the Willem DaFoe Bad Art Movie Festival Awards

Rules and Regulations for a Short Film Festival:

Eligibility:

a. The festival accepts short films with a running time of less than 15 minutes. Less than 10 minutes preferred. 

b. The film must be either scripted or improvisational fiction or a fictionalization of actual events.

c. Completed films that have been or will have been exhibited theatrically or otherwise made available to the general public, either for free or for purchase, prior to the festival date ARE eligible to submit to this category.

d. Films graphic depictions will not be considered for screening.

i. Depictions of child or sexual assault are highly disturbing. In the interest of maintaining a professional and ethical approach to storytelling, it is recommended that graphic detail regarding assault be avoided as it tends to serve more as shock value rather than progressing the narrative. The use of implications or subtle allusions to such events can be more effective in conveying the intended emotions to the audience, and demonstrate the writer's command over and respect for the material.

ii. Similarly, the inclusion of hate speech is discouraged and may be perceived as gratuitous. It is unnecessary for a character to resort to such language in order to establish them as a villain. Writers are advised to use alternative means of characterization and storytelling that do not involve hate speech or similar forms of offensive language. 

Submission:

a. Submissions can be made by sending a watchable link to derazzledpodcast@gmail.com.

b. The deadline dates for festival consideration are listed on the website.

c. There is NO submission fee.

Categories:

a. The festival selects short films to play within its programs. 

b. Before submitting, please read the eligibility requirements for each category carefully.

c. There is only one category

d. The category is - Bad movies. It can be a bad movie for one of the following reasons

i. Unintentionally bad.

ii. Intentionally bad.

iii. The result of bad ideas

iv. The result of bad luck

Accessibility:

a. The festival encourages filmmakers to provide captions, audio descriptions, and other accessibility features to their films to make them accessible to a wider audience.

b. We believe in diverse characters and points of view in fiction; and encourage authors of every race, culture, creed, gender, orientation, expression, status, age, and ability. We encourage filmmakers who identify as BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA+ to share their voices.

Judging:

a. All submissions will be judged by a panel of “experts” in the film industry.

b. The decision of the judges is final and cannot be appealed.

c. Members of either Ramming Speed Pictures, LLC or The DeRazzled Podcast are ineligible for all awards with the exception of the audience award.

Screening:

a. Selected films will be screened during the festival.

b. The festival reserves the right to select the date, time, and venue for screening.

Promotion:

a. The festival reserves the right to use clips and images from selected films for promotional purposes.

b. Filmmakers are encouraged to promote their films during the festival.

Legal:

a. By submitting the film, the filmmaker represents and warrants that they have all necessary rights and permissions to submit the film to the festival.

b. The filmmaker agrees to indemnify and hold the festival harmless from any claims or damages related to the submission of the film.

Changes:

a. The festival reserves the right to make changes to the rules and regulations at any time.

b. Any changes will be updated on the festival's official website.

Award Categories

Best Worst Film

Best Worst Performance

Best Worst Supporting Performance

Best Worst Cinematography

Best Worst Editing, Sound, or Score

Best Worst Written Work

Best Worst Audience Choice