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.
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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.
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Short and feature-length entries are accepted.
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Short films run no longer than 60 minutes. Feature films run 60 minutes or more.
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Entries not in English should have English subtitles.
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Works in progress may be submitted, but are juried in the same pool as all other submissions.
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Work must be contemporary - completed within the last three years.
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Entry fees are per film entered, and must accompany the entry form for confirmation. Entry fees are non-refundable.
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Make checks and money orders payable to the Ann Arbor Film Festival.
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The Ann Arbor Film Festival does not give waivers or discounts.
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Entries are accepted via secure online screening and 16mm only. We do not accept DVD, VHS or video data files for screening purposes.
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16MM
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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.
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FAQ: HOW TO FEST
How do I experience the festival?
The 63rd Ann Arbor Film Festival will be held in person at the historic Michigan Theater in downtown Ann Arbor, March 25-30, 2025, with two online awards programs available March 30-April 13. The online portion will feature a selection of the films awarded by three distinguished jurors, allowing the AAFF community to enjoy the best of the festival from anywhere, whether locally or abroad.
Ticket and pass options include the Full Festival Pass, which grants access to all in-person events, including the opening night party, screenings, and after-parties; the Festival Combo Pass, which includes everything in the Full Festival Pass plus online access to the Awards Programs; and the Weekend Festival Pass, which provides in-person access from Friday, March 28 to Sunday, March 30. There’s also an Opening Night Party & Screening Ticket for those attending just the opening night events. Single screening tickets are available, as is access to the two online awards programs.
How do I get my tickets and passes and how much do they cost?
Ticket prices are as follows: General Admission is $14, Seniors (65+) can purchase tickets for $10, and Students can attend for $9. Festival-goers can purchase tickets and passes on the Ann Arbor Film Festival website. Full Festival and Weekend Festival Passes are priced between $65 and $200, and individual program tickets will be available starting March 1. Get your tickets and passes!
When is the full schedule announced? Where will it be posted?
The schedule will be announced on March 1 and will appear on our website.
Are all the films in competition?
The 112 short films included in the Films in Competition programs and the 8 Features in Competition are eligible for $39,000 in awards. The remaining films are presented out of competition.
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 on Saturday, March 30th at 1:30pm, all tickets for this show are $7.
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, our Statement of Integrity, and Our Pledge: Standing in Solidarity with Black Filmmakers.
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 63 years!
Our volunteers help make the Ann Arbor Film Festival possible. In exchange for your time and talent, volunteers earn AAFF tickets & passes!