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2024 Universe Multicultural Film Festival Call for Entry 

The Universe Multicultural Film Festival seeks to bring to the best of classic and contemporary filmmaking from the world; Committed to enlightening the public with a unique international film program, a forum for cultural understanding and enriching educational opportunities. The Festival focuses on showcasing diverse cultural and heritages films, supports the creation and advancement of innovative and artistic cinematic works of both emerging and seasoned filmmakers and proudly embraces the passion, independent spirit and vision of these talented artists. With the integration of the local community and educational institutions into all aspects of the Festival, the Festival stimulates an interest in the study and appreciation of film and encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to participate and share the harmony universe.
The 2023UMFF official selection (both films and screenplays) will have a complimentary display area at the Film Market

  Submission FAQs are here to download.

 

Click to Submit your Nominations for UMFF Honorees

 

INCLUDES Non-English IN ALL UMFF CATEGORIES LISTED BELOW
FEATURE FILM (45 min to 120 min)
MICRO FILM ( up to 20 min.)
SHORT FILM ( 20 min. to 44:59 min)
STUDENT SHORT (up to 44:59 min);                
TV EPISODE(up to 44:59 min)

F1. FEATURE-DRAMA
F2. FEATURE-COMEDY
F3. FEATURE-ANIMATION -COMPUTER

F4. FEATURE-ANIMATION -CLASSIC
F5. FEATURE-EDUCATIONAL
F6. FEATURE-DOCUMENTARY
F7. FEATURE-MUSICAL
F8. FEATURE-MIXED MEDIA
M1. MICRO FILM-DRAMA
M2. MICROFILM -COMEDY
M3. MICROFILM -ANIMATION-COMPUTER
M4. MICROFILM -ANIMATION-CLASSIC
M5. MICROFILM -DOCUMENTARY
M6. MICROFILM -EDUCATIONAL
M7. MICROFILM -MUSICAL

M8. MICROFILM. SHORT-MIXED MEDIA
S1. SHORT-DRAMA
S2. SHORT-COMEDY
S3. SHORT-ANIMATION-COMPUTER
S4. SHORT-ANIMATION-CLASSIC
S5. SHORT-DOCUMENTARY
S6. SHORT-EDUCATIONAL
S7. SHORT-MUSICAL
S8. SHORT-MIXED MEDIA
I1. STUDENT-DRAMA
I2. STUDENT-COMEDY
I3. STUDENT-ANIMATION-COMPUTER
I4. STUDENT-ANIMATION-CLASSIC
I5. STUDENT-DOCUMENTARY
I6. STUDENT-EDUCATIONAL
I7. STUDENT-MUSICAL
I8. STUDENT-MIXED MEDIA

 2024 Universe Multicultural Film Festival Entry Deadlines & Fees

Regular Deadline: Jan.15, 2024; Feature: $90; Short: $70; TV: $70; Film Song:$70
Extended Deadline: Feb.15, 2024; Feature: $110; Short: $90; TV:$90; Film Song:$90
Final Deadline: May 18, 2024; Feature: $120; Short: $100; TV:$100;Film Song:100
Youth Film Showcase (18 & under): $30(Early); $40( Regular); $50(Extend); $55(Final)
Music Video: $25(Early);$30(Regular);$40(Extend); $50 (Final)
Student (w/ valid college ID): $30(Early); $40( Regular); $50(Extend); $60(Final)

The film Submission form is here to down load; Or submit via online:  

FILM ENTRY GUIDELINES

1. Competition is open to films that abide by the Universe Multicultural Film Festival (UMFF) Vision Statement:
2. All film entries must be in English, or dubbed or subtitled in English.
3. All film entries must have been completed after September 2021 to be eligible for the 2024 competition. Other films may be screened "for presentation only."
Student Films are produced by students who have attended an accredited or Certified professional film school at a collegiate, university or certificate presenting institution or school.
4. The producers of all Finally Selections screened by UMFF may use the opportunity for marketing their films to domestic and international distributors.
Promotional guidelines are available from UMFF. After every screening, the producers/cast members are invited to a Q& A session with the attending audience.
5. Submission package: All film entries must include 3 screening DVD's (NTSC only), the entry fee, and a CD with the following items: (1) completed entry form, (2) up to a 50 word synopsis, (3) proof of ownership (WGA or copyright), (4) Director's resume, and (5) resumes of principals. The Press Kit (including production stills and poster) is for UMFF display during the festival. It will be requested upon the "Final l Selection" notification to the film's producer. Incomplete forms may cause delays.
6. Submission material will not be returned.
7. All 2024 film & screenplay entrants grant the UMFF, the right to copy part of their production/project for judging, exhibition, broadcast, website, for UMFF promotional purposes.
8. No film may be withdrawn from competition after May 20, 2024. All entry fees are non-refundable.
9. UMFFF reserves the right to adjust the film schedule. Dates and times of film screenings at the venues are made at the sole discretion of the UMFF. All seats are general admission and show times may change without notice. UMFF shall be held harmless for any delays due to equipment failure or shipping delays and/or if the condition of the DVDs/disks/prints delivered prevents the screening.
10. The UMFF 2024 Final Selections producer(s) will be notified by email and will be listed on the UMFF website by May 21, 2024, or soon after.
11. Each film entry will be screened by the pre-screening committee and rated. Final jury decisions will be determined by a jury of industry professionals. All decisions are final.

SHIPMENT OF Submission Package
The package to be projected at the UMFF shall be mailed or delivered to the UMFF, P.O.Box 4781;  Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274 and shall be postmarked no later than May 20, 2024. Each person entering a film is responsible for the insurance and shipment to the UMFF

IMPORT FILM DECLARATIONS
All foreign DVD entries are to be marked "Free entry claimed under #724.12 (960.60) U.S. Tariff Act, to be returned after the UMFF is completed. No commercial value."

2024 UMFF screenplay submission

Entry Categories:
Feature Screenplay
SP1 Drama; SP2 Comedy ;SP3 Animation; SP4 Sci-Fi/Fantasy; SP4 Musical
Short Screenplay
SPS1 Drama; SPS2 Comedy; SPS3 Animation; SPS4 Sci-Fi/Fantasy; SPS5 Musical

Early Bird Deadline: Sept. 30, 2023; Feature: $60; Short: $40
Regular Deadline: Jan.2, 2024; Feature: $80; Short: $60

Extended Deadline: May 18, 2024; Feature: $100; Short: $80
Youth Film Showcase (18 & under): $20
Student (w/ valid college ID): $30

SCREENPLAY ENTRY GUIDELINES:
11. Submissions must be the original work of the applicant. Entries may be adapted from the applicant's own work
2. All screenplay entries must include a completed entry form, the correct entry fee; the screenplay in one of the following formats: .PDF (preferred), Microsoft Word, or Text. (Your name should NOT appear anywhere on the screenplay as it is mandatory that adjudication is conducted without the knowledge of the writer's name or identity); a character description and a 50-word synopsis that in PDF/Doc/text. Incomplete forms may cause delays.
3. Screenplays that are currently optioned or sold are not eligible for competition. Judges who work for the UMFF are not eligible to enter the competition, nor are their affiliates or immediate family members.
4. Feature-length screenplays must be no longer than 120 pages and short screenplays should be no more than 45 pages. All screenplay entries must be written in English. Any revisions after the entry have been entered are not accepted. Screenplays must be in 12 pt courier font, no promotional materials or illustrations are accepted, pages must be numbered,
5. It is the responsibility of the screenwriter to ensure that their work is protected (US Copyright Office, The Writers Guild of America or Screenwriters Federation of America). International entries should protect their work with similar organizations within their respective countries.
6. Entries will not be returned. Be sure to retain a copy of all material submitted.

The screenplay Submission form is here to download

 

UMFF SONGWRITING CONTEST
The contest embraces MULTICULTURAL-THEMED film songs in all languages and all genres. This contest is open to songwriters of all ages from any cultural background. Submit your music work for and we will make sure your song to be heard!
A selection of the finalists will be invited by the film festival to do a live performance either on the Opening gala (June 14, 2024) or Award Ceremony (June 16, 2024).
 Sound quality can be a studio, live, or demos. Choose the quality to best convey your music message.
 Format: .mp3 file is preferred. We also accept .wav, flac and aac. When you choose another format than mp3, please also attach the mp3 file for the easiest sharing. PLEASE do not submit music videos!
 Each entry must have a song title, and the name of the artist(s) or band attached.
 An attached song cover or artwork is highly recommended for us to promote your song.
 Each song entry must be no longer than 5 minutes.

 

 In general, all UMFF Winners receive one certification per award at the award ceremony.
UMFF trophy is for the winners to order.
Description: UMFF's winner trophy is a unique design, featuring a gold metal star proudly shining at the top of a clear crystal pedestal with a twisted design atop a black crystal base. The winner's information will be engraved at the base.
Material: Crystal
Total Product Size" 4"W x 13"H
Base Size: 3" x 1.5"
Order processing period: 2-6weeks after received the order form..

@Universe Multicultural Film Festival, Producer: Lynn Tang, Production Co. Maeya Culture Exchange Group