Hong Kong PUFF Film Festival

The PUFF Indie Film Award recognises outstanding filmmaking. The published award description offers investment in the recipient's next feature-length project and access to the festival's international network of film crews, actors and technicians. PUFF also supports recipients through creative producing, introductions, sponsorship and fundraising connections.

PUFF 2020 submission information These are the published submission requirements for the tenth edition in 2020. Submission route and materials The festival accepts submissions through FilmFreeway or by invitation. Filmmakers are advised to submit early and provide an online screener, a trailer if available, and preferably a film file. A 480p review file is suggested for filmmakers concerned about copyright: the festival explains that this permits repeated reviewing without being suitable for public screening. A good synopsis should accompany the film; the submission guidance says that other information is unnecessary unless requested for a particular category. A full submission-fee waiver is offered to women filmmakers from South East Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Applicants with questions may contact info@puff-festival.org directly. The festival also offers assistance to women filmmakers. Film categories Feature Film: international dramatic features over 70 minutes. The category seeks films whose stories carry ideas or viewpoints beyond their immediate narrative, including political, social or other challenges to the status quo. Short Film: narrative, documentary, experimental and original films from around the world under 60 minutes. Documentary: documentaries over 60 minutes that examine issues and use documentary as a distinctive narrative form, beyond conventional television presentation. Animation: work made by hand or software, in 2D or 3D. The category includes short animation under 60 minutes and feature animation over 60 minutes. New Frontier: experimental and innovative work combining film, art and new media, including transmedia, 3D and alternative interventions that challenge cinematic presentation. The published guidance states that these works are first screened during the festival; selected artists may then be invited to make a stand-alone exhibition in alternative spaces, theatres and galleries in China. Sound & Score: the category considers original music and sound design as part of filmmaking, including work that comments on or contrasts with the visuals or leads the narrative. Submit the whole film and a summary identifying the section that demonstrates the applicant's skills as an original songwriter or sound designer. Artistic focus and eligibility The festival provides a platform for established and emerging filmmakers and artists whose work may not fit a commercial film festival. It considers dramatic, narrative, documentary, experimental and animated films, transmedia, 3D and innovative video or digital audiovisual productions that push the boundaries of cinematic presentation. Selection emphasises new narrative approaches, ideas and filmmaking courage. New Frontier considers experiments in film language and presentation; documentaries address topics for broader discussion; the feature, short and animation programmes consider independent production and unconventional as well as universal stories. For feature films in the Underground & Politics category, submit a short, concise mission statement describing the viewpoint or cause, state the budget, and indicate whether the film is self-financed. The budget is taken into account in selection. The festival does not consider demo reels; commercials or advertisements; video or new-media games; films with a prior commercial release; industrial or instructional productions; music videos; infomercials; obvious branded content; or films containing pornography or extreme violence. All films, including English-language films, must have English subtitles or English dubbing unless dialogue is unnecessary to understanding and appreciating the film. The guidance additionally strongly recommends English subtitles for English-language films to assist the Hong Kong audience. Entrants must secure all necessary rights and permissions for festival exhibition of the submitted film and use of accompanying materials.