Orientation Guide · 2026
We, The Chosen Ones®
The working council of FFTG Awards Film Fest®.
- 6th Edition
- Fully Digital
- IMDb Qualifying
The Arrival
Hi,
Filmmaker
You replied to the invitation.
That is why this is reaching you.
01
The working council of FFTG Awards Film Fest®.
We, The Chosen Ones® is where filmmakers move from having their own film selected to shaping what gets selected next.
From over 100 Official Selections, nominees, and awardees of the previous year, a small group of filmmakers moves into this each year. Entry is invitation only.
Six to nine members is the working principle. In some years we’ve gone to ten or twelve when the strength of the slate called for more eyes. The number bends to the work, not the other way around.
This is a responsibility. Not a reward.
02
Where this comes from
Part of the fest from the beginning.
FFTG Awards Film Fest® began in 2020. We, The Chosen Ones® has been part of the fest from day one.
Each year, filmmakers who have been selected return to shape what moves forward next. This is how the work stays honest.
03
What you do
Watch. Read. Respond.
You watch every assigned film or read every assigned screenplay in full.
You respond with notes and scores through FilmFreeway.
Your evaluations influence Official Selections, nominations, and final outcomes.
04
What you do
How selection works
Selection happens individually. There is no comparison. Only the work in front of you.
Every project is reviewed by three to four council members. A project needs a minimum of three thumbs up to move forward. The Festival Director makes the final call.
3 to 4
3
05
How decisions take shape
Patterns emerge across the council.
Each film is experienced independently. Different perspectives will align or differ. That is part of the process.
Over time, patterns emerge across the council. That is what shapes what moves forward.
Final decisions are made by the Festival Director.
06
Fully digital. Independent.
No live deliberations. No committee calls. You review at your own pace, within the given window.
All submissions assigned to you are watched or read completely. All feedback is submitted through FilmFreeway. You can revisit and update your reviews at any point.
07
The year, laid out.
May 2026
Reviewing begins gradually
October 18, 2026
Submissions close
October 30, 2026
All reviews completed
November 15, 2026
Official Selections announced
November 29 to December 13, 2026
Festival runs
08
The slate, across the cycle.
Across the cycle, council members collectively review around 50 to 75 works. Across shorts, features, documentaries, experimental work, and screenplays.
Each member is assigned a portion of the slate. The flow stays consistent across the timeline. No spikes. No dumps.
09
Every decision carries weight.
Watch the work. Read the script. Respond honestly.
10
Space to speak, if you choose.
The Journal | The Frequency |
|---|---|
Written reflections | Short audio-led pieces |
Published under your name | Three-minute format |
Shaped with the editorial team | Produced with you
|
11
What you give. What you receive.
You will | You will receive |
|---|---|
Sign an NDA | Official Jury Member, FFTG Awards 2026 |
Share your details | Certificate of Acknowledgment, January 2027 |
Record a short introduction video | Partner benefits and waiver codes Active review dashboard for updates |
The seat you are being invited to.
Last year, these filmmakers watched and read every project assigned to them. Six voices from four corners of the world. The work that came through them is on the record.
Aleysha-Jade Melville
London, United Kingdom | Majid Asadi
Iran |
Mikheil Gabaidze
Georgia | Reza Khabbaz
Iran |
Setareh Laal
Iran | Zahra Mojahed
Afghanistan and Germany |