1. Festival Participation Terms
These terms address ticketing, admission, venue capacity, reservations, screenings, invited guests, photography and recording, restricted areas and participation in Festival events.
 
2. CODE OF CONDUCT
This Code establishes standards for respectful behavior at LIFF events and activities, including expectations regarding harassment, discrimination, personal boundaries, safety, inappropriate conduct and removal for violations.
 
3. CODE OF ETHICS
This Code of Ethics sets ethical guidelines for everyone who works with the Lighthouse International Film Festival (LIFF): staff, volunteers, board members, contractors and affiliates. It applies to all interactions, within the organization and with outside partners, so that LIFF remains respectful, transparent and true to its mission.

Mission and Values
LIFF is committed to integrity, fairness, transparency and accountability. As an arts organization serving independent film and its community, LIFF upholds ethical standards in everything it does. Everyone affiliated with LIFF must support its mission and the communities it serves.
Decisions regarding programming, awards, partnerships, finances, employment and governance must be made responsibly and without improper influence.

Transparency and Accountability
LIFF's policies, finances, selection processes and major decisions must be handled openly and accountably. Anyone acting for LIFF must disclose actual or potential conflicts of interest and must not use their position for personal or professional gain.

Fairness and Non-Discrimiation
LIFF offers equal opportunities and treats everyone fairly and with dignity. The Festival does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, marital or family status, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Decisions on programming, hiring, volunteers, partnerships and juries must be based on qualifications, artistic merit and the Festival's mission.

Inclusion and Diversity
LIFF values a wide range of voices, backgrounds and forms of artistic expression. Independent film is stronger when filmmakers and stories from underrepresented communities have a real chance to be seen and heard.
LIFF fosters inclusion in its programming, leadership, juries, partnerships and community work.

Respect for Artistic Independence
LIFF respects the creative independence of filmmakers and artists. Programming decisions must be free from pressure by sponsors, donors or other outside interests.
The Festival presents diverse viewpoints and supports freedom of artistic expression.
Ethical Film Selection and Jury Practices
Films and awards must be judged solely on artistic merit, following established Festival procedures.
Every submitted film is watched at least twice, by two separate reviewers. Anyone involved in selection or awards must disclose any relationship that could create an actual or perceived conflict of interest. Confidential information about submissions and jury deliberations must be handled responsibly.

Respect and Confidentiality
LIFF respects the privacy of everyone it works with, including filmmakers, staff, volunteers, donors, sponsors and jurors.
Confidential information obtained through LIFF must not be used for personal advantage or shared without authorization.

Responsible Stewardship
As a nonprofit, LIFF must use its resources responsibly.
All funds, donations, grants and property entrusted to the Festival must serve its mission and be managed with proper oversight.

Community Responsibility
LIFF is part of Long Beach Island, Ocean County and the wider independent film community.
The Festival strives to enrich local cultural life, support filmmakers and artists and encourage community participation.
Compliance with Laws and Regulations
LIFF is committed to complying with all applicable local, state and federal laws, including those on nonprofit governance, financial reporting, labor and data protection.

Commitment to Ethical Leadership
Everyone acting on behalf of LIFF, from board members to volunteers, shares responsibility for protecting its integrity and reputation.
Ethical concerns must be taken seriously and handled fairly. No one may face retaliation for raising a concern in good faith.

Our Commitment
LIFF views ethical practice as fundamental to its mission. Through integrity, transparency, fairness, inclusion, respect and responsible stewardship, LIFF seeks to keep the trust of the filmmakers, audiences, partners and communities it serves and to remain a festival where independent film is celebrated based on its contribution to the cinematic art form.
 
4. privacy policy
This policy explains how LIFF collects, uses and protects personal information through its website and the third-party platforms and services it uses, including Wix, Mailchimp, Eventive and FilmFreeway.
 
5. accessibility
LIFF is currently developing accessibility information for Festival venues, screenings and events. Additional information will be provided here.