Regulations: 1st Zarifa Academy Feature Film Festival & Golden Statue (Motherly Award)

Festival Dates:
September 21–22 in Paris

Objectives:
To foster healthy competition among international filmmakers and artists across various cinematic categories and to discover emerging talents.
Above all, to support and encourage filmmakers whose work reflects the realities of authoritarian regimes, criminal networks, systemic oppression and corruption, racism, environmental issues, and human rights — giving voice to the voiceless in the free world.

Participation Note:
To participate in the festival and submit your work, registration must be completed via www.filmfreeway.com.

Festival Programs:

Zarifa Festival consists of two main program sections: Cultural and Competitive, each with its own subdivisions.

1. Cultural Section:

International Artistic Treasures:
This segment, held on the first day of the festival, includes:

  • Honoring veteran artists for their lifelong contribution to the arts, featuring highlights from their work and biographical retrospectives.
  • The Golden (Motherly) Statue of the Academy will be awarded in tribute to a distinguished artist.
  • Festival Press Conferences aim to create an open platform for dialogue among filmmakers, audiences, and critics to elevate professional discourse in French cinema.

2. Competitive Section:

  • Only films produced within the past 3 years and not previously submitted to the Zarifa Festival are eligible.
  • Submitted films must not have been reviewed by previous selection committees.
  • Films entering the Motherly Statue Competition must meet all eligibility criteria.

Rules and Regulations:

  • The Festival Director has final authority over all festival matters.
  • Appointed by the Zarifa Board, the Director oversees all programming, jury selection, planning, and coordination of the festival and closing ceremony.
  • Pornographic content or works promoting fascist ideologies, racism, gender discrimination, or religious sectarianism will be disqualified and permanently banned from the festival.
  • Once submitted, films cannot be withdrawn from the selection or judging process.
  • Submission implies full acceptance of all festival rules.
  • Feature films must be at least 75 minutes long, including credits.
  • Selection and evaluation are based solely on the information provided in the submission form.
  • Selection Committee: A panel of 7 industry professionals appointed by the Zarifa Academy will review submissions and nominate at least 20 films for final competition.
  • Selection Committee members must not have any film in competition.
  • No award will be shared equally between two or more films.
  • Judging is conducted by the Zarifa Academy, a registered cultural institution in Paris, consisting of core members, honorary members, and invited cultural figures.
  • The festival adheres to the French national values of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity, with a strong commitment to the cultural integrity of France and its people.

Ceremony & Code of Conduct:

  • Red Carpet Dress Code:

    Zarifa International Film Festival Guest Dress Code Guidelines

    For Women:

    Formal evening gown (floor-length or midi), cocktail dress, dark suit, or elegant top with dark trousers

    Formal footwear, either heeled or flat (sneakers are not permitted)

    Oversized bags such as backpacks or duffel bags are not allowed

    Appropriate accessories and makeup suitable for a formal event

    Neat and elegant appearance with a preference for simplicity in design and color

    For Men:

    Tuxedo or dark formal suit

    Out with White shirt

    Tie or bow tie

    Formal dress shoes

  • Any disrespectful behavior toward the Academy, judges, or participants that disrupts the event may result in expulsion and disqualification.
  • Scoring and evaluation criteria follow the official regulations of the Zarifa Academy.
  • All judging forms are provided by the Academy and votes are confidential until officially announced.
  • All accepted entries will receive an official certificate of participation.
  • In each category, five nominees will be announced, with one final winner receiving the main award.
  • Trophies will only be awarded directly to the winners or to their official representative (announced via written letter).
  • All unforeseen matters will be reviewed and resolved by the Festival Director in consultation with the Academy Board.
  • A cash prize for Best Feature Film will be announced at the start of each edition.

Awards – "Golden Statues Take Flight on the Shoulders of the Best"

Golden (Motherly) Statues for:

  • Best Feature Film
  • Best Director
  • Best Screenplay
  • Best Actor
  • Best Actress
  • Best Original Score
  • Best Cinematography
  • Best Editing
  • Courageous Filmmaker (for documentary or narrative features)

Zarifa Academy Golden Plaques:

  • Best Supporting Actor
  • Best Supporting Actress
  • Best Visual Effects
  • Best Sound Recording
  • Best Sound Design
  • Best Makeup & Prosthetics
  • Best Production Design
  • Best Costume Design
  • Audience Award
  • Special Jury Prize

The Zarifa Academy extends its heartfelt wishes for success to all artists and participants.
While our mission is to elevate the arts in France and globally — and to bring filmmakers and cinema professionals together — we believe everyone who contributes meaningfully is already a winner. However, the awards are limited and will be granted based on merit and excellence.

We look forward to seeing you at the Grand Zarifa Festival.

Zarifa Feature Film Festival Public Relations Office.