51st Rochester International Film Festival, April 23-April 25, 2009

Our selection process has two stages. Each entry is first viewed in its entirety by MOAS members, who discuss the film and vote whether to keep it for final judging. Every filmmaker receives a critique letter summarizing viewer comments about his or her entry. When preliminary judging is completed, three final judges view all the entries that were kept and make the final festival selections. Each entry chosen for the festival receives our distinctive Shoestring Trophy. We also offer home accommodations and local transportation for filmmakers whose works are screened at the festival.

Conditions of Entry

The festival is open to films and videos in all genres. Videos must be in NTSC format.

Maximum length of entries is 30 minutes.

No more than two entries per filmmaker.

Each entry must stand alone as a self-contained work. Episodes of a series, video components of a multimedia installation, or other fragments of larger works will not be accepted.

Entries must be submitted on 1/2" VHS cassette or DVD for preview.

Multiple entries on a single tape or disc are not permitted.

A completed entry form and entry fee of $40 (payable in U.S. funds) must accompany each entry. Make checks payable to Movies on a Shoestring, Inc. International Entries should use an International Money Order.

Entries must be postmarked no later than February 25, 2009.
A reduced entry fee of $30 applies if the entry is postmarked by December 3, 2008.

Festival screening copy must be received 7 days before festival. If indicated format is not provided your entry may not be shown. Film is preferred.

Entry into the festival may be made in two ways:

Without A Box:

Use this link to enter films using Without a box.




Using the RIFF Form:

Entries must be sent by regular mail: UPS, FedEx, and other delivery services cannot deliver packages to P.O. Boxes.

All possible care will be taken in handling of entries; however, Movies on a Shoestring, Inc. cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to entries.

For confirmation that your entry was received, please enclose a self-addressed, stamped postcard.

Use this link to enter films using the RIFF form.

EntryForm .pdf

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