ARTICLE 1 – PURPOSE AND FREE SUBMISSION

The International Oceanian Documentary Film Festival (FIFO) is an annual cinematic event that highlights Oceanian realities through documentary film productions.
Film submissions are free of charge, whether for competition or out-of-competition categories.

ARTICLE 2 – GENERAL ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS

Eligible works include: documentary films, short fiction films, and hybrid-format productions, completed after January 1st of the two years preceding the festival.

An Oceanian theme or connection is a key criterion for selection.

Submissions must be made via the online form available on the official website fifotahiti.com, along with all required materials (see Article 4).

ARTICLE 3 – TIMELINE

The precise submission deadlines, file delivery dates, and selection announcements are updated each year on the official website.

Example for FIFO 2026:

  • Films produced after January 1st, 2023
  • Submission deadline: October 1st, 2025
  • Selection announcement: late November 2025
  • Festival: February 2026

ARTICLE 4 – REQUIRED DOCUMENTS AND FILES

Each submission must include:

  • The completed online form
  • A private online screening link (Vimeo, private YouTube, Google Drive, etc.) in SD quality for preselection
  • An HD version will be required if the film is selected
  • A short synopsis (300 characters max)
  • A technical data sheet (provided template)
  • 3 HD visuals (poster, stills, or behind-the-scenes photo)
  • Subtitles file in SRT format, in French or English depending on the original language
  • A distribution authorization (checkboxes in the form)

ARTICLE 5 – LANGUAGE AND SUBTITLES

  • All films must be presented in their original language.
  • Films selected for competition must include French and/or English subtitles.
  • Subtitles must be delivered in SRT format with timecodes.
  • A complete script with timecodes is also required.

ARTICLE 6 – SELECTION AND SCREENING

  • All films submitted by the deadline will be reviewed by the preselection committee.
  • Selected filmmakers will be contacted in November using the details provided in the form.
  • Selected films may be screened:
    • During FIFO in theatres at Te Fare Tauhiti Nui – Maison de la Culture in Papeete (throughout the festival),
    • Online on the FIFO streaming platform www.fifotahiti.com (during the festival and one week afterward),
    • At partner events throughout the year following the festival.

ARTICLE 7 – USE OF EXCERPTS AND RIGHTS

  • By submitting a film, entrants authorize the use of a free excerpt up to 2 minutes for promotional purposes (TV, web, social media).
  • A written request for withdrawal of such excerpts can be made up to 15 days before the festival begins.

ARTICLE 8 – FIFO ARCHIVE AND ‘FIFO HORS LES MURS’

  • Selected films may be included in the FIFO Archive, a digital media library dedicated to preservation, education, and cultural outreach.
  • Films in the archive may be shown in non-commercial contexts such as school, university, or community screenings. FIFO will inform the filmmakers of any such use.
  • The ‘FIFO Hors les Murs’ initiative allows selected films to be screened in other Pacific regions, mainland France, and internationally.
  • By ticking the relevant boxes in the form, filmmakers agree to their film being included in these activities, unless otherwise stated in writing.

ARTICLE 9 – PERSONAL DATA (GDPR)

  • Data collected through the form is used solely to manage submissions.
  • In accordance with GDPR, you may access, correct, or delete your data by contacting: [email protected].
  • Acceptance of this regulation and the privacy policy is mandatory via checkbox on the form.

ARTICLE 10 – AWARDS PRESENTED BY FIFO

FIFO grants several awards to selected films, with the following cash prizes:

  • Grand Jury Prize FIFO–France Télévisions – 500,000 XPF
  • 2 or 3 Special Jury Prizes – 200,000 XPF each
  • Best Short Documentary Award – 100,000 XPF
  • Best Short Fiction Film Award – 100,000 XPF
  • Audience Award – 300,000 XPF

Awards are decided by juries composed of professionals, cultural figures, students or high schoolers, depending on the category.
Additional prizes may be created or awarded by FIFO’s partners.

ARTICLE 11 – ADDITIONAL CLAUSES

FIFO reserves the right to modify these terms in the event of force majeure.

Any issues not covered in these rules will be resolved by the FIFO Committee, with no appeal possible.

REQUEST FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: [email protected]