Cannes Film Festival Submission
To be eligible for the Cannes Film Festival Official Selection, films must be feature-length fiction films that have not been shown in any other international film festival, television, or online platform.
The festival typically requires a screener of the film, a synopsis, and a director's statement.
Submission Deadline: Friday, March 17, 2023
Feature Film Eligibility
- Films that have been produced during the twelve months preceding the Festival
- Films whose distribution is limited to their country of origin
- Films that have not been presented at any international motion picture event. If the film has been selected for an international section (competitive or not) of a festival, it becomes ineligible for the Festival de Cannes. A selection is international if it presents films from different countries.
- Films that have not been shown on the Internet or released on DVD
- Every feature film invited to be in competition must be released theatrically in France in accordance with French legislation pertaining to media chronology rules. Any beneficiary, producer or authorized representative submitting a feature film commits to honoring this clause.
- In order to be selected as a feature film, your film must be more than 60 minutes long.
Rules
- The film must meet the criteria for eligibility, such as the premiere status and running time of the film.
- The film must be the original work of the filmmakers and not infringe on the rights of others.
- The film must be submitted in the required format, such as DVD or online screener.
- The filmmakers must have the rights to all the content in the film, including music, images, and other copyrighted materials.
- If the film is selected for the festival, the filmmakers must agree to screen the film at the festival and make the necessary arrangements for the screening.
Required Materials
The required materials for submitting a film to the Cannes Film Festival can vary from year to year, but generally include the following:
- A screener of the film is typically required for submission. This can be either a DVD or an online screener.
- A synopsis of the film's story and themes.
- A statement from the director about the film and their creative vision.
- Cast and crew information.
- The festival may also require additional materials, such as still images from the film, a trailer, and information about the film's production and distribution.
Technical Requirements
Whatever equipment used for shooting the film (mini DV, super 8, 35mm), only the following will be accepted for the preselection:
- HDCAM / HDCAM-SR
- DCP (Digital Cinema Package): Server JPEG 2000 (model DOREMI DCP 2K4). Server reads only JPEG 2000 files. Available connections: CRU bay, e-Sata, USB. Once your submission is complete, contact the Film Department for the server certificate and how to send your KDM.
- Beta SP (Pal, NTSC) or Digital Beta (Pal, NTSC)
- Blu-ray Disc + 1 standard DVD (if you send a Blu-ray you must also send us a standard DVD of the film).
- DVD (Standard)
N.B. It is possible to present a working copy of the film. When filling out the entry form, please state if your submission is the final version or a working version. Submission of a working copy does not allow for later submission of a final copy.
Subtitling
The Selection Committee will accept films:
- WITHOUT subtitles if the original language is French or English.
- WITH French or English subtitles for all other original languages.
Shipping
HDCAM / DCP / BETA / DVD / Blu-ray: must be sent by mail directly to the Film Department at the Festival office (please find the address at the end of the entry form). If are sent through an express parcel service your package should read "For cultural purposes only" and "Without commercial value" on the package.
For any materials sent by express parcel service, payment for delivery must have been made in full, including any duty and taxes. Otherwise, the Festival reserves the right not to accept the package.
It is also possible to make delivery in person or by courier. (Please check our office hours in advance.)
Return
The return transport costs are borne by the producer or by the return consignee for the print. The total invoice (transport, screening, etc.) must be paid upon arrival of the print in order for us to release the print once the Selection Committee has screened it.
Other screening materials: Following the screening, the various materials received are not returned to the sender by the Festival. (Note however that materials may be picked up directly from the Festival offices.)
If your film is selected
You will be contacted before the official press conference.
You must supply us either with a DCP (Digital Cinema Package), a JPEG 2000 file or a 35mm print.
The Film Department will send you all the necessary information on time, only if your film is selected.
Festival de Cannes promotes the growth of the international film industry by identifying and showcasing films of exceptional quality that contribute to the evolution of cinema.