Submitting
Do I have to be Muslim to submit?
Nope! Anyone can submit to the Mosquers Film Festival - in fact we encourage people of all faiths, creeds, and beliefs to join the conversation! Please see our Submissions Guidelines for more information.
How do I submit my film?
Read the 2023 Submissions Guidelines, then head to www.themosquers.com/submit!
*Please read the Submissions Guidelines carefully for information on submission requirements, formats, rules, etc.
Is it free to submit?
Absolutely! We pride ourselves on being a platform for all filmmakers at all levels of the craft - as such, submitting a film to the Mosquers is *free for everyone through our website!
*Please note that if you are submitting via FilmFreeway, we have waived the submission fee.
I made my film over a year ago, can I still submit it?
Yes, currently we accept films that were completed within two (2) years prior to the current submissions deadline. However, you are welcome to make amendments to your film within that time frame and submit it for consideration.
Do you require ‘Premiere Status’ for film submissions?
As one of Edmonton’s premier film festivals we do require Premiere Status in Edmonton, AB, Canada for all films submitted for Award Consideration. Films that have previously had public screenings in Edmonton, are available on VOD streaming services, or are freely available on YouTube or Vimeo will not qualify for Official Selection status or Award Consideration.
If you have questions about Premiere Status and whether your film meets this requirement, please contact our Submissions Director.
Technical
What format should my film be?
Accepted formats for projection are H.264 or .mp4, 1920x1080, 23.98fps.
Please contact our Submissions Director if your film does not meet these specifications.
Do I need expensive filming equipment?
Not necessarily. While the Mosquers has grown to attract films from across the globe - some with larger budgets than others - we strongly encourage anyone to submit whether you shoot on an ARRI or an iPhone. We invite anyone with a story and a camera to share their Muslim experience!
Official Selection and Screening
How will I know if my film is an Official Selection?
All filmmakers will be notified by email about selections status, regardless of whether the film is an Official Selection or not.
If you are an Alberta filmmaker, your film will be separated into the Alberta Film category and you will automatically be chosen as an Official Alberta Selection. Alberta filmmakers will not be notified about whether your film will be screened or not. We strongly encourage all Alberta filmmakers to attend the Mosquers Film Festival in person to find out which entries will be screened!
Who is an ‘Alberta Filmmaker’?
We define Alberta Filmmakers as those who currently (at the time of the selection process) reside in Alberta. If you are unsure of whether you will qualify as an Alberta Filmmaker, please reach out to our Submissions Director.
What are the awards?
There are four (4) general awards open to all submissions. One (1) additional award is open only to filmmakers who presently reside in Alberta, Canada. Please see here for more information.
What is the Selections Process like?
Our Submissions Team assembles the Mosquers Selection Committee (MSC), a separate entity from the Mosquers Film Festival, who then screens and reviews each film prior to shortlisting the finalists.
The Submissions Director is then responsible for organizing a panel of independent, non-affiliated judges who must meet strict criteria regarding technical experience, community involvement, and a number of other factors. This panel of judges then reviews and selects the winners from the shortlisted finalists.