FAQ

Q. What’s going on in 2021 because of Covid? Will there be a festival?

A. Due to continued Covid-19 health and safety concerns EDU Film Festival will be a live, online event again this year. We had hoped that by May 20th, 2021, we would be able to showcase student work in a state-of-the-art theater as we have in the past, but this large scale type of event is not yet possible. We put on a successful virtual film festival in 2020, and we’ll do it again this year!

A. We try our best to screen as many student films as we can fit on multiple screens running simultaneously throughout the day. But, it is a competitive process and the best submissions get into the festival. Our Selection Team watches every submission and grades them all on story, sound quality, edit, cinematography, and “heart.” We create an average score from these six categories, then rank the submissions for selection. Remember, ignoring the content guidelines can lead to an automatic disqualification.

A. Does it cost money to submit a film or attend the festival?

Q. Absolutely not. In order to create a level playing field for all young people no matter who you are or where you come from, EDU Film Festival is ENTIRELY FREE. There is no charge to submit, no charge to attend, and the public is welcome to come free of charge as well. The only thing you will need to bring money for is concessions and merch.

A. How does EDU operate without charging admissions and fees?

Q. We rely on grants, sponsorships, and donations from private individuals to fund all of EDU’s activities. Please check out our sponsors below and support them if you can.

Q. Can I enter multiple films into the festival?

A. Absolutely, you are encouraged to enter as many of your short films as you want, as long as they were made within the last year and were not submitted to the festival in the previous year.

Q. WHat happens on the day of the fest?

A. The EDU Film Festival runs just like any other festival. You collect your badge for entry and use festival program to decide which screenings, panel discussions, or Q&As you want to attend. Just like with any other festival, its best to do your homework and have a plan for which events you want to catch at different times of the day - there is a lot going on.

Q. What if there are two screenings going on at the same time or if my films are playing in two screenings at the same time.

A. Just like any festival, there will be difficult choices to make when it comes to events. Sometimes certain events or screenings will happen more than once, sometimes you will just have to make a choice.

Q. Can my parents come to the festival?

A. Parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, neighbors, coaches, friends, and classmates can all attend the festival. EDU is open to the general public and FREE TO ALL!

Q. How can I provide financial or other support to the EDU Film festival?

A. Private companies and other organizations can provide cash or in-kind donations to the Northern Film Alliance 501c3 DBA Edu Film Festival. For individuals, you can become a donor making a private or public donation directly to EDU or through our Give to the Max page. All donations and sponsorships are charitable giving and tax deductible. And if you can’t help with a financial or an in-kind donation, we can always use volunteers for the day of the fest. Contact Festival Director Trey Wodele for more details.