Terms & Conditions

Eligibility:

• Open to All: The festival is open to filmmakers from Pan India, regardless of experience, background, caste & creed.

• Film Length: The short films must have a runtime of 5 - 30 minutes.

• Genre: Films can be in any genre, and any Indian language, but must include English

• subtitles. If any such film is without subtitles, please understand that it might be disqualified.

• Multiple Entries: Participants can submit multiple entries.

• Each film must be accompanied by a separate entry form and fee.

• Ineligibility Films that have been shown theatrically or broadcasted on television before RTHFF or are available on DVD or VOD will be deemed ineligible.  

• We do not accept - Amateur videos / Extremist or propaganda content from religious or political organizations / Projects involving politics/films promoting political agenda / Pornography / Films with a poor production standard (bad sound, lack of subtitles in the films, poor resolution) etc.

Submission Guidelines:

• Entry Fee: A non-refundable fee of 999 INR is required for each film submitted.

• Submission Format: Films must be submitted as an unlisted YouTube link. The link should be accessible to the judges throughout the competition.

• Submission Form: Each entry must include a completed submission form. Incomplete forms may result in disqualification.

• Content Rights: All content used in the film must be owned or licensed by the participant. If any copyrighted material is used, proper permissions must be obtained and a copy of the permission must be submitted to the Festival Organizers.

• For promotion/publicity of RTHFF, clippings from any film entered in the festival shall be shown on the National/International /Local television networks/Cinemas/social media platforms/ Internet, website etc.

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Festival Rights:

• Promotional Use: Ruben Trailer House reserves the right to copy or use any material submitted for the festival’s promotional and archival purposes. However, the entire short film will not be shared or uploaded online without the participant’s explicit permission.

• Final Screening: Short films selected for the final screening cannot be withdrawn under any circumstances until the festival concludes.

• RTH Film Festival reserves the complete right to make changes to the program dates and times and to possibly not screen the video, despite its being selected for screening.

• Judging and Decisions: The decisions of the judges will be final and binding. No disputes or correspondence regarding the selection process will be entertained.

• However, Festival authorities reserve the right to accept or reject any film that is likely to offend the sentiments, feelings or sensibilities of any caste, community, religion and sections that are likely to promote racism or ill will in society; additionally, for any circumstances, the festival committee/jury will not be answerable for such a decision to any person(s), or company or organization.

• Rule Changes: Festival Organizers and Ruben Trailer House reserve the right to change, modify, or alter any rule or aspect of the competition at any time.

Selection Committee

• Awards: The Jury reserves the right to withhold an award in any category where entry, in the Jury's view, meets the standards for award/recognition. It also reserves the right to recommend sharing award(s) in any category and to recommend special Juryawards/Certificates of Merit.

• Announcement: Only officially selected films will be intimated by email. No letters of non-acceptance will be sent. All lists will be available on the RTHFF official Facebook & Instagram pages.

• RTHFF is under no obligation to provide comments or feedback regarding the film entered to the entrant or any other representative.

• The jury will select the winners based on entry rules and their decision will be final and acceptable to all. The winners will receive confirmation via email or call

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Additional Terms:

• Original Content: Films must be original works created by the participant. Plagiarism or unauthorized use of material will result in disqualification.

• Directorate for Festival Archive/non-commercial screening.Content Retaining: Copy of the award-winning films will be retained by the Festival to comply with the festival’s rules and regulations.Participant’s Responsibility: Participants ensure that their films are without any objections or claims. use the winner’s name, likeness and voice for future advertising and publicity purposes Festival deadline for any unforeseen reasons if needed. Entry constitutes permission as established herein.

• The RTH Film Festival 2024 reserves the right to extend the Participant's agreement to be bound by all terms of these official festival rules and regulations remain confidential and will not be shared publicly without your consent. 

• Privacy: Ruben Trailer House respects the privacy of filmmakers. Your short film will remain confidential and will not be shared publicly without your consent.

• Indemnity: You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the RTHFF, from and against any claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney’s fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred because of any claim
  involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.

• The decision of the Festival Authority regarding all matters not expressively provided for in these regulations or which require interpretation of the clauses mentioned above shall be final and binding on all parties. No correspondence in any regard will be accepted and considered under any circumstances.

• All disputes in respect of any matter relating to the RTHFF shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts in Chennai.

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