Frequently Asked Questions
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ABOUT ATLANTIS
What are The Atlantis Awards?
The Atlantis Awards is an international film and screenplay competition dedicated to recognizing strong storytelling, disciplined craft, and distinct creative voice across a range of categories. We aim to support artists not only through recognition, but through continued visibility and advocacy beyond the submission process.
What makes Atlantis different from other festivals?
Atlantis is built on the principle that every submission deserves thoughtful consideration. We actively engage with the work we receive and strive to create meaningful opportunities for selected artists, including interviews, promotional features, and continued visibility beyond the competition cycle.
Our focus is not only on awarding projects, but on supporting the artists behind them.
Who is behind The Atlantis Awards?
The Atlantis Awards is led by a team of filmmakers, writers, and industry professionals with backgrounds in production, performance, and film analysis. Our judging panel includes film school graduates, working creatives, and dedicated film enthusiasts.
SUBMISSIONS & ELIGIBILITY
Who can submit to Atlantis?
We welcome submissions from filmmakers and writers around the world. Both emerging and established artists are encouraged to apply.
What categories do you offer?
Atlantis offers a range of categories across film and screenwriting, including feature screenplays, short scripts, and multiple film disciplines. Full category descriptions and requirements are available on our submission page.
Do you accept submissions in languages other than English?
Yes. We accept submissions from around the world.
Films must be in English or include English subtitles.
Screenplays may be submitted in their native language.
Do you accept works-in-progress?
Yes. Works-in-progress are accepted. Please note that the judging team will evaluate the specific version submitted.
Can I submit to multiple categories?
Yes. Projects may be submitted to multiple categories; however, selection is determined independently within each category.
Can I update my submission after applying?
Updated materials may only be submitted upon request by the programming team.
CURATED ENTRY PROGRAM
What is a Curated Entry?
The Curated Entry program is an optional submission tier that includes a formalized competitive assessment during jury deliberation.
What do I receive with a Curated Entry?
Eligible projects may receive a written evaluation summary outlining:
Category score breakdown
General competitive placement
Brief craft-based insight from the review process
How is this different from a standard submission?
Standard submissions are fully considered for selection but do not include feedback.
Curated Entries include an additional layer of evaluation designed to provide insight into how the project performed within its category.
How do I request my evaluation?
Evaluation summaries may be requested following Notification Day.
When will I receive my evaluation?
Evaluations are typically delivered within fourteen (14) days of request. Requests must be submitted within thirty (30) days of the live event.
CATEGORY GUIDE
The Atlantis Awards recognizes excellence across storytelling, performance, and filmmaking craft. Below is a complete breakdown of all categories, including our Curated Entry programs and specialized awards.
🔷 Curated Entry Programs
These are not award categories, but entry pathways.
Curated Entry Program – Feature Films
Curated Entry Program – Short Films
Curated Entry Program – Student Films
The Curated Entry Program is designed for filmmakers who want a comprehensive evaluation of their project.
- A festival concierge reviews the project and determines all categories where it is competitive
- The film is entered into multiple categories on the filmmaker’s behalf
- Ensures the project is considered across all relevant areas of craft
Note: Curated Entry is an administrative designation and does not carry a laurel on its own. Laurels are awarded per category.
🏆 Top-Level Awards
Best Picture
Awarded to the film that demonstrates the highest overall achievement across storytelling, direction, performance, and craft.
The Atlantis Vanguard Award
Recognizes bold, visionary work that takes creative risks and pushes beyond conventional storytelling boundaries. This award celebrates originality, ambition, and artistic identity.
🎬 Directing & Writing
Best Director
Honors outstanding leadership and creative vision in bringing a project to life.
Best Screenplay
Awarded to the strongest feature-length script based on structure, dialogue, and storytelling.
Best Short Script
Recognizes excellence in short-form screenwriting.
🎭 Performance Awards
Best Actor
Best Actress
Awarded for exceptional individual performances.
Best Ensemble
Recognizes a cast whose performances work cohesively to elevate the story.
Best Breakthrough Artist
Honors an emerging talent (director, writer, or performer) demonstrating exceptional promise and creative voice.
🌍 Identity & Voice
Best International Voice
Recognizes films that bring unique cultural perspectives or global storytelling voices to the forefront.
🎥 Film Categories by Format
Best Picture
Best Short Film
Recognizes excellence in narrative filmmaking by format.
Best Documentary Feature
Best Documentary Short Film
Honors non-fiction storytelling with strong narrative, perspective, and execution.
Best Animated Feature
Best Animated Short Film
Recognizes excellence in animated storytelling across formats.
Best Music Video
Awarded to music videos that demonstrate strong visual storytelling, creativity, and direction.
🎞️ Craft Categories
Best Cinematography
Recognizes excellence in visual composition, lighting, and camera work.
Best Film Editing
Honors the rhythm, pacing, and structure created through editing.
⚔️ Movement & Physical Storytelling Categories
These categories recognize the artistry of physical performance and action design, an area historically underrepresented in awards programs.
Best Stunt Performance
Awarded to an individual performer demonstrating exceptional physical precision, control, and execution.
Best Stunt Coordination / Choreography
Recognizes the design, planning, and safety-conscious execution of complex stunt sequences.
Best Movement Sequence
Honors a sequence where physical movement (action, choreography, or staging) is central to storytelling.
Best Physical Performance
Recognizes performances driven primarily through physicality rather than dialogue (including creature work, motion capture, or movement-based roles).
Best Stunt / Movement Reel
Designed for performers and teams without a full narrative film. This category evaluates skill, control, and presentation through compiled work.
🎓 Student Categories
Best Student Film
Recognizes outstanding filmmaking within a student production.
Best Student Director
Best Student Actor
Best Student Actress
Honors emerging talent in student-led productions.
📌 Important Notes
- A single project may be eligible for multiple categories
- The top five entries in each category are selected as nominees
- Final winners are determined in part by guest judges
- Entry into the Atlantis Awards does not guarantee nomination or winning
- All projects are evaluated based on individual merit and craft
❓ Still Have Questions?
Email us at contact@theatlantisawards.com and we’ll be happy to help.
JUDGING & SELECTION
How are projects evaluated?
Projects are reviewed by an independent panel and evaluated based on criteria such as originality, structure, character development, pacing, and overall execution.
Who judges the submissions?
Our panel consists of film school graduates, industry professionals, and experienced film enthusiasts with a strong background in storytelling and cinematic craft.
Do you read/watch every submission?
Yes. Every submission is reviewed in full as part of our evaluation process.
Will I receive feedback if I am not selected?
Feedback is available only through the Curated Entry program.
When will I be notified of results?
All applicants are notified on the designated Notification Day listed on our submission platform.
AFTER YOU SUBMIT
What happens if my project is selected?
Selected projects may be included in the official lineup and considered for awards. In addition, Atlantis actively supports selected artists through promotional features and visibility initiatives.
What is the Atlantis Artist Spotlight?
The Atlantis Artist Spotlight is an editorial feature highlighting selected filmmakers and writers through in-depth interviews, published on our platform and shared across our channels.
Will my project receive promotion or press coverage?
Select projects may be included in Spotlight features, video content, and targeted press outreach depending on placement and category results.
Does Atlantis support filmmakers beyond the festival?
Yes. We believe the relationship with artists does not end with selection. Atlantis alumni are always welcome to stay connected, and we continue to support and promote projects whenever possible.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Are submission fees refundable?
No. All submission fees are non-refundable.
Do you pay screening fees?
No. Atlantis does not pay screening fees.
How can I contact the Atlantis team?
For general inquiries, please contact:
contact@theatlantisawards.com