The DVIFF is a festival exclusively focused on DOCUMENTARIES and DOCU-DRAMAS. We stand out as one of the few festivals with a specific category just for docu-dramas.

- **Guaranteed Distributor Review**: Selected "Best of Festival" winners across our major categories will receive guaranteed distribution reviews at no extra cost. Features will be reviewed by World Wide Motion Pictures Corporation (WWMPC.COM), while Adler & Associates, Cardinal XD, and CCS Releasing will evaluate shorts and features. We ensure that our top winners have the opportunity for recognition — we open the door, and it's up to you to walk through it.

- **No More Uncertainty**: Forget hoping a distributor might catch your film at a festival venue. We take your success seriously and guarantee that our distribution associates will review our top winners.
Only films submitted into one of the Major categories are eligible for distributor review (films submitted for judging in reduced-rate, production value sub-categories only, will not be eligible).

- **Global Exposure**: Partnering with WRPN.TV Entertainment Network, the DVIFF offers a unique opportunity to showcase your film to a global audience of video fans from numerous countries — audiences that most filmmakers may not typically reach.

- **Free Earlybird Entry**: If your film is rejected, you can enter DVIFF's next competition for free after making the required corrections outlined in your rejection letter. We believe in second chances.

DVIFF has established a clear system that prevents entries from competing against one another, guaranteeing that each film is evaluated solely on its individual merits. Each film stands alone and is assessed based on its unique qualities.

Judges will concentrate exclusively on your film during its evaluation, without the distraction of comparing it to other entries. This approach ensures that their full attention is directed at your work, allowing for a fair and thorough assessment of its inherent value.

- **Discounts for Student Films**: We offer reduced entry rates for all student film submissions in the major categories, regardless of deadlines. Proof of student status during filming is mandatory (no refunds for false documentation).

- **Affordable Subcategory Submissions**: Take advantage of our reduced rates for subcategory submissions, including cinematography, editing, original score, and research. Winning in a subcategory does not qualify a film for screening or distribution review, so focus on excellence in the primary categories.
Filmmakers who enter only discounted sub-categories, but no major categories, are not eligible for "Best Of Show" or "Best of festival" award level.

- **Distinct Documentary Categories**: We celebrate a variety of categories, including Environmental, Human Spirit, Social Issues, Wildlife, Docu-drama Shorts, Docu-drama Features, and many others.

- **Constructive Feedback for Rejected Films**: Rejected films will receive valuable feedback—a critical aspect that most festivals overlook. You will either achieve Official Selection status or receive a detailed letter explaining the reasons for rejection. If you can address the issues, you can resubmit for free. We are committed to helping filmmakers enhance their acceptance rates and marketability.

The DVIFF is a live screening festival and virtual competition. We invest in gaining distributor recognition for quality films, ensuring your work has a life beyond a single festival screening. Only the Best of Festival winners are live-screened, and we actively collect audience reactions that distributors will use to inform their decisions. Note that we do not waste time on after-screening networking parties or seminars. Video interviews with the audience may be produced and shown on WRPN.TV. Long-term screening opportunities are available on the WRPN.TV Entertainment Network (optional).

Finally, you can be confident that the founders of DVIFF are registered Committee Members for the Universal Film & Festival Organization (UFFO.ORG). The UFFO is a non-profit organization based in the U.K. committed to promoting best business practices for film festivals, which guarantees your film benefits from a fair and rigorous judging process. Seize this opportunity!

The Competition reserves the right to refuse entries, and there are no waivers.