Film Chronicle Rules & Guidelines
Learn about our awards, prizes, and how our festival works
Last updated: October 23, 2025Top Film Recognition
The winning film will receive its own dedicated page featuring a personal interview and filmmaker biography.
Film Library Inclusion
All submitted films will transition to our Film Chronicle library for extended viewing after the festival concludes.
Social Media Promotion
The top six films will be featured and promoted across our official social media platforms.
Community Mission
Our goal is to cultivate a vibrant Student Film Community. Every submission matters, win or not. Film Chronicle provides a platform for students to share their work, connect, and collaborate beyond their universities.
Additional Prizes
To be announced soon!
Phase 1 - Submissions
The festival opens for entries each quarter. Submissions close at the end of the submission period.
Phase 2 - Audience Voting
All accepted films go live on our website for public viewing. Depending on volume, films may be grouped to ensure fair exposure. The audience votes for their favorite films. The top six with the most votes advance to the next phase.
Phase 3 - Jury Evaluation
A jury of qualified film students reviews the top six films and selects the Top Film of the Quarter. Winners are announced the following quarter, along with their awards.
1. What's the difference between the Festival and the Library?
The Film Festival accepts submissions from current film students competing for quarterly awards and recognition. The Film Library is open to all past film students, regardless of graduation year, who wish to showcase the work created during their studies.
2. How does Film Chronicle differ from traditional film festivals?
Our festival is audience driven. Viewers nominate their favorite films, and a Jury of unbiased film students then selects the Best Film of the Quarter. This ensures both active community participation and fair judging.
3. What types of films are accepted?
All genres are welcome. Drama, Comedy, Horror, Experimental, and more. Films should go beyond minor class exercises, and content must be appropriate for public viewing.
4. Do you accept documentaries?
Yes!
5. Who serves on the Jury?
Our Jury consists of film students from universities across the country, with no prior affiliations to the filmmakers.
6. I'm a high school student. Can I get involved?
The festival is currently limited to university students, but the Film Library is open for public viewing. It's a great resource for future film students to explore college level work.
7. I've recently graduated. Can I still submit?
Yes! If your film was made while you were a student and meets the festival's time requirements, you may submit it to both the Festival and the Library.
8. Do you accept international submissions?
Currently, submissions are limited to U.S.-based students, but we plan to expand globally soon.
9. Is there a submission fee?
No! Both the Festival and the Library are completely free. Our mission is to support student filmmakers without financial barriers.
- •Films must not exceed 45 minutes.
- •Only currently enrolled students are eligible for the Festival.
- •We may ask you to verify your student status.
- •Films in any language are accepted, but English subtitles must be included where necessary.
- •Filmmakers must own full rights to their film and its components at the time of submission.
- •Filmmakers must retain ownership of their work.
- •By submitting, you grant Film Chronicle permission to upload and showcase your film on our website.
- •You authorize Film Chronicle to create promotional material (such as a dedicated film page) without infringing on copyright.
- •By participating, you consent to your film being included in our distribution and marketing campaigns, which may include sponsored promotions to support the program.
Questions? Contact us at info@filmchronicle.com