Ses'skhona Short Film Competition 2024
Welcome to our prestigious Ses'skhona short film competition 2024! This is an opportunity for local aspiring filmmakers and individual storytellers to showcase their talent and creativity on a national stage. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a budding visionary, we invite you to submit your most captivating short films and compete for coveted prizes and recognition. Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of cinematic excellence and let your unique voice shine through.
Eligibility Criteria
1
Open Submission
The competition is open to local filmmakers of all ages and backgrounds from around the four regions of the country. We welcome submissions from both amateur and professional directors, producers, and screenwriters. An individual with a passion for film or have a story worth of telling can also submit in any of the categories.
2
Submission Categories
Short films can be submitted in any of these categories:
  1. 1 - 5 minutes category
  1. 5 - 10 minutes category
  1. 10 - 15 minutes category
minutes in duration, including opening and closing credits.
3
Original Content
All submitted films must be original works, created solely by the applicant. We do not accept entries that have been previously published, show on Facebook or YouTube or awarded in other competitions.
4
Language Requirement
Films may be produced in either English or Siswati language, but must include English subtitles if submitted in Siswati to be eligible for consideration.
Film Submission Guidelines
Submission Process
To enter the Ses'skhona Short Film competition, filmmakers/individual must complete and submit the competition application form. Submission can be online or hand delivery at National Council of Arts & Culture office in Manzini. Accepted file formats include MP4 (No compression).
Supporting Materials
Along with the film, applicants must submit a brief synopsis, director's statement, and behind the scene (not more than 2 mins). These supplementary materials will help the jury better understand the creative vision and background of the filmmaker.
Entry Fee
An entrance fee for this year competition is FREE. Eswatini Arts & Culture have helps cover the administrative costs of organizing the competition, therefore NO ENTRY FREE.
Film Length and Format Requirements
1
Length
Short films must be submitted according to the submission categories above, including opening and closing credits.
2
Aspect Ratio
Films can be submitted ONLY 16:9 aspect ratios. However, we recommend using a standard widescreen format for the best viewing experience.
3
Video Format
Accepted video file formats is MP4. Films must be encoded with a minimum resolution of 1080p (1920x1080) and a frame rate of at least 24 frames per second.
Judging Criteria
Storytelling
The jury will evaluate the strength and originality of the film's narrative, including its plot, character development, and thematic elements.
Cinematography
Films will be judged on their technical merit, including the quality of the camerawork, lighting, and editing.
Emotional Impact
The jury will consider the film's ability to evoke emotions and connect with the audience on a deeper level.
Originality
Unique and innovative approaches to storytelling and filmmaking will be highly valued in the competition.
Prizes and Awards
Grand Prize (From 4 regions)
The Grand Prize winner will receive cash prize, an award, and the opportunity to have their film screened on National Television and other prestigious film festivals around the world.
Runner-Up (From 4 regions)
The runner-up will receive cash prize and a certificate of recognition.
Audience Choice
The film that receives the most audience votes will be awarded a cash prize and a special audience choice award.
Deadlines and Important Dates
1
Submission Deadline
All films must be submitted by October 30th, 11:59 PM GMT.
2
Finalist Announcement
The list of finalists will be announced on November 15th.
3
Awards Ceremony
The winners will be honored at a special awards ceremony on November during Eswatini Film Festival hosted by Eswatini National Council of Arts & Culture.
Terms and Conditions
1
Copyright
Filmmakers retain the copyright to their submitted works, but grant the competition organizers the right to use excerpts from the films for promotional purposes.
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Liability
The competition organizers are not responsible for any technical issues or losses that may occur during the submission process. Filmmakers are advised to keep backup copies of their work.
3
Disqualification
The organizers reserve the right to disqualify any entry that fails to meet the eligibility criteria or violates the competition's rules and regulations.
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Decisions
The jury's decisions are final and not subject to appeal. The organizers will not provide feedback or critiques on individual submissions.
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