white printer paper on brown wooden table

Rules and Terms

We value boldness, originality, and freedom of expression. These principles ensure fair, unconventional, and inspiring participation for every festival entrant.

  • Tickets are non-refundable
    Once purchased, tickets are non-refundable, regardless of the circumstances. We don't look for excuses — if you're here, you're ready for cinema that breaks the rules.

  • Student status verification
    Student discounts or grants are provided only with official documents confirming student status, such as a copy of the student ID, attached to the submitted project. We support the next generation of filmmakers, but honesty matters.

  • Use of materials for promotional purposes
    404 Festival reserves the right to use trailers, teasers, posters, and stills from films in the festival's promotional and marketing materials. However, the full film cannot be published or distributed within these materials — the film stays in your hands.

  • English subtitles for non-English films
    If the film is not in English, it must be accompanied by English subtitles. This is necessary so that all viewers and jury members can understand your story, regardless of their language.

  • Adherence to festival rules
    All participants, organizers, and venues must comply with the established rules and regulations. We guarantee space for freedom, but order is also important to ensure everyone can enjoy cinema that defies the usual boundaries.

  • Responsibility for Material Quality
    The participant is responsible for the quality of the materials provided. The festival cannot guarantee optimal screening quality if the materials do not meet technical requirements.

  • Copyrights
    The participant guarantees that all materials submitted to the festival do not violate the copyrights of third parties. All rights to the film and its parts must belong to the participant, who also agrees to provide documents proving this.

  • Participation in Panels and Masterclasses
    We encourage participants to be active and participate in panels, masterclasses, and discussions that take place as part of the festival. This is a space for exchanging experiences and ideas.

  • Prohibited Materials
    Films that contain discrimination, violence, or other materials violating commonly accepted moral and ethical norms will not be accepted. We adhere to principles of inclusivity and respect for different cultures and viewpoints.

  • Use of Technology at the Festival
    All films participating in the festival must be ready for screening on the platforms specified by us. We support innovations and cutting-edge technologies in cinema, including VR and interactive films, but ask participants to ensure compatibility in advance.

  • Access Guarantee
    All participants whose works are selected for the festival must ensure access to their films for screening throughout the festival’s duration.

  • Awards and Prizes
    All awards and prizes will be presented in accordance with the jury's decision. We guarantee that each film will be judged based on all criteria, including innovation, artistic quality, and originality.

  • Prizes and Gifts
    The festival may provide prizes to winners in various categories. All prizes cannot be transferred to third parties or exchanged for money.

  • Submission Deadlines
    Submissions are accepted until the specified festival deadline. Any work submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

  • Changes to the Rules
    404 Festival reserves the right to make changes to the rules and conditions at any time without prior notice. Participants are required to keep up to date with the current information on the official festival website.