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Peer Review

Process

Why This System Works

  • Fair & Artist-Driven - Ensures that actual filmmakers, not industry execs, decide the winners.

  • Encourages Engagement – Forces artists to immerse themselves in others’ work.

  • Balanced Scoring – With multiple judges per film, it prevents one extreme score from impacting results.

  • Custom Award Recognition – Helps highlight each film’s strengths rather than forcing it into rigid categories.

  • Constructive Feedback – Helps artists grow by providing valuable insights.

Judging System for FABA Films

Image by Denise Jans

 1. Each Filmmaker is Assigned 5 Films to Judge

  • Every artist who submits a film is required to watch and review 5 other films.

  • Films are assigned randomly. We reserve the right to reassign films to prevent bias. (e.g., no friends judging each other).

  • Judges must watch the full film before submitting scores.

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 2. Scoring Criteria (1-10 Scale for Each Category)

  • Originality & Creativity – How unique, imaginative, or fresh the film feels in its concept, storytelling, or execution. 

  • Story & Writing – Is the story compelling and well-structured?

  • Directing – How well was the film executed from a director’s standpoint?

  • Cinematography – Is the visual composition strong and engaging?

  • Editing & Pacing – Does the film flow well and hold attention?

  • Sound & Score – Is the audio clear, and does the music enhance the film?

  • Acting – Are the performances believable and compelling?

  • Overall Impact – Did the film leave a lasting impression?

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 3. Award Categories (Must Choose A Minimum Of One For Each Film)

  • Judges will select anywhere between one - five award categories they believe best represent the film’s strengths.

  • Example: If a film has stunning visuals but weaker acting, the judge might select Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and Best Sound Design rather than Best Performance.

  • This allows films to shine in their strongest aspects and tailors the award recognition to each project’s unique strengths.

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 4. Judging Deadline Requirement

  • All filmmakers must complete their five film assignments by the 22nd of each month.

  • Failure to submit scores and feedback within the deadline will result in your film being disqualified from streaming on our platform.

  • This ensures fairness and engagement, as all participants are contributing to the community-driven festival.

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 5. Reviews & Feedback

  • Each judge must provide at least one piece of written feedback (e.g., “Loved the cinematography, but the pacing felt slow in the middle”).

  • All reviews will be shared with the filmmaker once each review is screened by the FABA Films team.

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 6. Winners Selection

  • Films with the highest average scores in each category win.

  • In case of a tie, a secondary panel of top-rated filmmakers (from that festival cycle) will make the final decision.

 

 7. Audience Choice Award

  • In addition to peer judging, the general public can cast their vote for the Audience Choice Award by liking their favorite film's poster on the FABA Films platform. The film with the most likes at the end of the month wins!

Main Awards:

  1. Best Picture – The top overall film of the festival.

  2. Best Director – Recognizing outstanding direction and artistic vision.

  3. Best Screenplay – Awarded for the most compelling storytelling and writing.

  4. Best Cinematography – Honoring excellence in visual storytelling and camera work.

  5. Best Editing – For films with the most effective and creative editing.

  6. Best Lead Performance – Recognizing an outstanding lead performance.

  7. Best Supporting Performance – For an exceptional supporting performance.

  8. Best Sound Design – Awarded for excellence in audio, including sound effects and mixing.

  9. Best Original Score – Recognizing the best musical composition for a film.

  10. Best Production Design – Awarded to films with outstanding set design and visual world-building.

  11. Best Experimental Film – Honoring bold, unconventional, and avant-garde filmmaking.

  12. Best Animated Film – Honoring excellence in animated storytelling.

  13. Best Documentary – Awarded to the most impactful and well-crafted documentary film.

  14. Best Comedy Special – Awarded to the most outstanding stand-up or comedic performance filmed that delivers originality, timing, and unforgettable laughs.

  15. Best Horror – For the film that haunts, thrills, and leaves a lasting chill—honoring the most creatively terrifying storytelling.

  16. Best Musical – Awarded to the film that turns stories into songs, blending music, performance, and narrative with flair.

  17. Best Sci-Fi / Fantasy – For the film that builds worlds, bends reality, and takes us beyond the imaginable.

  18. Best Drama – Celebrating powerful storytelling, emotional depth, and compelling performances that hit hard and linger long.

  19. Best Web Series Episode – For a single episode that stands out with originality, character, and binge-worthy energy.  

  20. Best International Film – Honoring exceptional work created outside the U.S.—stories that cross borders and speak universal truths.  

  21. Best AI-Enhanced Film – Celebrating creative and intentional use of AI tools.

  22. The Sacred Voice - Honoring bold storytelling that explores religious freedom.

  23. Best Film Trailer – Grabs attention, builds excitement, and leaves us wanting more. 

  24. Best Film Poster – Awarded for striking, standout poster design.

  25. Best Costume & Makeup – Honoring exceptional wardrobe and character design.

  26. Audience Choice Award – Given to the film with the highest audience engagement and votes.

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*All categories available in feature-length, shorts, micro films, comedy specials, & web series. 

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Image by John Moeses Bauan
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