1. INTRODUCTION:
UpLift is an international film festival, organised by students at the Department of Literature, Film and Theatre Studies (LiFTS) at University of Essex. Apart from showcasing audio-visual works the event will host a range of parallel activities and social events.

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2. RULES AND REGULATIONS:
The festival is reserved for independently produced student films without assistance of professional production companies. We accept submissions of animation films produced by amateurs or student filmmakers between January 1st 2020 and date of registration’ closure.

The festival accepts short animation films of any genre up to 20 minutes.

Films must be in English language or have English language subtitles provided.

Only completed films are accepted. Works in progress will not be considered for selection.

Institutions can submit various films of total length of 80 minutes. Each film cannot exceed 20 minutes.

Any film submission to UpLift is made with the understanding that you are giving UpLift permission to screen your film at the event if your film is officially selected.

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3. SELECTION:
By submitting their films, authors agree with the festival's terms and conditions for their films. Selection results will be notified through a FilmFreeway notification email.

By submitting your film to UpLift, you are acknowledging ownership of the right to do so and have secured all necessary permissions regarding image use, music rights, etc.

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4. RIGHTS AND DUTIES RESULTING FROM SELECTION:
By submitting a film authors give to the festival the right, without compensation, to present their work to the public in whatever form, media, online* or at a public screening, with the purpose of promoting the festival.

The author allows free public broadcasting of the work at the location of the festival in Colchester Campus, University of Essex. All copyrights remain property of the author.

*Only segments of films may be used for online promotion of the festival. Films will not become available online in their entirety by the festival.

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5. SUBMITTING THE FILM FOR SELECTION
Submissions of films are accepted only via FilmFreeway or by invitation.

Films must conform to the following technical specifications:
- Video: H.264 video encoding at up to 15 Mbps bitrate
- Audio: at least 44.1kHz sample rate and at least 128kbps bitrate
- Subtitles (if not hardcoded on the video): srt format, UTF8 encoding

Failing to conform to the specification can result in eliminating the film from the selection without further explanation.

Film has to be uploaded to an online service or storage and a link has to be shared with organisers, where film can be downloaded.

The latest application deadline is December 6th 2023. No applications will be accepted after the deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

There is no application fee.

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6. THE RIGHT TO COMPETE:
Any person as specified as author in these rules has equal right to compete in the festival. By submitting a film you agree to comply with these rules. Organisers reserve the right to decide on matters not covered in this document.

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7. ARCHIVE:
Festival archive contains selection copies of all films ever submitted to the festival. The festival can use segments or still images from these films for:
- Promotion in other festivals and events
- For promoting and marketing the festival
- Educational workshops