Thunderbird Competition:
General Guidelines (For all TIFF competitions)
- Films may be produced on any medium, but must be submitted on a DVD (with chapter breaks if the film is feature length).
- DVD's must be clearly labeled with name & contact information of entrant, film title and total running time (TRT - this includes credits)
- Email notification is automatic. Entrant must include a self-addressed stamped envelope to get written confirmation that submission was received.
- All entries must be in English or contain English subtitles.
- No graphic sexual content or nudity and minimal violence.
- Films that promote discrimination or lawlessness shall not be accepted.
Thunderbird Guidelines
- Films are judged based on four criteria: story, technical excellence, acting/directing and emotional appeal.
- DIVISIONS: Student & Professional
Beginners that are not actually students should enter in the 'Student' division.
Master Thesis projects should be entered in the 'Professional' division. - CATEGORIES: Documentary and Narrative
- LENGTH: Short (under 60 minutes) and Long (over 60 minutes)
- All production crew members are eligible for the Karl Malden Award For Excellence.
- Visit the Karl Malden Award page for information - Each winner will receive a Thunderbird Award (Eagle trophy). Duplicate trophies may be purchased.
- Awards are planned for all divisions/categories/lengths, but may be withheld if there are no entries of award caliber.
- Judges will be announced when scheduling has been confirmed. A panel of adjudicators will determine the winning films and be present at the festival. Judges have been from the film industry and/or SUU professors who have knowledge of filmmaking. Judges receive consolidated VHS copies of film submissions for personal viewing prior to the festival. Judges be present for a reception and final selection of the winners. Deliberations are confidential and the judges decisions are final.
- A number of films will be chosen for screening at the festival and Southern Utah University reserves the right to be selective regarding films to be screened.
Submission Fees & Deadlines
- Submission Fee - $35
- Final Deadline - March 20
Submission Form:
- The Thunderbird Film Festival submission form is available here in an Adobe PDF format. In order to view, fill out and print this form you must have Adobe Reader installed. If you do not have this program, it is a free download from Adobe.com.
- Our form has been built so you can type your information directly into the pdf form and then print it and mail it to us. The advantage for us is that we can read the form! The disadvantage to you is that you can't fill out part of the form and then come back later to fill out the rest. Please make sure you have all information necessary to fill out the form before you begin, as you will not be able to save the form.
- DO NOT SUBMIT the form without choosing your division and category.
- Get the Submission Form
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