THE SCREENING PROCESS

We have a team of carefully selected pre-screeners who review all submissions for compliance with rules and overall quality. At least three reviewers evaluate each film to help ensure a range of perspectives during the pre-screening process.

Pre-screening ratings are used as one factor in determining which films advance in the selection process. Ratings are intended to provide guidance and do not guarantee or automatically determine a film’s selection. The Festival Director and judging committee reserve the right to consider the pre-screening results alongside their own review and other programming considerations when determining the films selected for exhibition.

Pre-screening ratings are used only during the selection process and are not included in determining award winners.

THE JUDGING PROCESS

Once the exhibiting films have been selected, a separate judging panel watches and evaluates each film. Each judge assigns a rating, and the judges’ scores are averaged to help determine the award recipients in each category. The Festival Director and film committee reserve the right to review results and resolve ties or other circumstances that may arise during the judging process.