Rules and Guidelines

​(Please read carefully before submitting)

1. To participate in Monthly Film Challenges and the Annual Awards Fiesta, filmmakers must adhere to the following Rules and Guidelines:

2.     The San Antonio Cinema Showdown accepts all submissions in the following categories within contest guidelines:

3.     Feature Films (Narrative): Animated, Adventure, SciFi, Comedy (For Online Judging Only)

4.     Short Films (under 12 minutes): Narrative, Animated, Documentary, Student, Texas, U.S., and International.  (Can submit as GUARANTEED LIVE AUDIENCE SCREENING or Online audience judging)

5.     Filmmakers must hold all legal rights for the submission, including necessary clearances for public exhibition in live performances and streaming.

6.     Filmmakers retain all submission and intellectual property rights.

7.     Premiere is not required. Please contact media@arro.io with any questions.

8.     Films must be submitted electronically via FilmFreeway.

9.     Filmmakers are responsible for submitting all materials by the deadline. Failure to meet the submission deadline may result in the need to enter the following month's challenge or withdrawal.

10.     Submission deadlines and fees must be adhered to. Submission fees are non-refundable and must be paid through the FilmFreeway app.

11.     "Guaranteed live performance" submissions are guaranteed acceptance to participate in our live "SATX Cinema Showdown Showcase" events, as long as they meet contest guidelines. Submissions that do not meet festival guidelines will not be accepted, and fees will not be refunded.

12.     Films submitted for Online Audience Judging are streamed on ArroTV. Top rated films will be selected for Live Audience Screening in the SATX Cinema Showdown.  Filmmakers grant ArroTV Launchpad the right to stream the Short or Feature-length film for a period of no less than 30 days for the purpose of online judging and potential live audience screening. A downloadable file without a watermark is required for participation in ONLINE AUDIENCE JUDGING.

13.     All non-English films must include English subtitles.

14.     Filmmakers are responsible for testing their media to ensure proper functionality and no damage. Keep screener links and passwords up-to-date and promptly notify the SACS office of any changes.

15.     Filmmakers can submit multiple films, but each film must be submitted separately and meet guidelines.

16.     Filmmakers can resubmit a film that was previously submitted if all eligibility requirements are met.

17.     Student filmmakers must provide proof of enrollment at the time the film was made.

18.     SACS and ArroTV have community guidelines that prohibit the screening of films considered pornography, involving the exploitation of children, or calling for the harm of individuals or groups. Violation of these guidelines will result in the forfeiture of submission fees.

19.     Submitted materials will not be returned or stored beyond the festival's final screening.

20.     Entrants may contact the SACS to inquire about the status of their submission.

21.     Filmmakers are responsible for inbound shipping costs.

22.     Personal contact information is to remain confidential and not shared with third parties.

23.     SACS reserves the right to use images and/or clips from selected films for marketing purposes.

24.     All decisions regarding award winners are final and incontestable.

25.     Films submitted must have been completed after January 1, 2017.

26.     SACS reserves the right to change venues or alter screenings  and events to better accommodate our filmmakers and audience or based on public health, welfare, or directives from local, state, or federal authorities. No submission refunds will be issued in such cases.

27. For any further questions, please contact San Antonio Cinema Showdown at media@arro.io.

28. Thank you for your understanding and adherence to these Rules and Guidelines.