7. SELECTION OF FILMS
7.1 Conditions for the submission of a film
Both feature-length and short films will be admitted in the following screening formats:
· 35mm;
· Digital Cinema Package – DCP (see point 8.4)
All films submitted must be of recent production, completed not prior to 15th September 2007, and must not have been previously presented in any other format or length, not even as a work-in-progress, for any selections of preceding editions of the Festival. Under no circumstances may films that have had a prior public screening be presented at the Venice Film Festival. Derogations may be requested, and, in some special cases, granted, for films presented exclusively in their country of origin. Works previously presented in competing or non-competing sections at other international festivals are also excluded, as are those already available on the web.
7.2 Selection procedure
Regarding the selection of the films submitted, the Festival Director will be assisted by a commission of five experts, as well as by a group of correspondents and international consultants each dealing with different geographical areas. The Programming Office will put each decision on the record.
7.3 Admission fees
For every film entered for selection to the Festival, excluding shorts, an admission fee of 60 euros is requested to cover administrative costs. This sum will not be reimbursed if the film entered is not sent to the Festival HQ.
The cost of screenings carried out away from the main venue (Venice) are to be met by the participants.
7.4 Materials to be sent for selection
In order to be eligible for selection, the films must be presented no later than June 16th 2008, accompanied by:
a) the selection entry form, duly completed exclusively via our website, www.labiennale.org (deadline expired on June 16th);
b) one print (35mm) or a DVD or DIGITAL BETA video (Pal only), which must reach the Festival HQ by 21st June 2008. For short films, only DVDs are admitted;
c) story outline in Italian, English or French, a bio-filmography of the director, the cast and credits, a list of dialogues and, if possible, a press-pack;
d) payment of the admission fee.
The Festival is under no obligation to return DVDs and videos submitted for selection, unless they arrive with prepaid return packaging via express carrier (courier or diplomatic bag). Any returns must be requested no later than September 2008.
The work-in-progress materials and films for which no return has been requested may be transferred to the Biennale Archives, for documentation and research purpose. They will not be used for commercial purposes, in order to protect the interests of the film-makers and the producers.
8. INVITED FILMS
8.1 Participation Form
The invited films will receive a participation form to be duly completed and returned no later than 15th July 2008. Receipt of the form by the Festival implies the legal acceptance of the invitation by all concerned and will be considered definitive and irrevocable.
8.2 Programme
The invitation of a film to participate must remain confidential until the announcement of the programme by the Festival. Failure to comply will result in its exclusion from the selection.
The general scheduling and screening times are the sole responsibility of the Management of the Festival.
8.3 Film prints
The presenters of invited films must send the following by, and no later than, 14th August 2008:
- 2 prints of the original version with Italian subtitles (English subtitles for Italian films) for the official gala and press preview screenings;
- 1 print of the original version, preferably with subtitles in English, as a reserve copy (if so wished by those presenting the film);
- 1 DVD of the original version with English subtitles for exclusive internal use by the Festival services.
- A list of subtitles.
All subtitling costs are to be paid by those submitting the film.
The Festival reserves the right to refuse any print which, on advice of the Festival technicians, is considered to be of inadequate quality for public screening.
