Conestoga proudly encourages the production of independent films and is pleased to provide a public forum for original artistic expression. We also think it's a lot of fun! Entries will be judged on content, performance, originality, and cinematography by judges appointed by the Conestoga con committee. 

•  This is a contest for amateurs-- people who do not make movies for a living, so it's not fair if you're an Oscar winner. If you just started making movies, or if you've been making videos and movies at home for years but have never earned a penny off your work, you're eligible.   
• There is no charge to enter a film in the contest.  There is, however, a fee to enter the convention. The film festival operates under the guidance of the Conestoga convention, and must abide by its rules. Everyone attending the film festival in person must pay to attend the convention. 
• Acceptance in the film festival does not imply free admission to the convention.  
• Productions must be independently produced, with the film maker retaining complete editorial control. That means you can't use anything that's copyrighted by anyone else, including music and scripts based on previously published material , without written consent. If you get consent for use of copyrighted materials, copies of the consent form must be included with your entry. (This is how the big boys do it.) Click HERE for information on copyrighting your film or screenplay. Read up on laws concerning parody.  Click HERE  or HERE for some notes on copyright law.   
• It is recommended (but not required) that you include with your entry photos from the production, to be used by Conestoga to help promote your film. Other materials, such as cast interviews and production notes, are also welcome.    
• Conestoga reserves the right to use samples of winning entries in future advertisements.   
• Entrees longer than maximum time limit may be considered for presentation at the festival, but will not be part of the competition.   
• No nudity or excessive graphic violence, please. Try to keep productions at a PG-13 level. Exceptions may be allowed on a case-by-case basis as determined by festival judges.  
• Directors are allowed to submit more than one entry, but a seperate entry form must be completed for each entry.   
• Entries will be accepted on American DVD, or standard VHS videocassette, NTSC format only; productions created in other media must be converted to DVD or VHS video for entry. Only one entry per tape, please. Clearly label both entry and entry holder with title, running time, contact name, address and phone number. Conestoga is not responsible for loss or damage during shipment. Individual directors retain copyright on their original works, but entry tapes and accompanying materials become the property of Conestoga, and will only be returned when a self addressed and stamped envelope (SASE) is included.   
• Do not send the only copy of your film.