Contest Rules and Eligibility Requirements

Artificial Intelligence (AI):

This is an AI-free event. Please do not submit AI generated content in your film. Films using AI Audio (music/voiceovers) or AI Visuals (photos, videos, and images) will not be accepted.

Media Sources:

Music/Audio, Videos/Photographs, Books/Articles and Art

All media used must be original, in the public domain and copyright-free, royalty free (purchased with a license), or you must have special permission from the creator. You will need to submit complete and accurate documentation of all media used in your film. Please carefully track and log all media sources, including the specific website and URL links. You will need to supply a complete detailed media list, including specific websites and exact URL on the Materials Release Form when you submit your film. Information needs to be concrete and verifiable.

Title Slide and Closing Credits:

Your film is required to begin with a movie title slide and end with closing credits. Please cite all the filmmakers, actors, media sources and any special “thank you” or acknowledgements in the closing credits of your film.

Team Lead:

Every student, even if you are on a team of 2-4 students, must submit their own application by deadline date – or the film will be disqualified.

Every film must also designate one Team Lead. The lead is responsible for ensuring that the film group submits all their vital paperwork on time, including individual team member applications. The Team Lead will submit all the additional required forms (Materials License Agreement, Photo Image Release, Proof of Written Consent if applicable) and the Final Film on behalf of the entire group. This is submitted just once.

Films that do not furnish all the complete information by deadline date of February 16, 2026 (midnight) will not move forward. For any minor participant (age 17 or under) their parent/guardian must also sign the forms.

Film Finalists:

Finalists are required to attend the High Tide Film Screening and Awards Ceremony on the evening of Thursday, April 30, 2026 at the Aquarium to receive their awards and cash prizes. Finalists must be present to win, or their awards and cash prizes will be forfeited and move on to the next level in the contest. We will distribute awards and cash prizes equally among all member of the Film Submission Group.

Filmmakers, please note this important date, April 30, 2026 on your calendar.

Eligible Filmmakers:

The High Tide Film Festival is open to currently enrolled high school and undergraduate college students attending school in Southern California. Paid employees of the Aquarium of the Pacific (the “Aquarium”) are not eligible. Volunteers, contractors, and independent judges who are not on the Aquarium’s payroll may participate, unless they are directly involved in the planning, administration, or judging of the Festival. By submitting an entry, you confirm that you are a current So-Cal student and meet these eligibility requirements.

Eligible filmmakers may submit just one film into the contest in the proper High School or College category. If you are participating with a team, every member on the team must meet these eligibility requirements.