SUBMISSIONS
film submissions dates
1st February, 2025 Submissions OPEN
22nd March, 2025 Submissions CLOSE
how to submit
All submissions for the film festival including Grom Shorts will only be received via FilmFreeway
https://filmfreeway.com/NoosaInternationalSurfilmFestival
We are here to showcase your film.
We are super stoked to provide this platform to all surf film makers wherever you are in the world.
Whether you have a short or feature length film, a documentary, an animation or something totally new and wild, we’d like to see it.
What are we looking for? Submissions that tell a story or inspire or bring loads of laughs or look beautiful - or all of these!
We have a star-studded cast of judges lined up for this event, see the Panel page for the full line up.
robbie page starring in walkabout: songlines of Surfing
Walkabout screened at the inaugural 2024 Noosaisff. Robbie Page travelled 7 hours to attend, the legend! Listen to him speak about his experience “Without art we’re all dead”
Awards & Prizes
Best Feature Film Award receives AUD 1000 prize money
Best Cinematography Award receives AUD 1000 prize money
Best Mid-Length Film Award recieves AUD 500 prize money
Best Short Film Award receives AUD 500 prize money
All accepted submissions will be screened on a big cinema screen to full houses,
as part of the Noosa International Surfilm Festival program.
Rules & terms
A. GUIDELINES FOR SUBMISSIONS
We invite storytellers from across the globe to share their unique visions and distinctive voices with us.
Whether your creation is an evocative narrative film that weaves the tales of surf legends and sea lore, a gripping documentary that delves deep into the heart of surf culture, a whimsical animation that dances on the waves of imagination, or an avant-garde exploration that pushes the boundaries of storytelling, we are eager to set sail with you.
If your work embodies the essence and spirit of surfing, it has a home at our festival. This is your opportunity to unleash the full spectrum of your creativity, to let your narratives flow as freely as the tides. Let your stories be carried on the waves of Noosa's shores, where they will resonate with an audience that shares your passion and appreciation for the surf and the cinematic art it inspires.
Join us in this celebration of surf cinema, where your vision will become part of a larger tapestry of oceanic tales and cinematic wonders.
Submissions must be recent works, completed after July 1st, 2022.
FILM LENGTH CATEGORIES
Short films: not exceeding 20 minutes in length.
Mid - Length Films: 20 - 45 minutes
Feature Films: 45 minutes and over.
Selected filmmakers are required to provide a high-resolution format, DCP format preferred of their film by 1stJune, 2025, for official screening.
PREMIERE/DISTRIBUTION
The Noosa International Surfilm Festival is a celebration of surfing’s best new or recent releases and, dedicated to showcasing the best in surfing cinema, emphasises the preference of premiere status for selected films.
Upon notification of selection by 15th May 2025, filmmakers are required to ensure their works are not screened elsewhere in Australia or online until their festival debut, preserving the exclusivity and allure of premieres at our event.
B. TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1. Judging and Awards: Films will be judged in various categories, including Best Feature Film, Best Mid-Length Film, Best Short Film and Best Cinematography Awards.
2. Copyright and Authorisation: The submitter affirms they possess the necessary rights and authorisations for the film, free from disputes or litigations concerning production, distribution, or originality.
3. Copyright Liability: The submitter assumes all copyright liabilities related to the film, including music, art, architecture, product placements, and other intellectual properties.
4. Liability: The festival is absolved from any damage to submitted materials during the festival's tenure.
5. Acceptance Criteria: Submitting your film does not guarantee acceptance into Noosa International Surfilm Festival. Those filmmakers whose productions have been selected for screening as part of the main festival programme will be informed during the week beginning May 12th, 2025. The Noosa International Surfilm Festival is not responsible or liable for losses or damages resulting from failure to screen entries accepted into the festival programme or from the failure of the Noosa International Surfilm Festival to accept a film.
6. Screening Rights: The submitter grants the festival permission to screen the film during the festival period.
7. Premiere Policy: A selected Premiere film must not be have been shown anywhere else in Australia or online prior to the Noosa International Surfilm Festival screening. By screening a film as a premiere it allows the Noosa International Surfilm Festival to gain as much publicity as possible for a work through media partners and mainstream press.
7A. Screening Policy: A selected film, premiere or not, can not be open to viewing on YouTube or other free to watch online platform between 01 January 2025 and 23 June 2025.
8. Promotional Use: The festival is granted permission to utilise film excerpts (up to 3 minutes) and promotional materials (stills, titles, copy) for festival promotion. Submitters are encouraged to provide digital press kits for enhanced promotion.
9. Media Partnership: Consent is given for the festival to share the film and promotional materials with media partners for festival promotion, with the option to specify otherwise.
10. Publicity Participation: Winners are expected to participate in publicity efforts, providing a comprehensive press kit to facilitate promotion. The press kit is to include a minimum of :
• 1 x synopsis, including featured surfers and contributors
• 2 x still images - minimum size 1920 x 1080
• 1 x poster / film artwork
• 1 x hi-res downloadable trailer
11. Language Requirements: Non-English films must include English subtitles or dubbing.
12. Complimentary Tickets: Filmmakers of selected films will receive two complimentary tickets for their screening night.
Rules & terms
TERMS & CONDITIONS FOR SUBMISSIONS TO GROMSHORTS
Eligiblity:
The competition is open to filmmakers aged 18 years and under.
Film Duration:
Submissions must be 5 minutes or less, including credits.
Theme:
Films must focus on surf or surf culture and include a story element.
Storytelling Format:
Your story can be told through documentary or fiction.
Narratives can include voiceovers, a poem, or any creative approach that conveys a story.
Originality:
All content must be original and created by the entrant(s).
Parental/Guardian Consent:
For filmmakers under 16 years, a parent or guardian must approve the submission.
Copyright:
Entrants are responsible for ensuring they have permission for all music, footage, and materials used in their film.
Judging Criteria:
Films will be judged on creativity, storytelling, connection to surf/surf culture, and technical execution.
Submission Deadline:
Ensure your film is submitted by the official deadline 22 March. A late deadline of 22 April is possible for a higher submission fee.
Screening:
Selected films will be screened at Noosa Event Cinemas on Saturday, 21 June 2025, as part of the Grom Shorts Film Fest.
Prizes:
Prizes will be awarded to standout films, with winners announced at the festival.
Selected Filmakers:
Filmmakers whose submissions are selected must provide a copy of legal ID to confirm their eligibility.
By submitting your film, you agree to these terms and grant permission for your work to be showcased at the Grom Shorts Film Festival and related promotional activities.