Rules

Watching films

The programme, the Vertical Room and most films are open to everyone — no account, no charge. Signing in (an email address, no password) is only needed to like films so your vote counts, and for the few films whose makers asked to screen behind a free sign-in. Some films screen for the jury only.

Each film is available for the period agreed with its filmmaker. When a film’s screening window ends, it comes offline automatically.

Judging

Films are reviewed by HNIFF’s jury. Judges score independently and never see each other’s scores; a judge with a connection to a film steps back from it. Jury decisions are final.