RULES AND TERMS
​
The Ann Arbor Film Festival is open to experimental films as well as films that demonstrate a high regard for the moving image as an experimental art form, no matter the genre. Each year the AAFF selects 100-145 shorts and features for exhibition in the awards competition portion of the festival.
-
Films previously submitted may not be re-entered unless there has been a significant change to the edit. Later versions of a film may be reviewed and/or selected at the programmer's discretion.
-
Short and feature-length entries are accepted.
-
Short films run no longer than 60 minutes. Feature films run 60 minutes or more.
-
Entries not in English should have English subtitles.
-
Works in progress may be submitted, but are juried in the same pool as all other submissions.
-
Work must be contemporary - completed within the last three years.
-
Entry fees are per film entered, and must accompany the entry form for confirmation. Entry fees are non-refundable.
-
Make checks and money orders payable to the Ann Arbor Film Festival.
-
The Ann Arbor Film Festival does not give waivers or discounts.
-
Entries are accepted via secure online screening and 16mm only. We do not accept DVD, VHS or video data files for screening purposes.
-
16MM
-
If you would like the festival to preview a 16mm print of your film, please contact the festival directly at submissions@aafilmfest.org to make arrangements.
-
FAQ: HOW TO FEST
61ST AAFF DATES - March 21-March 26, 2023 (online March 21-29)
IN-PERSON AND ONLINE - The 61st Ann Arbor Film Festival will be a hybrid festival, with both in-person and online opportunities for attendees.​
-
Features in Competition
-
Shorts in Competition
-
Juror Presentations
-
Special Programs
-
After Parties
-
Panels & Discussions
-
Off The Screen Installations
-
access to the online festival
-
Features in Competition
-
Shorts in Competition
-
Juror Presentations
-
Online Film Art Forum
-
Filmmaker Interviews
-
Content will be available through 3/29, 11:59pm EST.
How do I experience the festival?
The 61st Ann Arbor Film Festival will be a hybrid event, with online and in-person options for
attendees. The online portion of the festival will allow the AAFF community to experience the
festival from anywhere in the world with a good internet connection, whether in southeast Michigan or abroad! Online passes will allow access to most in-competition films and juror programs as well as an online film forum and filmmaker interviews. The 61st AAFF will take place March 21-26, 2023, and the Online Festival will continue until March 29, 2023.
​
How do I access the online festival?
Beginning on March 21, 2023, all feature films and juror programs will be available for viewing online. Shorts in competition programs will become available when their screening happens at the Michigan Theater. All films on our online platform will be available for on-demand viewing until 11:59pm ET on March 29.
What is the difference between the festival passes?
• a Full Festival Pass includes access to all programs in-person and online during the 61st AAFF.
• a Weekend Festival Pass includes in-person only admission to the full festival from Friday 3/24 - Sunday 3/26.
• the Online Only Pass includes online access to most feature films in competition, all shorts in competition programs, juror programs, filmmaker and juror interviews, and an online Film Art Forum.
​
What if I’m having technical difficulties online?
In the case that you are experiencing technical difficulties, make sure you’re logged into your account on the Agile page. In the event you still need help, reach out to support@aafilmfest.org for help.
​
How do I get my tickets and passes and how much do they cost?
Options for Online Only, Full Festival, and Weekend Festival are available with prices ranging from $60-150. Tickets for individual programs will be available March 1st on the Agile Website. Get your tickets and passes now!
​
Gather Town digital playground and virtual lobby | Available Now! (Intro post here)
designed by Tracy Miller-Robbins
Pick an avatar and join filmmakers and other festival goers in this online virtual space designed
by artist Tracy Miller-Robbins. For AAFF, Miller-Robbins created indoor and outdoor gathering
spaces where you can watch the 61AAFF sneak preview reel and trailers for the Festival and
discuss the films you have just seen with anyone attending in person or online.
​
Are all the films in competition?
There are 96 short films included in the Films in Competition programs and 12 Features in
Competition which are eligible for the approximately $23,000 in awards. There are also several curated Special Programs of films not in competition that are topical, historical, retrospective, or otherwise complimentary to the in-competition programs.
​
Are the films appropriate for all ages?
The films are not rated and some material may be more appropriate for adult audiences unless
otherwise noted. Our Films in Competition 9: Almost All Ages (6+) program is best suited for
a wide variety of viewers. The Almost All Ages Program will be Saturday, March 25th at
1:30pm, all tickets will be $6.
​
What is the festival’s history?
The AAFF started in 1963 by George Manupelli and is now the oldest avant-garde and experimental film festival in North America. It started as a critical venue for alternative filmmakers and artists to share their work. The AAFF has always focused on film art, serving as one of the country’s premier forums for bold, visionary, experimental and avant-garde filmmakers. Learn more about the festival by checking out the History and Mission and our Statement of Integrity.
​
How else can people support the festival?
There are many ways festival-goers can help support the festival. Become a member, donate, and check out our work and volunteer with us page often for open internship, volunteer and job opportunities. Learn more about sponsorship and community partnerships here. Memberships start at $30 for students and include festival tickets, discounts, and invitations to members only events. Starting at the 16mm level, festival passes are included in your membership. Become a member and help sustain the AAFF for another 60 years!
Our volunteers help make the Ann Arbor Film Festival possible. In exchange for your time and talent, volunteers earn AAFF tickets & passes! To sign up for general volunteer work, use this form. To offer housing to visiting filmmakers, use this form.
​
What health and safety precautions is the AAFF taking?
We welcome masks! If you feel most comfortable wearing a mask please do so! The In-person festival will adhere to Michigan Theater and U-M covid protocols, which are currently face masks optional in the Michigan Theater, the State Theatre, and on the U-M campus.
COVID protocols at the Michigan Theater and the State
University of Michigan COVID protocols
​
​
​
Still have questions? Contact us:
March 1-20: email info@aafilmfest.org
During Festival Week: call (734)-995-5356.
​
ONLINE FESTIVAL
SEARCHABLE SPREADSHEET
​
Destination Ann Arbor's Guide to the Ann Arbor Film Festival
​