• 0–5 Minute Category (Narrative or Montage): At least 70% of the footage must be captured underwater.
• 5–10 Minute Category (Narrative Only): Must tell a cohesive story; requires at least 70% captured underwater.
• Shot Locally: For underwater films shot in California.

To maintain professional exhibition standards, all entries must strictly adhere to these specifications.

Film Formats & Logistics

• Format: .mp4 or .mov using H.264 encoding.
• Resolution: Full HD (1080p) minimum.
• Submission Method: https://filmfreeway.com/CatalinaUnderwaterFilmFestival

Audio Standards

• Audio peaks must not exceed -6 dB to ensure compatibility with the Casino Theatre’s sound system.
• All music and audio tracks must be properly licensed; entrants must certify they hold all legal rights.

Video Requirements

• Lead-in: All films must include a one-second black lead-in.
• Watermarking: No watermarks, names, or copyright symbols may appear during the film. Credits must be placed only at the beginning or end.

Naming Convention Files must be named as follows: Category_Entrant#_Firstname_Lastname

• Example: VM_095_Jacques_Cousteau.mp4

The festival enforces a zero-tolerance policy regarding unethical behavior and non-compliance.

1. Eligibility:

Open to all skill levels. Entries must not have won a major award in a significant contest before September 1, 2026.

2. Conservation Rules:

• No animals may be stressed (e.g., puffed puffers, inking octopuses).
• Moving animals to an unnatural environment or risky location is strictly prohibited.
• Touching marine life (corals, seahorse tails) or damaging the environment (gear dragging, poor buoyancy) results in immediate disqualification.
• No live baiting, feeding, or chumming.

3. AI Policy:

Authenticity is paramount. This festival values factual accuracy, ethical practice, and genuine natural-world storytelling above all. While the use of AI is not strictly prohibited, any AI-assisted elements must be fully disclosed during submission. AI-generated wildlife imagery, fabricated animal behavior, or undisclosed synthetic reconstruction is unlikely to be viewed favorably.

4. Integrity:

Submissions must be free of commercial/promotional content for hotels, brands, or dive boats.