements
explaining why your film earned recognition.
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WHAT HAPPENS IF I'M SELECTED?
Q: What do I get if my film is an Official Selection?
A: • SCI Official Selection credential
• Shareable badge for portfolio/IMDb
• Permanent profile in SCI filmmaker database
• Screening in SCI's online gallery (Apr 28–30)
• Social media promotion from SCI
Q: Can I submit my film elsewhere if I'm in SCI?
A: YES. SCI isn't exclusive.
You retain all exhibition rights.
Submit to other festivals simultaneously.
Q: Will my film be available publicly?
A: During SCI's screening period (Apr 28–30), selected films may be viewable in SCI's online gallery. After screening, your film isn't shared without explicit consent.
Q: Can I use the SCI laurel/badge after the festival?
A: YES. Forever. You own it.
Use it on IMDb, websites, reels, social media, anywhere.
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FILMMAKER IP & RIGHTS
Q: Does SCI own my film?
A: NO. You retain 100% ownership.
All exhibition rights belong to you.
Q: Can SCI use my film without permission?
A: SCI uses only excerpts, trailers, and stills for promotion.
Your full film is never shared without explicit written consent.
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GENERAL
Q: Is this festival legitimate?
A: YES. SCI is an official FilmFreeway festival.
Verified platform: https://filmfreeway.com/ShortCult_Indie
Q: Who runs SCI?
A: Founder: Alisha Kapur
Built by filmmakers, for filmmakers.
Zero marketing budget. Learning in public.
Q: Can I talk to someone at SCI?
A: Always.
Email: founder@shortcult.com
DM us instagram, X
We read every message.
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STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Email founder@shortcult.com
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