SECTION 1: Opening 15 seconds
SECTION 2: Sound and dialogue
1- Does the opening establish tone immediately
2- Is the first image intentional rather than filler
3- Is the sound clean and controlled from the first frame
1- Dialogue is intelligible without effort or subtitles
2- Sound levels are consistent and professionally mixed
3- Music supports mood without overpowering dialogue
SECTION 3: Pacing and runtime
SECTION 4: Story clarity
1- Scenes justify their length
2- Emotional beats are not repeated unnecessarily
3- Runtime feels appropriate to the category and subject
1- The film communicates intent early
2- Character motivation is understandable
3- Tone remains consistent throughout
SECTION 5: Emotional payoff
SECTION 6: Submission materials
1- The ending feels deliberate rather than abrupt
2- The final image lands emotionally or intellectually
3- The film leaves a clear aftertaste
1- Logline accurately reflects the film
2- Synopsis matches the finished work
3- Poster and stills communicate tone and genre
4- Credits and formatting are clean and complete
Land Acknowledgement
Land Acknowledgement – British Columbia We respectfully acknowledge that we are gathered on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of Indigenous peoples who have stewarded this land for thousands of years. In particular, we recognize that much of what is now known as British Columbia lies within the homelands of over 200 distinct First Nations, each with their own unique culture, language, and traditions. In Vancouver, we acknowledge the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, whose deep connections to the land, waters, and skies remain central to their identity and way of life. These lands were never surrendered, and their rights and relationships to this land endure. As we gather here today, we honour the enduring presence, resilience, and cultural contributions of all Indigenous Peoples—First Nations, Inuit, and Métis—and we commit to the ongoing process of reconciliation, decolonization, and respect. Let this acknowledgement not be merely a statement, but a call to action: to listen, to learn, and to support Indigenous sovereignty, justice, and healing.
Diversity & Inclusion Statement
At the Hollywood North International Film Festival (HNIFF), we believe that storytelling is a universal right—and that cinema becomes truly powerful when it reflects the full spectrum of the human experience.
We are proudly committed to creating an inclusive platform where all voices are heard, all cultures are seen, and all identities are celebrated. We welcome and encourage submissions from creators of every race, ethnicity, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, religion, language, and socioeconomic background.
Our festival does not just showcase diversity—it lives it.
From the stories we screen to the jurors we appoint, from our leadership to our community outreach, equity, inclusion, and representation are embedded in every layer of what we do.
We stand firmly against discrimination in all forms. We actively seek out and support films that challenge stereotypes, break silences, and amplify marginalized perspectives. We recognize that systemic inequality exists in the global film industry—and we are committed to being part of the solution.
HNIFF is not just a festival—it is a movement for change.
A place where difference is not just accepted, but celebrated.
A space where every storyteller has the right to be seen, heard, and uplifted.