Rules & Regulations

Eligibility

The ODERIFF accepts submissions from international filmmakers. Films of all nationalities are eligible.

Eligible categories include

 Feature Films 

 Short Films 

Documentaries 

Films must have been completed after January 1, 2025.

Duration Requirements

Feature Films must have a minimum runtime of 70 minutes.

Short Films must have a runtime between 3 and 20 minutes.

Documentary Films are divided into two categories:

 Short Documentary: up to 45 minutes 

 Feature Documentary: over 45 minutes

Premiere Status

Premiere status is not required. Films may have been previously screened or distributed.

Subtitles

All non-English films must include English subtitles. 

Submissions must also include an SRT subtitle file to allow translation if required for screening in Germany.

Submission Platform

All submissions must be made through FilmFreeway.

Screening Format

Selected films must be provided in MP4 format (H.264), Full HD resolution (1920×1080).

Selection Process

All submissions are reviewed by the festival programming team. Selected films will be notified via email.

Jury & Awards

Awards are determined by an international jury based on artistic quality, originality, and overall impact.

Rights

By submitting, filmmakers grant the festival the right to screen their film during the event. 

The festival also reserves the right to use up to three minutes of submitted material for promotional purposes across social media, television, and digital platforms.

Artificial Intelligence Policy

Films created primarily using artificial intelligence are not accepted.

Fees

Submission fees may apply depending on the submission period.

Refund Policy

All submission fees are non-refundable.

Final Decision

The decision of the festival selection committee is final.