INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION FOR THE FIRST FEATURE FILMS OF DIRECTORS

Regulations

1 - Aim

The aim of the International Competition for the first feature films of Directors is to present innovative works of merit by first time fiction-feature film makers, discover new talent, promote them and offer networking possibilities within the entertainment industry.

2 - Selection

Mumbai Academy of Moving Image chaired by the renowned Indian Filmmaker Shyam Benegal is responsible for inviting films to take part in the International Competition for the First Feature Films of Directors.  Unless specifically instructed otherwise, all films offered for consideration in this Competition may be considered for participation in other sections of the Festival.

3 - Films eligible to participate in the International Competition

• Films meant for theatrical release in 35mm or 2k projection formats may only participate.  (The Competition does not accept video formats for screening).
• The films must have been produced between October 1st, 2009 and the beginning of the Festival.
• Participation at another international festival outside India does not preclude entry into Mumbai Film Festival's International Competition. However, preference would be given to International Premieres , Asian Premieres and Indian Premieres in that order.
• The films should not have been presented in India either theatrically (commercially or in Festivals) or on video / telecast / internet.
• In the case of Indian films submitted for International Competition, preference will be given to world premieres and/or international premieres and those films not commercially released in India .

The festival director reserves the right to settle all cases not covered by the guidelines and to grant exceptions in special cases.

4 - Version and Subtitles

All films must be screened in their original version, with English subtitles.  The cost of subtitling is the responsibility of the producer.  The version released in the country of origin is regarded as the original version of the film.

5 - Media accepted for selection

The deadline for sending the films with the filled in entry forms must be strictly observed.  Written registration as well as a copy of the submitted film in all-region DVD format or VCD must reach 12th Mumbai Film Festival by the submission deadline i.e. August 10th, 2010.  Working copies can be considered, if the producer / sales agent agrees to provide 35 mm print for festival screenings, if the film is selected.

6 - Documentation

For each selected film, the Festival must receive a detailed documentation immediately, including: a synopsis of the film, a biography and complete filmography of the director and of the leading actors, a selection of stills from the film, a recent photograph of the director, and a full list of artistic and technical credits.

7 - International Jury

To award the Golden and Silver Gateway, the Chairman of MAMI appoints a President and members of the International Jury. The Jury is composed of at least five personalities from India and abroad. A person who has participated in the production or promotion of any film selected for the Competition may not serve on the Jury.

The Festival Director or his representative may attend jury deliberations but will take no part in the voting.  Jury members are sworn to secrecy.  Jury discussions and ballots remain strictly confidential even after the Festival has ended.

8 - Awards for films in the International Competition

The Jury is obliged to award the following prizes to films participating in the International Competition:

• Best Film
  
• A Golden Gateway trophy plus cash prize of Rs. 25,00,000 (approximately US$ 50,000) to the Director of the film.
• Rs. 25,00,000 (approximately US$ 50,000) to the Producer of the film.
  
  
• Jury Grand Prize for the Second Best Film
• A Silver Gateway trophy plus cash prize of Rs.12,50,000 (approximately US$ 25,000) for the Director of the film.
• Rs. 12,50,000 (US$ 25,000) for the Producer of the film.
  
  
• Best Director receives a Silver Gateway.
  
  
• Best Actress receives a Silver Gateway.
  
  
• Best Actor receives a Silver Gateway.
  
  
• Jury Award for best work in any one of the following categories:
  Script / editing / Camera / Sound receives a Silver Gateway trophy.

If any of the above award winning films are either world premieres or international premieres, the producer / sales agent who enters the film in the festival would be given a SPECIAL ENCOURAGEMENT award  of Rs. 5,00,000 (approximately US$ 10,000).

Films screened in the International Competition section are also eligible for:

• Mumbai Young Critics Award -
• Silver Gateway trophy for the film (director).
  
  
• Audience Choice Award -
• Silver Gateway trophy for the film (director) plus cash prize of Rs. 10,00,000 (approximately US$ 20,000) for the film.  Cash prize will be shared equally between the producer and director.

9 - Official logo and advertising

The official Festival logo with either “Competition 2010” or “Official Programme 2010“ must be displayed in all advertising and promotional materials of all the films selected for screening in this section.  These should also be clearly visible for theatrical release as well as for Video / DVD distribution in India and abroad. Award-winning films will receive the appropriate logo with the name of the prize.

12^th Mumbai Film Festival
Mumbai Academy of Moving Image (MAMI)
49/50, Maruti Chambers, 3rd Floor,
Fun Republic Lane, Off Veera Desai Extn. Road,
Andheri (W), Mumbai - 400 053, India.
Tel. : +91-22-4016 8223 / 8221, Fax : 4016 8222
Email : mumbaifilmfest@gmail.com
Website: www.mumbaifilmfest.com

Deadline for the receipt of entry forms and films for selection
August 10th, 2010.