HELLO FILMMAKERS!
“Live+Jesus” was the motto of St. Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Catholic Church, and often found in his letters, writings and sermons. Growing up during the bloody turmoil of the religious wars in Europe, this 17th century Bishop of Geneva became a beacon of peace through his gentleness and devotion to teaching people at all levels of society how to live a life of Christian virtue through prayer and love for all people. It is the desire of the North American Salesian Network (NASN) to use this film festival to spread this “Salesian Spirituality” to a world in desperate need of healing and a path to both inner and exterior peace. We encourage our filmmakers to explore the Salesian quotes and themes provided in the guidelines to help you produce a message that will inspire the world to “Live+Jesus.” This event is sponsored by DeSales University and the North American Salesian Network.
AWARDS & PRIZES
A cash prize of $200 will be offered for both the Youth (up to and including High School students) and Adult (including collegiate) categories.
RULES & TERMS
The 2025 NASN Film Festival will take place at DeSales University on April 5, 2025 (see additional details below.) A screening of the finalist entries will be available for viewing on the Embraced By God YouTube Channel on April 6, 2025.
A special jury of men and women from Salesian religious and lay organizations will select the winning films.
By submitting your film you give NASN the right to exhibit or share the film.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING TO THE 2025 NASN FILM FESTIVAL
All submissions must be made using the FilmFreeway website, www.filmfreeway.com.
Copyrights, Music, and Other Licensed Materials
● The copyright statement should appear at the end of the final credits.
● Copyright the film to your production company or your own name. Do not use the school name.
● Any music (or other elements in the film) that are copyrighted and/or trademarked must be legally licensed by the filmmaker for use in the film. NASN reserves the right to require proof of licensing from the filmmakers. Music requires both a Sync License and a Master Use License. Trademarked elements (such as logos that are prominently featured) require a signed release from the owner of the trademark. Logos that appear incidentally, on wardrobe or in the background, are allowed under the Fair Use doctrine.
CONTENT
The NASN Film Festival is a public event that is presented by the North American Salesian Network (NASN) and sponsored by DeSales University. Rules relating to content are stricter than what is typically allowed to screen in TV/Film classes. Content that could be considered objectionable by NASN will not be screened. (graphic violence, nudity, excessive profanity, graphic drug use, exploitative situations & themes, etc.)
Please email nasnfilmfestival@gmail.com, if you have questions regarding the content of your film or photo.
Non-English videos may be submitted but must provide English subtitles.
JUDGING CRITERIA
Please keep in mind that the NASN Film Festival judges will evaluate submitted work by applying the following criteria:
1. Does the film have a Salesian theme which includes, either in the narrative or visually, a quote or quotes found on https://www.salesiannetwork.org/salesian-quotes-and-themes/? It should also include, either in the narrative or visually, the words “Live Jesus.”
2. Does the film clearly link the Salesian theme, either in the narrative or visually, to the Good News of Jesus Christ?
3. Is the film technically proficient?
WAIVERS AND RELEASE FORMS
All entrants to the Youth (under 18 years old) category must complete a waiver signed by a parent or guardian giving permission to enter this film festival. Waivers are available at the following link: https://www.salesiannetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/The-2025-NASN-Film-Festival.pdf
Completed waivers must be submitted to nasnfilmfestival@gmail.com for youth submissions to be considered.
All submitters confirm, by their submission, that they have obtained all legal permissions from all persons whose voice or image appears in the film. While it is a requirement to obtain releases, the releases do not have to be submitted. Various release forms are available for free download at the following link: https://www.salesiannetwork.org/697-2/.
If you have any questions, please contact NASN (North American Salesian Network) at nasnfilmfestival@gmail.com.