Banner ID: A yellow gum wall background. On the left is a white circle with the KissFist logo inside. The logo is a blue half face with a beanie, and a fist making the sign for “kissfist”. The face is blowing a yellow bubble that says, “KissFist”. Below the bubble it says, “72-hr Film Challenge”. On the right of the banner is another circle with text: “FAQ”. In the lower right of the banner is a black silhouette of a rabbit with a beanie.
KissFist Film Challenge FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Do I have to be Deaf or Hard of Hearing to enter the KissFist Film Challenge?
Every team that registers for the KissFist Film Challenge must have at least one person who is Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled or Hard of Hearing (DDBDDHH). Your DDBDDHH team members must be actively involved in producing, directing, or acting in the film.
Do I have to be a professional filmmaker to enter the KissFist Film Challenge?
No! Anybody can join the KissFist Film Challenge. We encourage films from amateur filmmakers, professionals, and everybody in between.
If you've never made a short film before, check out the KissFist Resources page for tips and tricks.
Do I need a team to join KissFist?
We encourage you to make your film with a team, but it is not required. If you want, you can make the entire film yourself.
What is the age requirement to participate in this challenge?
All participants in KissFist 2024 must be at least 18 years old.
Who came up with the KissFist Film Challenge logo?
Buddy Elledge, Deaf Spotlight’s Marketing Director, collaborated with Jena Floyd to create this fantastic logo.
How It Works
How does the KissFist Challenge work?
Registration closed on Thursday, February 15 at 5pm PST.
On Friday, February 16, participants got an email from Deaf Spotlight with final instructions, including prompts.
February 16-19, participants had 72 hours to write, film, and edit a 3-5 minute short film!
Up to 6 KissFist film submissions will be shown at Seattle Deaf Film Festival (SDFF) in April 2024.
What are the prompts for this year’s film challenge?
The prompts for KissFist 2024 will be announced at the start of the 72-hour filming period on February 16, 2024 at 6:00 PM Pacfic Standard Time (PST). The prompts will include:
A theme
A genre
3 props
1 line of dialogue
What are the official rules?
Click here to read the Official Rules.
Can I submit a previously produced film?
No. All films must be written, produced, and edited only during this year’s challenge weekend (February 16-19, 2024). No previously filmed content, including stock footage, may be included in your entry.
Registration
How do I register for the KissFist Film Challenge?
Registration closed on Thursday, February 15 at 5pm PST.
What can I do to get ready for the KissFist Challenge?
Visit our KissFist Resources page for tips on how to prepare for filming and complete your video.
During the Challenge
What do I need to remember when creating and submitting my film?
Use the KissFist 2024 checklist to keep track of everything.
What do I need to submit at the end of the challenge?
A video file (1080p resolution, under 10 gigabytes)
A separate subtitles file (SRT format)
The following forms:
Entry Agreement
Release Agreement
Certification Statement
How do I upload my completed film?
Remember that you need a video file AND a separate subtitles file. The captions should not be burned onto the video.
Send us a link to your video and captions using one of the options below:
Upload your video and captions to Google Drive, Dropbox, or another download service. Send a download link to kissfist@deafspotlight.org.
Upload your video and captions to Deaf Spotlight’s WeTransfer. The email we send when the challenge starts will have a link to the WeTransfer.
I’m having trouble submitting my film. What can I do?
Please email kissfist@deafspotlight.org and describe the problem you are encountering.