Rules & Regulations

Please read carefully before submitting your work.

ELIGIBILITY

For our upcoming cycle, SIMA 2027, films must be completed between October 2025 and September 2026 to be eligible for entry. Each title is permitted to enter SIMA once. Titles that have entered in previous editions are not permitted to enter the competition in subsequent years. Each entry may be submitted by only one individual or organization. If the film is a co-production, the Entrant assumes full responsibility for notifying all co-production partners of the entry. In the event of multiple entries for the same film, copyright ownership will determine which entry is accepted. The Entrant is responsible for securing and clearing all rights.

CATEGORY RULES

FEATURE DOCUMENTARY — Individual, stand-alone documentary, 40 or more minutes in length.

SHORT DOCUMENTARY — Individual, stand-alone documentary, less than 40 minutes in length.

IMPACT VIDEO — Individual, stand-alone videos between 2 and 20 minutes across two distinct tracks: Innovations, showcasing social interventions and impact projects that offer innovative approaches to global issues; and Creative Impact, using creative storytelling to advance social advocacy, deepen understanding, and inspire action. Videos created primarily for fundraising or brand advertising are not accepted.

XR (EXTENDED REALITY) + INTERACTIVE — Individual, stand-alone XR and interactive projects—including VR, AR, MR, and 360-degree video—that push the boundaries of immersive storytelling and social impact.

IMPACT AI — Individual, stand-alone projects that integrate artificial intelligence into the creation, subject matter, or application of the work; advancing ethical, creative, and socially relevant uses of AI in media.

PRODUCTION COMPANY — Registered legal entity with more than five impact media productions in its history. Companies with a demonstrated track record and commitment to impact storytelling. (Documentaries, Narrative, Web Series, Interactive, Video Journalism, Cause Marketing, AI, and XR)

IMPACT CAMPAIGN — Campaigns for stand-alone documentaries submitted by the Impact Lead (e.g. Impact Producer, Impact Strategist, Film Producer, or Director). Note: The Impact Campaign Award is presented on a biennial basis—the next cycle will be SIMA 2028.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

All non-English language media entries must be subtitled in English.

Multiple projects may be submitted; however, each film must have a separate completed submission form.

Companies are eligible to submit in multiple categories (for example: Production Company and Feature), with each category requiring a separate submission form.

If your submission is shortlisted as a Finalist, SIMA will require an Electronic Press Kit (EPK) to be submitted via email to submit@simaawards.org, together with a high-resolution digital download of your film (MP4 / H.264 / 1080p / 10–25 Mbps).

ENTRY FEES

All entries must be accompanied by the appropriate entry fee.

Entry fees are non-refundable and cover registration, site security, submission management, and notification of results.

Early Bird Deadline (September 9th – September 18th)

Regular Deadline (September 19th – September 25th)

Late Deadline (September 26th – October 9th)

RIGHTS & PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS

Entry in SIMA grants SIMA the right to use submitted trailers, clips (up to two (2) minutes), trailer thumbnails, still photographs, posters, film descriptions, titles, names, biographical materials and data, trademarks, logos, and related promotional materials for evaluation, publicity, educational, archival, documentary, and promotional purposes. Such materials may be used by SIMA and its promotional partners, sponsors, media partners, educational partners, web aggregators, and other authorized third parties in connection with SIMA's programs, initiatives, websites, publications, communications, and nonprofit mission. This permission extends to all existing and future media platforms and formats, worldwide, in perpetuity. All submitted materials remain the property of their respective owners.

ENTRANT RESPONSIBILITIES

By submitting a film, Entrants confirm that they are authorized to submit the film and all accompanying promotional materials. Entrants are responsible for securing all permissions, licenses, and clearances necessary for the materials submitted in connection with the Awards, including trailers, still photographs, posters, promotional images, graphics, logos, and related materials.

COPYRIGHT

SIMA respects the intellectual property rights of filmmakers, photographers, artists, distributors, and other rights holders. If SIMA receives a credible claim that submitted materials may infringe the rights of a third party, SIMA reserves the right to remove or temporarily disable access to those materials while the matter is reviewed.

HISTORICAL ARCHIVE

Entrants acknowledge that submitted promotional materials may continue to appear in connection with past editions of the SIMA Awards, historical records, anniversary features, and other documentation and communications relating to SIMA and its nonprofit mission.

ACCEPTANCE OF RULES

Submission of a film constitutes the Entrant's acknowledgement that they have read and agree to these Rules & Regulations.