How to submit a film

We invite submissions from anyone— scientists, professional filmmakers, students, and advocates …if you have a good story, we want to see it.

Pre-Submission Criteria

• Film must tie into some ocean/marine/aquatic theme or issue (underwater footage not required). Whether your film tells the story of white sharks in South Africa, or a dedicated marine science teacher who has inspired you, we want to hear it.

• Film must have a driving narrative or message—pretty footage alone won’t cut it.

• Films selected for exhibition must be under 10 minutes in length. We are currently planning various expansion mini-festivals in 2012 which may allow for longer entries, but we really encourage films under 10 minutes.

• Film must be your original work

• A research and/or conservation theme is always encouraged

Submitting

Deadline: February 24, 2012

While you can send in a film at any time, a good first step is to email the Festival team with a pre-submission inquiry. We like making contact with the filmmakers and establishing a relationship early in the submission process.

We accept two methods of film submission: (1) DVD and (2) a USB-Thumb drive with video file.

If you select the second option please make sure the file can play either on Windows Media Player, VLC, or Quicktime (supported formats include .AVI, .MP4, .MOV). We do not accept Blu-Ray DVDs. We cannot cover postage, and will not be able to send you any materials back. If your film is ultimately selected, you will be required to provide a USB-Thumb drive with the video file.

Please send 2 copies of your film to the following address:

Austin Gallagher

Beneath the Waves Film Festival

Marine Affairs and Policy

4600 Rickenbacker Causeway

Miami, FL 33149

In your submission package, please include a 1-page printed sheet detailing the following information:

• Filmmaker Name

• Filmmaker Affiliation

• Filmmaker Contact Information and Email Address

• Brief Abstract of your film. The abstract is your summary—the elevator pitch—for your film. We will use this info to log your submission on file. If chosen, this information will be included in promotional materials.

Once we receive your film, you receive a confirmation email. Official selections will be notified by March 1, 2012.

If you have any additional questions, please contact us.

Winners of the 2011 Best Student Film. This could be you!