Fiction
Short Film Any Genre
- Narrative short, any genre
- Less than 5 Minutes
Experimental Short Film
- Less than 5 minutes
- This is distinguished from Short Film in that Experimental Film/Video breaks most of the rules associated with good storytelling and filmmaking technique and approach.
- The “experimental” label is used to indicate video that is meant to be abstract art more than it is meant to be a linear storyline or popular, mass entertainment.
Animation/Animatic Short Film
- Less than 5 minutes
- Animated Shorts. Animation entries should be fully rendered short films with a clear storyline, not a random piece of animation or 3D modeling.
Music Video
- Less than 5 minutes
- Music Videos can be all original or use copyrighted music.
- Copyrighted music used in Music Videos must be credited in the video to be accepted and may NOT be published separately (except uploading to youtube for entry purposes)
- Original and copyrighted Music Videos will be judged together, with the focus being on video production skills and techniques.
Category X: Paranormal Themed Short Films
- Less Than 5 Minutes
- Create a short film (narrative) based on Paranormal phenomena
This year's Category X can be approached in two ways:- - One, as a standalone "Ghost-Story" Short Film in the spirit of paranormal films and television such as Poltergeist, Ghostbusters, Supernatural, etc.
- - Two, as a Parody of reality tv "Ghost Hunter" films and television shows, following the adventures of paranormal investigators.
- *Note: This category is focused around "paranormal activity" as opposed to the horror genre. These are not meant to be "horror" films with killers and gore but explorations into paranormal possibilities and the human reaction to such possibilities. Graphic gore, gun, and other overt violence will not be accepted in entries.
- - One, as a standalone "Ghost-Story" Short Film in the spirit of paranormal films and television such as Poltergeist, Ghostbusters, Supernatural, etc.
Non-Fiction
Documentary Short
- Documentary Feature Style Video. Distinguished from a news package in scope, length, style, and content.
- Less than 10 Minutes
Public Service Announcement
- A PSA focusing on Teen Substance abuse and how people can get help
- Must be organized around the abuse of fentanyl, opioids, counterfeit pills, or alcohol
- 30 Seconds EXACTLY
- Sponsored by Join Together Northern Nevada
- Must include a "call to action"
- Must include the JTNN Logo
- Avoid "Scare Tactics" - the PSAs should be primarily information-based with an overall positive message
- Must be school appropriate. Do not show actors taking or using drugs and alcohol, or dramatized drug deals.
- For example. A pill bottle, alcohol bottle, etc. can be on screen but do not have actors "ingest" the simulated contents. Also, don't show actors "dying" on screen.
- For example. A pill bottle, alcohol bottle, etc. can be on screen but do not have actors "ingest" the simulated contents. Also, don't show actors "dying" on screen.
- Cash Prizes: 1st - $500, 2nd - $300, 3rd - $200
- Link: PSA Guide
News Package/Report
- Broadcast style, Real news stories and features
- Less than 3 Minutes
Awards:
- Awards include Trophies, Plaques, Certificates, Gift Certificates, and Cash prizes for the PSA category
- Finalists will be named and awarded for each of the eight individual categories, with separate awards for Director's Prize, Best Fiction, Best Non- Fiction, and Best in Show
- All Finalists (Top 3 in each category), regardless of place, will receive Festival Finalist Certificates.
Reno FFX Information
Website: renoffx.com
Email: renonvffx@gmail.com
Mail Entries, Forms, and Payments to:
RenoFFX
Communication Arts and Media Academy
Academy of Arts, Careers and Technology
380 Edison Way, Reno, NV 89502
Reno Film Festival X
The Biggest Little Student Film Festival in the World
Categories for Submission