Participant & Subject Consent Policy

1. The Requirement of Informed Consent

Every person identifiable by face, voice, or distinctive likeness in your film or reel must have given voluntary, informed consent prior to or during the filming process. Informed consent means the subject understands:

• Who is filming them and the general purpose of the video;
• That the video is being submitted to the National Reels & Short Film Competition 2026;
• That the video, if shortlisted or awarded, may be screened at the Grand Finale and showcased on official digital channels;
• That their participation is voluntary and they may request removal before final competition judging begins.

2. Consent for Minors (Children Under 18 Years)

Filming children and adolescents requires special sensitivity:

• Parental/Legal Guardian Consent: Written or recorded verbal consent from a parent or legal guardian is strictly mandatory for any minor appearing prominently in an entry.
• Child's Assent: The child must also willingly agree to participate. A child should never be coerced, manipulated, or subjected to distress for dramatic effect.
• Safety and Protection: Depictions that compromise child safety, reveal private residence addresses, school uniforms with identifiable badges without permission, or distress minors are grounds for immediate disqualification.

3. Consent from Elderly and Vulnerable Family Members

Because family legacy documentaries frequently feature grandparents and senior citizens:

• Ensure the elder is comfortable, rested, and genuinely enthusiastic about sharing their memories.
• Explain where and how their interview will be seen in simple, considerate terms in their mother tongue.
• Never record individuals suffering from severe cognitive impairment in an exploitative, mocking, or sensationalist manner. Honor their dignity always.

4. Filming in Private Homes and Personal Spaces

Filming inside private homes, ancestral properties, or sensitive family gatherings requires permission from the head of the household or relevant family members. Respect personal boundaries, sacred family spaces, and private artifacts.

5. Historical Photographs, Letters, and Family Archives

Using vintage photographs, letters, diary entries, or heirloom recordings is enthusiastically encouraged as part of our legacy themes. Ensure you have the moral and legal right within your family circle to share these intimate items publicly.

6. Oral vs. Written Consent

For ordinary family members in non-commercial reels, recorded verbal consent (e.g., recorded on camera or voice note before filming starts) is acceptable for initial submission. However, if your entry is selected for the Top 100 Shortlist or Grand Finale broadcast, you may be requested to produce a signed Model Release Form.

7. Standard Family Story Model Release Template

You may use or adapt this simple agreement with your interviewees and family members:

8. Grievance and Withdrawal

If any family member or featured subject later expresses distress or requests to be removed from a submitted entry, the creator must immediately notify the organizers at support@nationalreelsfilm.com. The competition committee will evaluate and act swiftly to protect subject welfare.