Terms & Conditions

Effective Date: September 1, 2025

Welcome to ceresfilmfest.org (the "Website"), operated by Palms for Life Fund, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located at 136 Longvale Road, Bronxville, NY 10708 ("Ceres", "we", "our", or "us").

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing this Website, purchasing festival passes, attending festival events, or submitting films, you agree to these Terms & Conditions. If you do not agree, please do not use our services. We may update these terms at any time by posting revised terms on this page.

2. Festival Passes & Tickets

2.1 Purchase

Festival passes and tickets are sold through our authorized ticketing partners. All sales are final unless otherwise specified in our refund policy below.

2.2 Festival Pass Usage & Event Attendance

By purchasing a festival pass or attending any festival event, you acknowledge and agree that:

• You waive and release Ceres, its affiliates, staff, volunteers, venues, and partners from all claims for any loss, damage, injury, liability, or expense you may suffer in connection with your festival pass usage, event attendance, or participation in related activities

• This waiver applies to all festival activities covered by your pass, whether online or in-person

• You assume all risks associated with festival attendance, including but not limited to: personal injury, property damage, technical difficulties with online content, and exposure to communicable diseases

• Festival events may be filmed or photographed for promotional purposes, and you consent to your image and voice being used in such materials

2.3 Refund Policy

• Event Cancellation: Full refunds will be provided if Ceres cancels the festival

• Individual Cancellation: Refunds are not provided for individual cancellations unless required by law

• Event Changes: Ceres reserves the right to modify event schedules, venues, or formats. Such changes do not entitle you to a refund

• Refund requests must be submitted to hi@ceresfilmfest.org

3. Film Submissions

3.1 Submission Requirements

• You must own all legal copyrights to submitted films

• You must obtain all necessary photo releases and music licensing

• Films cannot defame or infringe upon any person's rights

• Modifying third-party pre-existing work does not qualify as original creation

• Stock footage permitted but cannot exceed 50% of total footage

3.2 Rights Granted to Ceres

By submitting a film, you grant Ceres a non-exclusive, worldwide license to:

• Screen your film at festival events, online, and at educational/promotional events

• Use excerpts, stills, and clips for marketing and promotional purposes

• Make copies for judges and festival programming

You retain full ownership of your film and may submit it elsewhere without restriction.

3.3 Submission Process

Submit films via our website form or FilmFreeway. All submissions are on a rolling basis. Selected filmmakers must provide photo releases and digital downloads upon request.

4. Website Usage

4.1 User Accounts

Some website features may require account creation. You agree to:

• Provide accurate, current information

• Maintain the security of your login credentials

• Notify us immediately of unauthorized account use

4.2 Prohibited Uses

You may not use the Website for:

• Commercial purposes (except purchasing festival products)

• Illegal activities or copyright infringement

• Distributing malicious software or spam

• Attempting to damage or disrupt the Website

5. Intellectual Property

All Website content (videos, text, images, logos, etc.) is owned by Ceres or its licensors and protected by copyright and trademark laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or modify any content without written permission, except for personal, non-commercial use.

6. Privacy & Data Collection

6.1 Information Collection

We collect information you provide (name, email, payment details) and automatically collect usage data (IP address, browser type, pages visited).

6.2 Use of Information

We use your information to:

• Process ticket purchases and manage your account

• Send festival updates and promotional emails (with your consent)

• Improve our Website and services

• Comply with legal obligations

6.3 Information Sharing

We do not sell your personal information. We may share information with:

• Payment processors to complete transactions

• Service providers who assist with Website operations

• Legal authorities when required by law

6.4 Email Marketing

By providing your email, you consent to receive festival updates. You may unsubscribe at any time using the links in our emails.

7. Force Majeure & Event Cancellation

Ceres reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or modify the festival due to circumstances beyond our control, including but not limited to: natural disasters, public health emergencies, terrorism, technical failures, or government restrictions. In such cases:

• We will provide reasonable notice when possible

• Refunds will be provided at our discretion

• We are not liable for related travel, accommodation, or other expenses

8. Disclaimers & Limitation of Liability

8.1 Website Disclaimer

The Website is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind. We do not guarantee uninterrupted access or error-free operation.

8.2 Limitation of Liability

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW:

• Ceres shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages

• For festival-related activities, our liability is limited to the amount you paid for your festival pass

• For other Website activities, our total liability shall not exceed $100

• Some jurisdictions do not allow these limitations, so they may not apply to you

9. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold Ceres harmless from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your breach of these terms or violation of any law or third-party rights.

10. Governing Law

These terms are governed by New York State law. Any disputes will be resolved in the federal or state courts of New York.

11. General Terms

• If any provision is found invalid, the remaining terms remain in effect

• These terms constitute the entire agreement between you and Ceres

• Ceres may assign these terms to third parties

• Our failure to enforce any provision does not waive our right to enforce it later

12. Contact Information

Questions about these terms? Contact us at:

• Email: hi@ceresfilmfest.org

• Mail: Palms for Life Fund, Inc., 136 Longvale Road, Bronxville, NY 10708