Rules SOON!-competition

The international SOON!-competition was organised for the first time in March 2022 and focuses on a new generation of filmmakers who, with their first or second film, are able to map out the world of young adults in an exceptional and cinematic way. These are films that have been acclaimed at prestigious international festivals, but also gems that have not yet had a breakthrough have a chance. 

A look into the future of author's cinema

Besides a strong scenario and cinematography, the SOON!-competition focuses on the uniqueness of the story and the author's mark. We want to give recognition to debutants but also to those who affirm their talent with a second feature film. Every year, a selection of 8 documentary, animation or fiction films is evaluated by a professional jury from the Young talents section of FFO, presided over by a Belgian or Dutch film professional. They determine which production will be awarded the prize for the 'Best Film'.

Awards / categories

  • The Best Film receives EUR 2,500. The cash prize is transferred to the rightful distributor/sales agent to support the distribution/promotion of the film.
  • The films in the SOON!-competition are also eligible for the UFK press award, determined by jury members appointed by the Union of Film Critics.

Eligibility

All feature films, regardless of genre, are eligible for the SOON!-competition. The right owners provide as much promotional material as possible or give permission to use film fragments for promotional purposes. No compensation is provided for this. The selection of a film in the SOON!-competition implies the consent of the rights owners to screen the film a minimum of one and a maximum of five times during the duration of the festival, after agreement of a BO split or screening fee.

The distributor/sales agent will provide a version with different subtitles free of charge for the jury if required.

Selection procedure

The team of FFO programmers makes the selection of the films in competition. The inclusion in the SOON!-competition is confirmed to the rights holders by email prior to the festival. The selection is not linked to a fee. 

A laurel 'Official Selection SOON!-competition - Ostend Film Festival' will be provided which the producer can use in the selected film and its promotional material. 

The decision of the selection committee to select or reject a film is final.

No correspondence will be entered into on this decision.

Award ceremony

Every year, a selection of at least 6 documentary, animation or fiction films is evaluated by a professional jury from the Young talents section of FFO, presided over by a Belgian or Dutch film professional. They determine which production will be awarded the title of 'Best co-production' in the COOP!

Deontological code for jury members

The jury members commit not to communicate anything to the outside world about the choice of winner(s), voting behaviour of fellow jury members or their own voting behaviour. The jury members undertake not to leak information about the closed meetings and the results. In case the jury members have direct ties with a production that is eligible for a prize, or in case of doubt, they must mention this beforehand and, if necessary, abstain from voting when the film in question is discussed.

Award

The award ceremony takes place during an official moment before a film screening in the presence of the jury president, the festival director and the audience present during the second half of the festival. The producer and distributor will be informed of the win and are kindly requested to delegate someone to attend the ceremony. Any travel costs will be reimbursed by the festival.

Partners

The official SOON!-competition of FFO is realised in collaboration with SOONER (streaming service). The partner will be mentioned in all communications regarding the SOON!

Organisation

The Ostend Film Festival and the SOON!-competition are organised by Les Films du Bord de Mer vzw.

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