Submission rules:

1. Content Restrictions

• No explicit or graphic violence. 

• No full nudity or explicit sexual content. Anything pornographic or graphic is prohibited.

• No hate speech, harassment, or discriminatory content.

• No dangerous or illegal acts depicted in a way that promotes harm. 

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2. Technical Requirements* ​

• Submissions must include English subtitles if the primary language is not English.

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3. Originality & Rights

• All submissions must be the filmmaker’s original work.

• Filmmakers must have rights/permissions for:

  • Music

  • Footage

  • Images

  • Any copyrighted materials

• Any copyrighted content used without permission will automatically disqualify the submission.

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4. Eligibility & Premiere Status​

• Borderless Film Festival welcomes submissions from filmmakers of all ethnicities, nationalities, and backgrounds. To qualify, films must demonstrate a meaningful connection to Asian stories, themes, perspectives, or creative contributors. This connection may include (but is not limited to) having an Asian filmmaker in a key creative role or featuring subject matter related to Asian culture, communities, or experiences.

• If requested, Borderless Film Festival may ask submitters to briefly explain how their film aligns with the festival’s mission as an Asian-focused film festival.

• Films must have been completed within a certain time window (nothing past 3 years).

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5. Duration & Categories

• Clear category guidelines (4-15mins). 

• Films must be submitted to the appropriate category

  • Categories: 

    • Best Cinematography

    • Best Editing

    • Best Acting

    • Best Sound Design

    • Best Picture

    • Best Documentary

    • Best Production Design

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6. Age Restrictions

• Filmmakers who made it must be an undergraduate student and be submitted by an undergraduate student.

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7. Submission Fees & Deadlines

• Films must be submitted by the deadline.

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8. Screening Permissions

• By submitting, the filmmaker grants permission for:

  • The film to be screened at the festival

  • Promotional use of clips, posters, or stills

• Participation does not guarantee an award.

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9. Judging & Awards

• All decisions by the festival jury are final.

• Films may be disqualified for rule violations.

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10. Conduct & Professionalism

• The festival reserves the right to reject films for unprofessional behavior, harassment, or inappropriate communication during the submission process.