Wildcard Terms & Conditions


Last updated: 5 January 2026

TFI Wildcard Film Competition 2026

By entering the TFI Wildcard Film Competition 2026 (“Competition”), participants agree to the following Terms and Conditions:

 

 

1. Eligibility & Submission Requirements

1.1 Entry to the Competition is free of charge.
1.2 Entrants must be 18 years or older to register and agree to these Terms and Conditions.
1.3 Entrants under the age of 18 may participate only with the signed consent of a parent or legal guardian.
1.4 Films must be a minimum of 10 minutes and a maximum of 15 minutes in duration.
1.5 Films must include the TFI Wildcard Film Competition 2026 motion graphic, provided in the registration pack.
1.6 The final film must be original to the entrant(s) and created specifically for this Competition.
1.7 Submission format: All films must be submitted in a 16:9 aspect ratio and a minimum resolution of 1080p (Full HD).

 

 

2. Copyright & Music Use

2.1 Entrants must ensure they have full legal rights to all music used in their film.
2.2 Acceptable music use includes:

  • Original music created by the entrant(s).

  • Genuine royalty-free or copyright-free music libraries (entrants must verify authenticity).

  • Licensed music obtained through recognised providers such as Epidemic Sound or equivalent.

  • Music supplied by Harpoon as supplied by The Film Invitational

2.3 Films that do not comply with these music and copyright requirements may be disqualified.
2.4 Entrants are fully responsible for obtaining all necessary permissions and agree to indemnify The Film Invitational and all official event sponsors from any copyright infringement claims.

 

 

3. Competition Timeline

  • Submissions Open: 5 January 2026 at 7:00 pm (AEST)

  • Submissions Close: 2 March 2026 at 11:00 pm (AEST)

  • Round 1 Public Voting: 9 March – 23 March 2026

  • Round 2 Public Voting (Top 10 Films): 24 March – 7 April 2026

  • Winner Announced: 13 April 2026

 

 

4. Voting & Bonus Points

4.1 Round 1 Voting

  • All registered TFI Members may vote.

  • Members may vote for the films they wish to see progress.

  • The Top 10 films with the highest number of votes will advance to Round 2.

4.2 Round 2 Voting

  • TFI Members will vote again for the finalists.

  • From the Top 10, the Top 3 films will be determined by public voting.

  • The overall winner will be selected from the Top 3 by the TFI judging panel.

4.3 Bonus Points

  • 10 bonus points per brand will be awarded to films that feature Protect, Explore Life, THORZT products or Harpoon Music.

  • 10 bonus points will be awarded to entrants that submit a reel featuring Protect product/branding or Harpoon Music. 

 

 

5. Prizes & Opportunities

5.1 The overall winner will receive automatic entry into the 2026 TFI 4X4 Adventure Film Invitational, joining nine other invited teams.
5.2 The winner will receive $5,000 AUD prize money for competing in the Invitational.
5.3 The winning team will be required to produce a 20-minute film for the Invitational.

  • Filming period: 14 April – 14 July 2026

  • A separate contract will be issued outlining specific Invitational terms and conditions.

5.4 The Invitational includes a $100,000 AUD cash prize, awarded to the winning team as determined by public voting.
5.5 All prizes are non-transferable and cannot be exchanged, sold, or substituted.

 

 

6. General Conditions

6.1 By submitting an entry, entrants confirm that all footage and materials used are owned by them and that they hold the necessary rights for use.
6.2 Entrants grant The Film Invitational and all official event sponsors a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to use submitted films for showcasing, promotion, marketing, and future related events. This includes use across websites, social media platforms, digital streaming services, and live event screenings.
6.3 Entrants must respect local environments, fauna, and flora, and comply with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
6.4 All filming and production activities must be conducted safely and responsibly, without reckless behaviour or unnecessary risk to people or property.
6.5 All content must comply with community standards and must not infringe on the rights of any third parties.
6.6 Liability Waiver: Participation in the Competition is at the entrant’s own risk. The Film Invitational and all official event sponsors accept no responsibility for injury, loss, or damage incurred through participation, filming, or related activities.
6.7 Breaches of these Terms and Conditions — including copyright violations, illegal activity, environmental damage, or unsafe conduct — may result in immediate disqualification at the sole discretion of The Film Invitational.
6.8 The Film Invitational reserves the right to amend timelines, rules, or conditions where necessary. Any changes will be communicated to all registered participants.