Effective Date: February 2026
Last Updated: February 24, 2026

1. Code of Conduct

All participants are expected to:

✅ Treat everyone with respect, dignity, and professionalism
✅ Respect personal boundaries and consent
✅ Use inclusive language and avoid discriminatory remarks
✅ Listen when someone says “no” or “stop”
✅ Report incidents immediately to festival staff

❌ Do not engage in:

• Harassment of any kind (verbal, physical, visual, or written)

• Discriminatory behavior based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, or any protected characteristic

• Unwelcome sexual advances, comments, or attention

• Intimidation, stalking, or following

• Deliberate disruption of screenings, panels, or events

• Photography or recording without consent

• Retaliation against anyone who reports an incident

2. What Constitutes Harassment

Harassment includes, but is not limited to:

Verbal Harassment:

• Offensive jokes, slurs, or derogatory comments

• Unwelcome comments about appearance, body, or personal life

• Threats, intimidation, or aggressive language

• Racial, ethnic, or cultural slurs

Physical Harassment:

• Unwanted touching, hugging, or physical contact

• Blocking someone’s path or cornering them

• Physical intimidation or assault

Visual Harassment:

• Displaying offensive images or gestures

• Staring, leering, or unwanted photography

• Sharing private images without consent

Online/Digital Harassment:

• Sending unwanted messages or comments on social media

• Cyberbullying or doxing festival participants

• Sharing personal information without consent

3. Reporting Process

How to Report an Incident

During the Festival:

1. Immediate Safety Concerns:
   Contact festival security immediately or call 911 if there is immediate danger.

2. Report to Festival Staff:
   Approach any staff member wearing an HCFF badge or lanyard and say:
   “I need to report a safety concern.”

3. Dedicated Safety Contacts:

   • Safety Coordinator: Roselyn Omaka – 713.932.0699

   • Festival Director: Roselyn Omaka – 713.932.0699

4. Reporting Station:
   Visit the Information Desk at [Location] to file a report in person.

After the Festival:

• Email: safety@houstoncomedyfilmfestival.com

• Online Form: Coming Soon

• Phone: 713.832.0699

What Happens When You Report

1. Immediate Response – A trained staff member will speak with you privately within 15 minutes.

2. Documentation – We will document the incident with your consent.

3. Support – We will offer you support options (safe space, escort, contact person).

4. Investigation – We will investigate the matter promptly and confidentially.

5. Action – Appropriate action will be taken, which may include:

   • Warning the individual

   • Removing the individual from the event

   • Banning the individual from future festivals

   • Involving law enforcement if necessary

Confidentiality: All reports will be handled with discretion. Your identity will be protected to the extent possible while allowing us to address the situation.

No Retaliation: We prohibit retaliation against anyone who reports an incident or participates in an investigation.

4. Consequences for Violations

Individuals who violate this policy may face:

• Verbal warning

• Removal from the current event without refund

• Ban from future Houston Comedy Film Festival events

• Notification to industry organizations or partner festivals

• Referral to law enforcement

We will take action in real time, not after the show.

5. Bystander Intervention

If you witness harassment or unsafe behavior:

✅ Check in with the person affected: “Are you okay? Do you need help?”
✅ Interrupt the behavior if it’s safe to do so
✅ Document what you see (time, location, description)
✅ Report to festival staff immediately

You don’t have to be directly affected to report. We value active bystanders who help keep our community safe.

6. Accessibility & Accommodations

We are committed to making HCFF accessible to everyone:

• Wheelchair-accessible venues

• ASL interpretation available upon request (contact us 2 weeks in advance)

• Quiet spaces for sensory breaks

• Gender-neutral restrooms

• Assistance animals welcome

Need an accommodation? Contact accessibility@houstoncomedyfilmfestival.com

7. Special Considerations

Panels, Q&As, and Public Speaking Events

• Moderators are trained to pause or stop events if harassment occurs

• Audience members who disrupt events or make offensive comments will be removed

• Filmmakers have the right to decline answering inappropriate questions

Alcohol Policy

• Festival events serving alcohol will have staff trained to monitor behavior

• Intoxication is not an excuse for violating this policy

• We reserve the right to deny service or entry to intoxicated individuals

Photography & Recording

• Do not photograph or record anyone without their consent

• Respect “No Photo” requests from filmmakers and attendees

• Press credentials do not override personal consent

8. Staff & Volunteer Training

All HCFF staff and volunteers receive training on:

• Recognizing harassment and discrimination

• Responding to reports with empathy and professionalism

• De-escalation techniques

• Confidentiality and documentation

• Resources for affected individuals

9. Partner & Sponsor Expectations

All sponsors, vendors, and partner organizations must:

• Abide by this Safety & Harassment Prevention Policy

• Ensure their representatives are trained on appropriate conduct

• Refrain from creating or distributing offensive marketing materials

Violations may result in termination of partnership.

10. Resources

Local Support:

• Houston Area Women’s Center (24/7 Hotline): 713-528-2121

• Houston Police Department (Non-Emergency): 713-884-3131

• Crisis Text Line: Text “HELLO” to 741741

• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673

Festival Resources:

• Safety Coordinator: Roselyn Omaka

• Quiet Room: for anyone needing a break

11. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually and updated as needed. Feedback is welcome at safety@houstoncomedyfilmfestival.com.

12. Acknowledgment

By attending Houston Comedy Film Festival, you agree to abide by this Safety & Harassment Prevention Policy. We are committed to creating a festival where everyone can celebrate comedy, storytelling, and community without fear.

Questions? Contact us at info@houstoncomedyfilmfestival.com

Houston Comedy Film Festival
Creating safer spaces for filmmakers and film lovers.

#HCFFSafe