1) How do I submit a film?

Q: How do I submit my film to the Sundar Prize?
A: All film submissions are handled via FilmFreeway.

Q: What are the submission requirements?
A: Films must be released after the eligibility date specified in the rules.

• You may submit multiple entries in different categories as long as they meet the release-date requirements.
• Entry fees are non-refundable.
• All films must be uploaded to FilmFreeway.
• For selected films, you must provide download access via FilmFreeway (or via a direct downloadable link).
• Films in a non-English language must have English burned-in subtitles.
• You also need to submit promotional assets: trailer, poster, synopsis, biographies, stills, and social media/website info.
• Copyright clearances, personal-release rights, and other legal permissions must be secured by the entrant.

Q: What are the submission deadlines and fees?
A: Sundar Prize operates several deadlines (Earlybird, Regular, Late, Extended). Fee levels vary by deadline and category. Gold Members (on FilmFreeway) receive a 10% discount on fees.

Q: What happens after I submit?
A: Each submitted film is reviewed by jurors (1 to 3 viewings).

• Notifications will be sent by the date indicated in the festival schedule.
• Films not selected may request feedback by emailing programming@sundarprize.com.

2) How do I buy tickets for the festival?

Q: Where and when can I purchase tickets?
A: Tickets are available via the festival’s ticketing platform (e.g. GoElevent) or directly through the Sundar Prize website. 

Q: Are ticket prices affordable / is there a barrier to access?
A: Yes, one of the festival’s core values is low-barrier access.

Q: Are there complimentary or subsidized tickets?
A: The festival offers free and discounted community access passes for people in need. Email programming@sundarprize.com

3) How do I volunteer?

Q: Can I volunteer at the Sundar Prize?
A: Yes, the festival has a dedicated Volunteer Program.

Q: What are the responsibilities and roles?
A: Volunteers may assist with tasks such as festival operations, guest services, ushering, event logistics, community outreach, and more. (Exact roles may vary year to year.)

Q: Are volunteers compensated?
A: Yes, the festival pays honorariums for volunteers.

Q: How do I apply to volunteer?
A: Watch for calls for volunteers via the Sundar Prize site or social channels. Submit your interest (resume, availability) to the volunteer coordinator listed on the site. (Exact application email is not publicly posted, but you may reach out through the “Contact Us” page.)

4) How do I become a Sponsor?

Q: What is involved in sponsorship?
A: Sponsors support the festival financially, help with prize funds, venue costs, operations, etc. 

Q: What benefits do sponsors receive?
A: Benefits vary by sponsorship level. Some typical perks include:

• Logo placement on the festival website, program guide, and promotional materials 
• Mentions in opening/closing remarks, social media shout-outs, mentions in press releases
• Free VIP/all-access passes depending on the sponsorship level 
• Sponsorship packages are downloadable.

Q: What sponsorship levels exist?
A: The 2025 Sponsorship Package offers multiple levels (Presenting, Gold, Silver, Bronze, etc.) with corresponding benefit tiers. 

Q: How do I become a sponsor?
A: Contact Amar Sangha (Co-Founder, Sundar Prize) at info@sherpride.ca or via the sponsorship inquiry link on the Sundar Prize website.

5) How do I become a Community Partner?

Q: What is a Community Partner?
A: Community Partners are organizations that collaborate with the festival through cross-promotion, guest speaking, ticketing support, and donations.

Q: What are the benefits for a Community Partner?
A: Benefits include:

• Co-branded promotion
• Guest speaking opportunities
• Free tickets or passes
• Visibility in festival materials and promotions
• Networking with filmmakers and audiences

Q: How do I apply to become a Community Partner?
A: Contact the festival via info@sherpride.ca to express interest. Include information about your organization, how you’d like to partner, and what you can contribute (e.g. promotion, events, resources).

6) How do I sponsor a screening?

Q: What does “sponsor a screening” mean?
A: Sponsoring a screening means underwriting one film screening or program slot (venue, licensing, promotion). It’s a way to support the festival while associating your brand with a specific film.

Q: What are the benefits of sponsoring a screening?
A: Typical benefits include:

• Prominent logo and website link on the Sundar Prize sponsors page
• Logo placement in the program guide next to the sponsored film
• Recognition across the festival’s social media channels
• Mention of your sponsorship on the ticketing/Eventbrite page
• 2 All-Access VIP Festival Passes

Q: What is the cost to sponsor a screening?
A: The published amount is US$2,500 (or the equivalent in local currency) for a screening sponsorship level with full benefits.

Q: How do I arrange a screening sponsorship?
A: Download the Sponsorship Package and contact Amar Sangha at info@sherpride.ca with your desired film or program slot to sponsor.

7) Content (Programming, Themes, Genres)

Q: What kind of films does Sundar Prize accept?
A: The festival is open to films of any theme but has a strong interest in social impact, justice, and underrepresented voices.

Q: Are there preferred genres or subject matters?
A: Yes, the festival encourages films that engage with:

• Human rights
• Immigrants & refugees
• Social justice issues
• Indigenous peoples
• People of Colour and marginalized communities
• 2SLGBTQ+ narratives
• Environmental/climate topics
• Educational, wellness, and health storytelling

Q: Do you screen features, shorts, documentaries, animation?
A: Yes, the festival accepts various formats: narrative features, short films, documentaries, animation, etc.

Q: How is programming decided?
A: Submitted films are reviewed by jurors. The festival curators and jury select films for screening based on artistic merit, alignment with mission, and impact potential. 

8) Accessibility

Q: How do you ensure accessibility at festival events?
A: The festival is committed to making the event accessible to people with disabilities.

Q: Will there be closed captions, subtitles, or audio descriptions?
A:

• All non-English films screened must have English subtitles.
• The festival places high priority on subtitles as part of its accessibility practices
• (If available) Audio description or other assistive technologies may be arranged upon request, contact the festival in advance to arrange accommodations.

Q: What about venue accessibility?
A: The festival venues are chosen to be centrally located and accessible via public transit.

Q: How can I request accessibility accommodations?
A: Email the festival team well in advance with your requirements: info@sherpride.ca