"Celebrating the extraordinary lives and contributions of women from all corners and walks of life."

March 7-8, 2009

International Women's Day is celebrated in countries throughout the world with festivals, parades, and special events. Hostelling International is bringing the celebration to Boston with the International Women's Day Film Festival.

The mission of the Boston International Women's Day Film Festival is to promote a greater understanding of the extraordinary lives of women around the world through relevant and thought-provoking films and discussions.

This is the second year of the festival, sponsored by Hostelling International. The goal of this festival is to showcase films honoring the struggles, victories, and remarkable experiences of women around the world. Through this event, we aim to celebrate the lives and contributions of women from all corners and walks of life.

Submission Guidelines:
We are seeking films which explore national and international women’s issues and which tell the stories of women around the world.  Films which do not have a focus related to the mission will be considered only if women have a primary role in the production, direction, or writing, AND if a woman involved in one of these roles is available to lead a discussion on the film and filmmaking as part of the festival. IWDFF retains the exclusive right to choose which films fit the above criteria.

Cross-Cultural Ambassador Award:
Travel truly is a way to promote citizenship, respect, and understanding.  Through the International Women’s Day Film Festival, we hope to educate the armchair travelers and inspire the next generation of adventurers to get out and learn from the world and its people.

The Cross-Cultural Ambassador Award is given to the filmmaker who best demonstrates a commitment to cross-cultural exchange and sharing lessons learned through art. 

The winner will receive an AVID Media Composer software package valued at $2,500.

Final Submission Deadline:
January 30, 2009

Films must be received by the deadline.

Time Classification for Narrative and Documentary Films:
Short: 59 minutes or less running length
Feature: 60 minutes or more running length

Submission Fees:
*Earlybird Deadline—Received by December 12, 2008
Documentary & Narrative Features: $15
Documentary & Narrative Shorts: $10
Student: $5
*Regular Deadline – Received by January 9, 2009
Documentary & Narrative Features: $20
Documentary & Narrative Shorts: $15
Student: $10
*Late Deadline – Received by January 30, 2009
Documentary & Narrative Features: $25
Documentary & Narrative Shorts: $20
Student: $15

Submission Format:
We accept region 1 (NTSC) or region-free DVD. You may submit as many films as you'd like, however we do not offer reduced rates in fees for multiple submissions. You may send all of your films to us in one package, but please do not put multiple projects on the same DVD.  Make sure that your disc plays in a standard DVD player before you mail it to us.

Foreign Language Films:
If your film includes non-English dialogue, you must include English subtitles.

Rights:
You must clear ALL copyrighted material included in your film before you can publicly screen it. IWDFF does not check to make sure that you have cleared these materials. Nor will we be held responsible for any legal issues that might arise from the inclusion of materials not cleared in your film. It is your sole responsibility to secure permission from the copyright holder for music, stock footage, or any other elements that could violate someone else's copyright.

Screening Format:
IWDFF will project 35mm or DVD (NTSC) at the festival. Format will depend on the venue.

Submission Requirements:

• Completed Entry Form
• Description/synopsis of film
• Press materials
• Signed release form
• 3 copies of film on DVD (region 1 (U.S. & Canada) or region-free)
• Submission Fee

Send submissions to:
International Women’s Day Film Festival
Hostelling International USA, Eastern New England Council
218 Holland Street
Somerville, MA 02144

To download an entry form, please click here.

For information on last year's festival, please click here.

For more information contact, film@usahostels.org

Partners and Sponsors: