FAQ

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JCIFF Theme: Identity - What Shapes You, Moves You, and Defines Your Story

At the Jersey City Indie Film Fest (JCIFF), we believe that identity is not a single moment or a fixed idea it is a living, evolving narrative. It’s the collection of experiences, cultures, memories, and transformations that shape who we are. For our inaugural festival, filmmakers are invited to explore Identity in all its complexity: the truths we inherit, the personas we choose, the masks we wear, and the versions of ourselves the world isn’t always ready to see.

Identity can be bold or subtle. Loud or quiet. Personal or universal.

Your film can examine the self, a community, a relationship, a culture, or a moment in time that defines what identity means. There is no wrong interpretation only authentic storytelling.

What We Accept
JCIFF welcomes all genres and creative expressions.

Submissions may include:

Narrative short films
Documentaries
Music video shorts
Experimental films
Animation
Hybrid forms that mix formats, mediums, or storytelling styles

If your project speaks to the theme of Identity, it belongs here.

FILMMAKER/JCIFF FAQ

Who can submit?
Filmmakers from anywhere in the world. International submissions are welcome.

Does my film need to premiere at JCIFF?
No. Prior festival screenings are allowed.

Is there a submission fee?
We do not require submission fees however some JCIFF events may be ticketed for guests.

What length should my film be?
Films must be 5–30 minutes in total length. If you have a film that is less or greater than the timeframe listed you can reach out to submissions@hudsonartscollective.com for further assistance.

What if my film is slightly over 10 minutes?
We recommend editing to meet the time requirement. Exceptions are rare and evaluated case by case.

Do I have to attend in person?
In-person participation is encouraged but not required. Selected filmmakers may join panel discussions virtually if needed.

When will I hear back?
Selections are made on a rolling basis. Filmmakers will be notified via email once programming is finalized for that month.

What happens after my film is selected?
You’ll receive:

Official selection graphics
Promotional assets
Event details
Filmmaker feature placement on the JCIFF website

Will my film be available to stream on your site?
Only trailers are embedded unless otherwise agreed upon. The Filmmaker Page is designed to spotlight and promote — not distribute full films without permission.

How are films selected?
Our team evaluates:

Story strength
Creative direction
Technical quality
Emotional impact
Alignment with the monthly theme

We prioritize originality and authentic voice over budget size.

EVENT SUBMISSIONS

What types of events can be submitted?
Hudson Arts Collective welcomes creative, cultural, and community-centered events. This includes film screenings, art exhibitions, open mics, workshops, live performances, networking mixers, pop-ups, and festivals.
If your event supports artists, entrepreneurs, storytellers, or community engagement, it likely belongs here.

Does my event need to be in Jersey City?
We prioritize events taking place in Jersey City and Hudson County. Select regional events may be considered if they align strongly with our creative mission.

Is there a submission fee?
We offer both complimentary and upgraded listing options.
Our free listing tier provides basic visibility on the platform. Featured placements include enhanced exposure through homepage highlights, social media amplification, and newsletter inclusion.
Details on listing tiers are available during the submission process.

How far in advance should I submit my event?
We recommend submitting at least two to three weeks before your event date for optimal visibility. Submissions made less than one week prior to the event may not qualify for promotion.

What information is required to submit an event?
To ensure approval, submissions must include the event title, date and time, venue name and address, ticket link (if applicable), a clear event description, and a high-quality image or flyer.
Incomplete submissions may not be approved.

Are all events automatically approved?
Hudson Arts Collective curates intentionally. We reserve the right to decline events that do not align with our mission, promote harmful or discriminatory content, lack professionalism, or appear misleading.
Our goal is to protect the integrity of the creative community we serve.

Can I update my event after submission?
Yes. Updates may be requested by contacting our team with your event title and requested revisions. Changes should be submitted at least 48 hours before the event date.

Will Hudson Arts Collective promote my event?
Standard listings receive placement on our website calendar.
Featured listings may include social media promotion, newsletter features, and homepage visibility depending on the selected tier.

Can recurring events be submitted?
Yes. Recurring events are welcome, provided all dates and details are clearly outlined in the submission.

Why submit your event to Hudson Arts Collective?
We are building a curated creative ecosystem designed to spotlight local talent, connect communities, and elevate independent voices. Submitting your event places you in front of an engaged audience of artists, entrepreneurs, and cultural leaders.

For any other questions you can reach out to us at events@hudsoartscollective.com or info@hudsonartscollective.com.