Ashfield FilmFest 2010 FAQs

Q: What does "a connection to the town of Ashfield, Massachusetts" mean exactly?

Successful film entries have included one or more of the following characteristics:

• Actors or subjects that are residents of Ashfield

• Locations or scenery that are in Ashfield

• Dialogue or plot-lines that refer to Ashfield

The rule is not designed to be confining, but rather as a guide to ensure film submissions that will be enjoyed by the general audiences that attend the FilmFest, and retain some local connection.

Q: I don't live in Ashfield.  Can I still submit a film?

 Yes, you can.  We strongly encourage you to.

Q: I have made a movie that is five and a half minutes long, can I still submit it?

No.  In the interest of fairness and for planning purposes, all movies must be five minutes or less in length.  This maximum length includes any titles, credits, etc. that might be part of your submission.

Q: I am a professional filmmaker.  Can I submit a film?

Sure!  We welcome all entries provided that they follow the contest rules.

 
Q: I am an amateur filmmaker who wants to make my first film.  Will I even stand a chance if professional filmmakers make submissions?

A: You sure will.  Remember that films are not judged solely on their professionalism.  The judges consider other factors, such as subject matter, creativity and engagement.  All entries are considered and welcomed.

Q: My young daughter has filmed a lot of material and I helped her edit and put the final film together.  Will the film be considered for the Youth Prize?

It depends on how much adult help she received.  In many ways it is like school homework.  There is a fine line between doing the homework for your child and helping your child do their own work.  The same can be said for your child's film submission.  We rely on the honor system for parents and children to submit their respective works appropriately.

Q: How many films can I submit? 

No more than one. We encourage entrants to put all of their creativity into one project.

Q: Which films are shown at the FilmFest?  Are all film submissions shown?

The Film Festival night is limited in time, and so, depending on the number of submissions, all film entries may not be shown.  In the event that there are too many submissions to be shown, the selection of films will be chosen by the judges.  Those films will include prizewinners as well as other films that are judged to represent the diversity of submissions and are likely to be enjoyed by the audience.

Q: Will my submission be returned to me?

No.  The two DVD copies you submit will not be returned.  However, entrants retain all copyrights for their materials and they may submit their entries to other venues.

 
Q: How can I get music that is useable for my entry? You can compose your own music using Garage Band or similar software. You also can obtain license to use music from various web sites like www.rumblefish.com or www.mobygratis.com for non profit or student use.  Also try searching Google with terms like: fair use, public domain or fair use songs for further options.

 
Q: Can a group submit an entry?

Yes, we encourage collaboration, but you will have to share the prize.

Q: I have a technical question regarding formats, who can I contact?

You can contact our Technical Help department.