Weird Short Films Rules

Rules for submitting

1) Enter our Weird Short Films Challenges:

You’ll be given a set of instructions and/or guidelines you must integrate into your film.

Each Weird Short Films Challenge is different. This is to give filmmakers a deadline to produce something unique.

2) Weird Short Films submission:

Got a short film you’re proud of? We accept-

Short films.

Proof-of-concept.

Music videos.

3) Promoting a Feature Film:

This is to help bring traffic to an already distributed film directly

We accept trailers.

If your feature film is available on your distributor’s official YouTube channel, you can submit a link for marketing consideration.

Weird Short Films is a curated platform for boundary-pushing, brain-bending short films.

If you think your film would be a good fit, you should submit your it.

Submission in any category does not automatically result in being showcased

Weird Short Films: Submission Rules

1. Length Requirements

• Short films: 2 to 40 minutes

• Music videos: 2 to 20 minutes

• Weird Short Films Challenge entries: 8 minutes or less

  • Bonus time may be granted with early registration

2. Format & Language

• Submit via downloadable Vimeo link only

• Feature films YouTube links: Must be publicly available on a distributor’s YouTube channel

• Films must be in English or have English subtitles

• Smartphone footage is accepted if shot in landscape mode

• Test all media before submitting—no corrupted or unplayable files

• Keep screener links and passwords up-to-date

3. Rights & Ownership

• You must hold all legal rights to your film, including music, visuals, and footage

• No third-party copyrighted material

• We do not accept AI-generated videos

• No script submissions will be accepted

4. YouTube Exclusivity

• General submissions may appear on other platforms but must not be live on YouTube at the time of submission or if accepted

• Challenge entries must:

  • Be newly created during the challenge window

  • Premiere exclusively on Weird Short Films’ YouTube channel for three (3) months

5. Feature Film Submissions

• Feature-length films must already be available on a distributor’s YouTube or other public platform

• Weird Short Films will link to your feature in a dedicated playlist

• Exclusivity is not required for feature films

6. Resubmissions

• General submissions may be resubmitted only if the film has been significantly changed

• A new submission fee is required for resubmission

• Challenge entries cannot be revised or resubmitted

7. Submission Quality

• Films must meet minimum quality standards:

  • Clear visuals

  • Balanced and intelligible audio

• We reserve the right to reject submissions for poor quality or technical issues

8. Review & Selection

• Selection is based on creativity, originality, quality, and alignment with the Weird Short Films brand

• All selections are made by the Weird Short Films team

• No feedback will be provided

• No submission is guaranteed selection

9. Promotion & Use

• Accepted films may be used for promotional purposes, including stills, clips, titles, and summaries

• Films will be featured on our YouTube channel and website if accepted

10. Notifications

• Filmmakers will be notified via email before their film goes live

11. Removal

• Filmmakers may request removal of their film after six (6) months

12. Challenge Awards

• For the Weird Short Films Challenge only:

  • Awards are determined by the Weird Short Films team

  • No public voting

  • No feedback provided

13. Refunds

• No refunds will be issued under any circumstances

14. Contact

• Questions? Email: WeirdShortFilms@gmail.com

By submitting material to Weird Short Films, I/we agree to hold harmless and indemnify Weird Short Films, its owners, employees, affiliates, and representatives from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses—including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys’ fees—that may arise in connection with the submitted material, its content, or any breach of rights or representations.

CHALLENGE FAQ (Weird Short Films Challenge only)

Q: Am I guaranteed my film will be shown on the Weird Short Films YouTube channel?
A: Submission does not guarantee selection or awards. We curate to celebrate creativity while protecting the integrity of the brand.

Q: Can I read what the challenge is before I pay to enter?
A: No. The challenge is designed to spark creativity through surprise prompts.

Q: What if I don’t like the challenge?
A: If you're uncomfortable working within a set prompt, we suggest not entering that round. Part of the challenge is embracing risk.

Q: Do the challenges change every time?
A: Yes. Every challenge features a new and original prompt.

Q: What if I don’t finish in time?
A: Meeting the deadline is part of the challenge. If you still love your film, you can submit it separately as a regular short film.

Q: Why can’t I submit my film to other platforms during the first 3 months?
A: The 3-month exclusivity allows us to promote your film as a true premiere and build a strong, focused film community.

Q: What if I want to show my film on my YouTube channel?
A: You may post your film to your personal YouTube channel after the 3-month exclusivity period ends. Other platforms are allowed after that window.

Q: What if I can’t do the challenge?
A: Each challenge is designed to be accessible at any level of filmmaking. Creativity matters more than gear or budget.

GENERAL FAQ

Q: Can I submit a film I made years ago?
A: Yes. We accept films from any year as long as they meet our content and technical guidelines.

Q: Does my film have to be exclusive to Weird Short Films?
A: No. Your film may appear on other platforms, but it must not be publicly live on another YouTube channel. Exclusivity is required only for films submitted to the Weird Short Films Challenge.

Q: Can I submit more than one film?
A: Yes, but each film must be submitted separately with its own submission fee and meet all guidelines.

Q: Why would I submit a link to my feature film if it’s already on YouTube?
A: Exposure. If accepted, we’ll feature your film on our curated YouTube playlists to drive more traffic to your distributor’s link.

Q: What counts as a “weird” documentary or drama?
A: If your film includes surreal, unconventional, or genre-bending elements — such as mockumentary style, experimental structure, or dark satire — it may qualify. Use your best judgment and make sure it aligns with our aesthetic.

Q: Can I use copyrighted music I don’t have the rights to?
A: No. You must have full legal rights to all music and sound in your film, including soundtrack and background audio.

Q: What happens if my film violates YouTube’s rules?
A: It will be disqualified. All films must comply with YouTube’s community guidelines — no excessive violence, hate speech, copyright infringement, or misleading metadata.

Q: What if I don’t want my film to stay on your channel forever?
A: You may request removal after 6 months by emailing us. We’ll process the removal within a reasonable timeframe.

Q: Will you promote my film individually?
A: We promote the platform as a whole through curated playlists, social media, and email updates. While we can’t guarantee individual promotion, all selected films receive visibility.

Q: What if I want to change my film after it’s accepted?
A: Once your film is live on our channel, we cannot swap or replace it.

Q: Where do I go to learn more about the Weird Short Films Challenge?
A: Visit our Challenge page [insert link here].

Q: What if I have a question that isn’t covered here?
A: Email us at WeirdShortFilms@gmail.com and we’ll be happy to help.