F4 Film Festival – Rules & Code of Conduct

F4 Fable Forest Film Festival – Rules & Code of Conduct

### 2024 – Fable Forest Film Festival (F4): Terms & Rules ###

**Eligibility:**
1. **Open to Students, Emerging Filmmakers, and Professionals**: The festival is open to filmmakers at various stages in their careers, including students, emerging filmmakers, and seasoned professionals.
2. **Local Emphasis**: While we strongly encourage submissions from the Waterloo Region (Tri-Cities), entries from outside the region are also welcome.

**Submission Guidelines:**
1. **Film Length**: For this year, the festival is accepting short films only at a maximum length of 20 minutes (title card and credits included), this may change in future years as we expand.
2. **Film Category**: This year F4 is a genre based short film festival. Though we will review and select from all film styles, we will be giving preferential treatment to horror / sci-fi / fantasy & thriller shorts.
3. **Submission Format**: All films must be submitted in a digital format. Accepted formats include MP4 and MOV files.
4. **Language**: Films must be in English or have English subtitles.
5. **Screening Rights**: By submitting a film, the filmmaker grants Fable Forest Films and the Kitchener Comic Con the right to screen the film during the festival and use clips or stills for promotional purposes in perpetuity.

**Selection Process:**
1. **Judging Panel**: Films will be reviewed and selected by a panel of judges comprising industry professionals, academics, and festival organizers.
2. **Selection Notification**: Filmmakers whose works are selected for the festival will be notified via email. Selected films will also be listed on our official website.

**Screening and Awards:**
1. **Screening Schedule**: Selected films will be screened at the Kitchener Comic Con during the festival. The schedule will be posted on the festival’s website.
2. **Awards**: Awards will be given in various categories such as Best Short Film, and Audience Choice Award. (Subject to change as this is the first year and we don’t know what films we will receive via submissions)

**General Terms:**
1. **Travel and Accommodation**: Filmmakers are responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses.
2. **Promotion**: By submitting a film, the filmmaker agrees to allow the festival to use their name, film title, and promotional materials for marketing purposes.
3. **Liability Release**:
3a. Filmmakers are responsible for addressing any issues arising from the use of copyrighted material in their films, including music, images, and footage.
3b. By submitting a film, the filmmaker acknowledges that Fable Forest Films and the Kitchener Comic Con are not responsible for any legal issues or disputes related to the unauthorized use of copyrighted material.
3c. The filmmaker agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Fable Forest Films and the Kitchener Comic Con, along with their respective officers, directors, employees, and agents, from any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees and court costs) arising from or in connection with the use of copyrighted material in the submitted films.
4. **Code of Conduct**: All participants are expected to adhere to the festival’s code of conduct, which promotes respect, inclusivity, and professionalism.
The full Code of Conduct can be found below:

### 2024 – Fable Forest Film Festival (F4): CODE OF CONDUCT ###

Introduction Fable Forest Film Festival is dedicated to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants, including filmmakers, judges, staff, volunteers, and attendees. By participating in the festival, you agree to adhere to this code of conduct to ensure a positive experience for everyone.

Respect

Treat all participants with respect and dignity.
Avoid any behavior or language that is abusive, discriminatory, or harassing.
Respect the personal boundaries and privacy of others.

Inclusivity

Promote an inclusive atmosphere where diverse voices and perspectives are valued.
Be supportive and encouraging to filmmakers and participants from all backgrounds and experiences.
Foster an environment where everyone feels welcome and included, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or any other characteristic.

Diversity

Celebrate and embrace diversity in all its forms.
Support films and creators that reflect a wide range of experiences and stories.
Encourage open-mindedness and a willingness to learn from others’ perspectives.

Zero Tolerance for Harassment

Harassment of any kind, including but not limited to verbal, physical, or sexual harassment, will not be tolerated.
Any form of bullying, intimidation, or threatening behavior is strictly prohibited.
If you experience or witness any form of harassment, please report it to festival staff immediately.

Consequences

We reserve the right to deny entry or remove any participant or film from the festival if this code of conduct is violated.
Violations may result in expulsion from the festival without refund, and in severe cases, may be reported to appropriate authorities.

Reporting and Support

If you have any concerns or need to report a violation of this code of conduct, please contact festival staff in person or via the designated contact information provided on our website.
We take all reports seriously and will handle them with confidentiality and care.

Commitment to Improvement

We are committed to continually improving our code of conduct and creating a safe, inclusive environment for all.
Feedback is welcome and encouraged to help us achieve these goals.

Thank you for helping us make the Fable Forest Film Festival a respectful, inclusive, and diverse event for everyone.