Works may have originated on any film or video format, but they must be submitted for preview on a VHS videocassette. Multiple entries may be included on the same tape, but separate entry forms and fees must be submitted for each entry. The Festival reserves the right to recategorize entries if necessary. All entrants will be notified by August 15 . The Festival will announce first, second and third prize winners and honorable mentions in each of the four categories, a Director's Choice award, and an Audience Award.
Prizes are products and services provided by sponsors.
All finalists will receive prizes. The festival's world premiere will be held in Philadelphia in September 1998. A year-long tour of selected festival finalists will begin after the premiere. In previous years, the festival has screened in dozens of US cities, including New York and Los Angeles, and in Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Uruguay, Australia and New Zealand. Selected finalists will also be screened nationwide on the Independent Film Channel.