Regulations for SIFF EXPLORE 2024

Article 1

These regulations apply to works and individuals participating in the SIFF EXPLORE Section of the 26th Shanghai International Film Festival (hereinafter referred to as “SIFF”).

Article 2

SIFF EXPLORE is a major initiative to mature the system for nurturing new talents. It aims to discover and support emerging talents, explore new works and expressions, leverage platform advantages, harness platform effects, integrate social resources, and expand the talent pool through short videos works.

Article 3

SIFF EXPLORE of the 26th SIFF will take place during the festival in June 2024.

Article 4

The participants eligible to apply for this section shall be the primary creators or their authorized representatives who hold the copyright to short videos submitted. Each short video work may only be submitted by one primary creator for registration, and there is no restriction on nationality.

Article 5

Short video works that meet the following criteria are eligible for registration:

1. Filming time: From April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024;

2. Running time: Within 5 minutes (including the opening and closing credits);

3. Genre: Feature, documentary, animation, experimental, and other genres;

4. Subtitle: Subtitles in both Chinese and English are required for dialogue, voice-over, and narration;

5. Quality: The works shall be submitted in MOV or MP4 format, in high definition (1080p HD) using H.264 encoding, and comply with the screening requirements for 2K;

6. Aspect ratio: Either landscape or portrait orientation.

Article 6

To register, please visit the official website of SIFF at www.siff.com. Create an account through the “EXPLORE SUBMISSION” module to complete the online registration. Fill in the required information for the work to be registered. If the short video work submitted for registration has received any form of awards or nominations from other platforms or events, please specify them in the “Awards received or nominated” column. Participants must ensure that the information provided is genuine and valid.

The registration period is from the date of this regulation’s publication until March 31, 2024.

Article 7

SIFF will engage professionals to review the registered works, and select 50 short video creators for the shortlist. Ultimately, 20 outstanding creators will be chosen as finalists and prominently recommended during the festival.

The list of shortlisted candidates is scheduled for publication in May 2024 on official channels such as SIFF’s official website www.siff.com. Candidates will be notified via telephone or email. During this period, registrants must ensure their contact information remains accessible. If there are any changes in their intention to participate, registrants must inform SIFF in advance.

Once a work is shortlisted, the finalist must formally sign a written confirmation letter, acknowledging acceptance of the invitation to participate in the SIFF EXPLORE Section. They shall actively cooperate with the organizing committee’s arrangements. Under no circumstances shall the shortlisted work be withdrawn, and the finalist shall commit to attending all activities of the SIFF EXPLORE Section throughout the festival.

If a creator requests the withdrawal of his/her work, the organizing committee of SIFF reserves the right to decide whether to accept the request based on the actual circumstances. If the creator’s withdrawal request causes any losses to SIFF or the organizing committee, the creator shall compensate for all the economic and reputational losses incurred, including but not limited to paying compensation, providing a written apology for SIFF, and publicly apologizing on public platforms. In the case of a confirmed withdrawal by a finalist, the organizing committee will fill the vacancy based on the scores of the remaining candidates.

Phone: 021-22009839;  Email: siffexplore@siff.com

Article 8

Considering the conditions of this year’s SIFF, the organizing committee will invite the 20 finalists to attend related activities in the SIFF EXPLORE Section. The following benefits will be provided, and these benefits are only applicable to the invited individuals, namely the primary creators or their authorized representatives of the registered short video works:

1. Eligibility to participate in the series of events of SIFF EXPLORE held in June 2024, including on-site promotions, Exploration Class, closing red carpet ceremonies, and SIFF Explore Training Camp to be held later;

2. Finalists will enjoy three nights of accommodation at a designated hotel provided by SIFF during the festival;

3. SIFF will promote for the finalists through official channels such as the official website, WeChat official account, official Weibo account, and official media partners.

Article 9

SIFF reserves the right to use the short video works on the shortlist or from the finalists for online and offline screenings and publicity, including but not limited to: multi-platform screenings, official brochures, official posters, promotional leaflets, cooperative media and other publicity and promotion channels.

SIFF has the right to archive the short video works on the shortlist or from the finalists, which are used for data retention only and not for any commercial use.

Article 10

Anyone who register for the SIFF EXPLORE section is deemed to have acknowledged and accepted these regulations. Applicants are obliged to ensure that the registered short video works comply with laws and regulations, and will not infringe the rights of any third parties.

Article 11

In the event of unforeseen circumstances that may impact the proceedings of the festival, appropriate flexible measures may be taken. And SIFF will promptly communicate any progress or changes to provide up-to-date information.

Article 12

Matters not covered are subject to the official interpretation and notice of SIFF, which reserves the right of final interpretation of the articles herein.