Can I submit a previously produced film?
No. All films must be produced and edited only throughout the duration of this year’s challenge. All footage, with the exception of personal video footage and/or still photographs must be shot during the production period. You must own the rights to personal footage.

Do I have to have a disability to enter the film challenge?
No, you do not need to have a disability to enter the challenge. However, each film  must have someone with a disability in front of or behind the camera. You are strongly encouraged to collaborate with an actor, writer, director, producer, and/or crew member with a disability.

How do I enter the film challenge?
Follow the steps on our challenge page to join the challenge: https://disabilityfilmchallenge.com/challenge/

What is the assigned genre/theme for this year’s film challenge?
The full assignment, including genre, theme, props, and location will be provided when the challenge launches. Refer to this year’s calendar for specific dates. Visit our Past Challenges page for previous assignment examples. For some helpful videos about crafting a story for your short film visit Make Your Film.

The official rules can be downloaded here. A summary of the rules can be accessed here.

What if I have trouble exporting or uploading my film and, as a result, will I miss the submission deadline?
Exceptions may be made for your submission deadline if technical issues are encountered during the uploading process. Don’t panic, we are understanding and here to work with you on getting your submission into our system. Please send an email to info@disabilityfilmchallenge.com during the contest to alert us of your situation and ask for technical support.

How do I register for the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge?
Follow the Film Challenge steps here and you will be registered in no time!

What do I need to do on the FilmFreeway website?
After filling out your information form, you will be directed to the FilmFreeway website.

FilmFreeway.com is an online service that hosts film competitions. Before you begin work on your film, you’ll need to create a placeholder account on Film Freeway and pay the fee for your registration.

Steps to register your future film challenge project at FilmFreeway.com:

1. Create an account at FilmFreeway.com or log into your existing account.
2. Create a placeholder project titled, “EDFC Entry.” (You won’t have to fill in any of the other fields or upload any film or additional content until after you’ve completed your film at the end of the challenge).
3. After creating your “EDFC Entry” placeholder, visit the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge FilmFreeway page by clicking this link (new window) or selecting “Browse Festivals” on FilmFreeway.com and typing “Easterseals Disability Film Challenge” in the search box.
4. Click the green “Submit Now” button and then select your “EDFC Entry” project from the dropdown menu.
5. Once you have selected your project you can click “Add to Cart and Checkout.”
6. Enter payment information and / or enter your discount waiver code if applicable.
7. Proceed to the next screen and click “Complete Submission.”
8. Continue through steps 3-6 on the film challenge website

Congratulations, if you have followed the above steps correctly you have just registered for The Easterseals Disability Film Challenge!
Keep your eyes peeled for future updates via email from the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge.

How do I upload my completed film to FilmFreeway?

Once you are finished capturing and editing your film at the end of the film challenge:

• Log into your FilmFreeway account.

• Click on “My Projects” on the top of the FilmFreeway website page and choose your “EDFC Entry”.

• Go to the Edit Project tab.

• Change “EDFC Entry” in the title field to your film’s title.

• Enter a brief synopsis of the film. In this field, be sure to include the team members and their social media handles.

• Make sure your contact information is correct (THIS IS IMPORTANT).

• Click “save project” at the bottom of the page.

• Upload your film into My Projects.

You can upload your film directly into your FilmFreeway or provide a Vimeo link. (If you choose to upload your film through Vimeo, create a new account or log into your existing Vimeo account and upload your film and make sure it is downloadable.)

MAKE SURE YOUR FILM IS DOWNLOADABLE IN PRIVACY SETTINGS:

FOR VIMEO:

• • Go to your video page.

  • Click on PRIVACY in the upper right.

  • Toggle “Allow Downloads” to on.

FOR FILMFREEWAY:

• • Go to the PRIVACY tab.

  • Scroll down to “Download Permissions”.

  • Choose: Festivals that I submit to may download my video.

• Go to the Project File tab and upload your film poster in the Overview section. If a poster isn’t available, a vertical still image will suffice.

• Remember to email your signed releases and certification statement to info@disabilityfilmchallenge.com

I’m having trouble registering for the film challenge at FilmFreeway. What do I do?
Please email info@disabilityfilmchallenge.com and describe the problem you are encountering.

I’m having trouble uploading my completed film to Vimeo. What do I do?
Please email info@disabilityfilmchallenge.com and describe the problem you are encountering.

I’m having trouble editing my FilmFreeway account “EDFC Entry” after uploading my film to Vimeo. What do I do?
Please email info@disabilityfilmchallenge.com and describe the problem you are encountering.