Submission FAQs

How Can I Submit My Film Through Withoutabox?

When Are the Submission Deadlines and What Are the Fees?

DEADLINES:

Early: December 16

Regular: February 24

Late: March 9
*All deadlines are postmark deadlines*

ENTRY FEES for 2012

Early: $25/shorts $35/features
Regular: $35/shorts $45/features
Late: $40/shorts $50/features

How Will I Know if My Film Is Selected for the Festival?

We will notify the contact person listed under “Main Contact/Submitter” by May 21, 2012 via e-mail regarding the status of your film.

I Submitted My Documentary Last Year and It Was Not Accepted. Can I Submit It Again?

Generally speaking, no. However, if your film has undergone significant changes since the previous version submitted (60% or more) then you can request permission to resubmit by sending request via email to: programming@SILVERDOCS.com. If permission is granted, be sure to note on your application that you’ve previously submitted this film to SILVERDOCS.

My Film Has Aired on Television, Can I Still Submit?

If your film has aired on television in the US, then that version is not eligible for SILVERDOCS. However, if you submit a significantly different version for consideration in the Festival, it may be eligible. Films that have aired on television, but not within the US, are eligible.

Can I Submit More Than One Film?

Yes. However you need to treat each film as a unique entry, and create a separate application for each.

Can I Submit a Rough Cut?

We strongly encourage you to submit a completed film – but we will accept late rough-cut submissions. Please be sure to indicate what is incomplete: temporary sound, no credits or titles, missing scenes, etc. SILVERDOCS only screens completed films during the Festival, and unfortunately does not have a venue for works-in-progress.

Do You Show Works-In-Progress Films During the Festival?

As mentioned above, the Festival screens completed films only.

Can I Submit an Updated Version of My Film?

We request that you send only ONE version of your film for consideration. However, if you feel strongly that a newer version of your film warrants a second look you may contact the Programming Department to discuss possible arrangements. It is not guaranteed that we will be able to accommodate your request. Please do not send another version of your film without contacting the Programming Department. If permission is granted, we will try our best to ensure that your new version is viewed, but we cannot guarantee it. The Programming Department can be reached at programming@SILVERDOCS.com.

How Recently Must My Film Have Been Completed to Be Eligible?

Films eligible for consideration in SILVERDOCS 2012 must have been completed on or after March 1, 2011.

How Can I Be Sure You Received My Submission?

We receive a high volume of film submissions, and consequently are unable to notify each individual submitter. If you have applied online through withoutabox.com, you can log into your online application and see if your film has been received by the Programming Department. You may also send us a self-addressed, stamped postcard, which we will mail back to you as confirmation of receipt.

What Submission Formats Do You Accept?

The format of your submission should be DVD (region-free or region 1, NTSC and PAL).

What Exhibition Formats Can You Screen During the Festival?

We can screen 70mm, 35mm, and 16mm film as well as HD Cam, Digibeta and Beta SP (NTSC or PAL) video. During the Festival, we prefer to screen short works on NTSC only.

What Kind of Films Do You Show?

SILVERDOCS is an exclusively documentary film festival. We screen a wide-range of international films within this genre – including personal, political, historical, experimental, biography, and many more.

How Do You Distinguish Shorts from Features?

Shorts are 40 minutes or less. Features are 41 minutes or longer.

If the Film Is in a Language Other Than English, Do You Require Subtitles?

Yes, we require subtitles (preferred) or dubbing on any film that is in a language other than English.

How Do I Alert You if My Contact Info Changes?

You can notify the Programming Department with any changes by e-mailing programming@SILVERDOCS.com.

Can I Receive Feedback or Comments on My Film?

Unfortunately, because of the high volume of film submissions we are unable to provide feedback on your submission.

When and Where Is the Festival?

SILVERDOCS takes place June 18-24, 2012 in Silver Spring, MD, just minutes from Washington, DC.