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  • 2026 WORLD PADDLING FILM FESTIVAL SHORT FILM COMPETITION ENTRY FORM

    By submitting this form, you are agreeing to abide by competition rules and the decision of the judges to approve or decline your application. Full competition rules can be found at the bottom of entry form. Completed entries must be received by close of day, 1 March 2026.
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  • 2026 WORLD PADDLING FILM FESTIVAL SHORT FILM COMPETITION RULES

    1. Eligibility
    · Open to all filmmakers.

    · Separate award category for Under 18 filmmakers.

    · Entrants must own or have permission for all materials used (music, footage, imagery, etc.).

    · Entries must be original works created for or fitting the paddling theme.

    2. Film Requirements
    · Theme: Any paddling-related subject or discipline — surf skis, SUPs, kayaks, rafts, or anything that floats!

    · Duration: 3–6 minutes including credits.

    · Format: MP4 or MOV, minimum 1080p resolution.

    · Language: English or with English subtitles.

    3. Submission Details
    · Deadline: March 1, 2026.

    · Submission: Via festival entry form or email link provided.

    · Each entry must include: Film title, short synopsis (max 100 words), runtime, director’s name and contact details, and year of production.

    · Entry is free thanks to Waverley Council Small Grants Program.

    4. Judging Criteria
    · Films will be judged on:

          1. Storytelling and Originality (25–30%)

          2. Direction and Cinematic Vision (20%)

          3. Technical Quality (15–20%)

          4. Production Design (10–15%)

          5. Messaging and Impact

          6. Relevance to Waverley waterways/local precincts (10–15%)

          7. Overall Execution and Adherence (5–10%)

    · All judging decisions are final.

      
    5. Prizes
    · Best Film – $2,000 winning entry will be screened at the Bondi Pavilion as part of the World Paddling Film Festival global tour

    · Runner-Up – $1,000

    · Encouragement Award – $500

    · Best Under 18 Submission – $500

    6. Screening and Rights
    · By submitting, entrants grant Shark Island Paddlers and WPFF organisers the non-exclusive right to:

    - Screen the film during the Bondi Pavilion event and related promotions.

    - Use excerpts (≤ 30 seconds) or stills for publicity and marketing.

    - Retain all material submitted

    7. Copyright and Clearances
    · Filmmakers are solely responsible for securing all necessary rights and permissions.

    · The organisers accept no liability for copyright disputes.

    8. Disqualification
    · Entries may be disqualified for:

          - Offensive or discriminatory content.

          - Exceeding runtime or missing the deadline.

          - Breaching copyright or eligibility requirements.

    9. Contacts
    · For more information:

    Greg Dolgopolov – Grrisha@gmail.com

    Andrew Sully – Sully.Andrew@gmail.com

    10. Acceptance of Rules
    · Submission of a film implies acceptance of these rules and conditions.

    · The organisers reserve the right to amend categories or rules if required.

     

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