Submission Process

The exclusive means to submit your award entries is either through FilmFreeway or directly on this website. We do not accept submissions through any alternative channels. We highly recommend that you submit your films to as many award categories as you see fit. There are no restrictions on the quantity of films you can enter in any particular category.

Eligibility

In order to qualify for consideration in any of the awards categories, your film must adhere to the following criteria: Your film may portray a wedding from any point in time, but it must have been captured between January 1st, 2020, and December 31st, 2023.

Finalists Selection

At the end of the submission period, the Clang Rose team will designate the finalists for each category. The winners are then selected either by a panel of judges or by the filmmaker community (Filmmaker of the Year, Film of the Year).

Submission Deadline

The deadline for submitting all entries is no later than December 31, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Winner’s Selection

Following the determination of finalists, our panel of judges will select the winners in various categories including Destination Wedding, Full-Length Wedding, 7 Minutes Highlight, Same-day Edit Engagement, Video Social Media Clips (TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook Reels) Comedy (Bloopers & Outtakes) Documentary (love Story Video) Cultural or Traditional Animation] and the Wedding of the Year category.

Judging

In Round Two, the chosen entries will undergo evaluation by a panel of 2-5 judges who will cast their votes for each contest. Judges will rank each finalist film, and the film with the highest ranking in a given contest will be declared the winner. Please see the detailed judging criteria.

Please note that all decisions made by the judges and the Clang Rose teams are considered final and are not subject to appeal. Judges have the option to submit their own films to the contests, but the Clang Rose team ultimately selects the finalists. If a judge’s film is selected as a finalist in any contest, they will not have voting privileges for that particular contest.

Judging Criteria

1. Storytelling:
   • This criterion assesses the narrative strength and how well the story is conveyed through the film.
   • Judges evaluate the film’s ability to engage and emotionally connect with the audience. Is the story compelling and well-structured?
   • Factors to consider include the use of interviews, voiceovers, or dialogue to convey the couple’s love story, the development of the narrative, and the overall coherence of the storytelling.
2. Cinematography:
   • Cinematography focuses on the visual aspects of the film, including camera work, framing, composition, and the use of light.
   • Judges evaluate the technical proficiency and creativity of the camera work. This includes assessing the use of different camera angles, movement, and how well the visuals capture the mood and atmosphere of the event.
   • Attention to detail, such as focus, exposure, and color grading, is also crucial in this category.
3. Editing:
   • Editing encompasses the way the footage is cut and arranged to create a cohesive and visually appealing film.
   • Judges consider the pacing, transitions, and flow of the film. Effective editing should maintain the audience’s engagement.
   • Attention to detail, such as the timing of cuts, use of music and sound, and incorporation of special effects, if relevant, also plays a role in this category.
4. Sound Design:
   • Sound design evaluates the use of audio elements in the film, including music, ambient sound, dialogue, and sound effects.
   • Judges assess how the sound contributes to the overall experience of the film. Is the music choice suitable and enhancing the emotional impact? Are dialogue and interviews clear and well-balanced with other sound elements?
   • Sound design should create a rich auditory experience that complements the visuals and contributes to the storytelling.
5. Emotional Impact:
   • This criterion measures the emotional resonance the film creates with the audience.
   • Judges evaluate how the film evokes emotions such as joy, happiness, or even tears. Does it capture the essence of the couple’s love and the significance of their wedding day?
   • The ability of the film to connect with viewers on an emotional level is a key factor in determining its quality.
6. Creativity:
   • Creativity assesses the originality and innovative elements within the film.
   • Judges look for fresh and imaginative approaches to storytelling, cinematography, and editing. Does the film stand out with its unique style or techniques?
   • Creativity can also be seen in the way the film captures candid moments and unexpected details that add depth to the narrative.
7. Adherence to the Category’s Theme:
   • This criterion ensures that the film fits within the specific category it’s submitted to.
   • Judges verify that the film aligns with the guidelines and theme of the chosen category. For example, in the “Destination Wedding” category, the film should prominently feature the destination’s unique elements.
   • It’s essential that the film remains true to the category’s definition and theme to be considered for awards within that category.

Consent Form for Couples

As part of the submission procedure, it is obligatory to secure consent from the couples who are prominently featured in your wedding film. This consent should confirm their awareness of the film’s submission to the Clang Rose Film Festival. We regard this as a fundamental component of respecting the privacy and consent of those individuals captured in these films. Without the inclusion of this consent form, submissions may not meet the eligibility criteria for consideration within the festival. Prior to submitting your wedding film, please ensure that you have obtained the requisite consent form. You have the option to upload a scanned or digital copy of this consent form through the submission form on our website during the submission process. This step is essential to ensure that the rights and privacy of all involved parties are upheld. Your adherence to this requirement is greatly valued and aligns with the festival’s commitment to ethical and responsible filmmaking. The provided consent form should clearly specify the names of the individuals featured in the film and contain an unambiguous statement of their consent for the film’s submission and potential public screening during the festival. This document plays a crucial role in your submission, and we kindly request that you submit it alongside your film to expedite the processing of your entry.

Contest

The person submitting the entry must be the creator of the Entry unless otherwise specified in the category.

Winners Notification & Verification

The prospective winners will be unveiled at the awards event on January 27, 2023, and they will also receive notifications via email using the contact information provided during the entry process. Subsequently, they will be required to complete and return, either via email or regular mail, a set of documents, including an Affidavit (or Declaration) of Eligibility, Release of Liability/Prize Acceptance Form, Publicity Release (where this condition is legally applicable), and Assignment of Rights (collectively referred to as “Prize Documents”).

The Prize Documents for potential winners will be dispatched to the email address provided at the time of entry. Potential winners must sign and return the Prize Documents through email or regular mail within a period of five (5) days from the date of the initial notification. Failure to do so may result in the forfeiture of the prize, and an alternate winner may be selected. In cases where any prize or prize notification is returned as undeliverable, it could lead to disqualification, and a substitute winner may be chosen.