Festivals

SANTA BARBARA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

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Santa Barbara, California – USA
January 24 to February 3, 2013

The 28th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF), is a highly-anticipated eleven-day celebration of cinema taking place in one of California’s most beautiful seaside communities. SBIFF is proud to present a diverse slate of more than 200 films to over 70,000 film enthusiasts – an audience that includes industry professionals from nearby Los Angeles and around the world, local and regional film fans, and a large student population. Among a mix of attendees this varied and energized, attending filmmakers and guests alike are sure to expand their network and encounter incredible new stories.

Well-timed just a few weeks before the Academy Awards each year, SBIFF has become a glamorous must-stop for frontrunners on the awards season fast-track. The festival has developed a reputation as a strong prognosticator of Oscar favorites, having recognized Colin Firth’s performance in A Single Man, Viola Davis’s performance in The Help, Helen Mirren’s performance in The Queen, and Heath Ledger’s performance in Brokeback Mountain with its Outstanding Performance of the Year Award. The festival is also an Academy-qualifying festival for winning live action and animated short films.

At SBIFF, all participating filmmakers are offered two Platinum Passes and one complimentary night at one of the festival’s partner hotels. Assistance with travel is also provided, as well as admission to the SBIFF hospitality suite at the centralized and convenient Santa Barbara Hotel, offering continental breakfast and all of the amenities expected from a world-class event. The screening venues at SBIFF are second-to-none, including the historic and beautifully restored Arlington Theatre, which seats over 2,000 people – a cinephile’s paradise.

UPCOMING DEADLINE
September 21, 2012 – Regular Deadline

MISSION AND OBJECTIVE
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival is a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching local culture and raising consciousness of film as an art form. It presents quality American Independent, Spanish and Latin American, European, World and Documentary cinema within the beautiful setting of downtown Santa Barbara, a perfect backdrop and premier tourist destination.

MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
SBIFF offers a broad spectrum of films, tributes, and galas, as well as seminars with successful directors, producers, and screenwriters, including a few all-women panels dedicated to promoting and exploring opportunities for female filmmakers. In addition to honoring many of Hollywood’s established and beloved stars, SBIFF is the home of the “10-10-10 Competition,” a spirited contest of storytelling skill between students currently enrolled in Santa Barbara high schools and colleges. Ten writers are selected to write one ten-minute script each, and those scripts are then matched with ten filmmaking students. Those students are given ten days to shoot and edit a ten-minute short film during the festival. Films are screened and winners are announced on closing night, making SBIFF the rare film festival experience that doesn’t simply screen films, but also produces them.

In addition, SBIFF offers an array of memorable and exciting programs for the benefit of young people, including “AppleBox,” a free, family-oriented, mini-film festival; “Field Trip to the Movies,” an arts education expedition for fifth- and sixth-graders; and “Silver Screen Bash,” the festival’s largest fundraiser for free children’s education and community outreach.

With a program that equally delights industry guests, film-loving families, and attending filmmakers of all types, Santa Barbara International Film Festival delivers a top-notch experience, no matter what you’re looking for. Submit your film today for the chance to enjoy the sights, sounds, sand, and cinema of Santa Barbara!

European Film Festival

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8 Annual October 14, 2012 to November 17, 2012

MISSION & OBJECTIVE
The European Film Festival’s mission is to bring quality international independent film to the widest possible audience in Europe and beyond.

The Festival aims to provide a cultural alternative to the commercial film experience, to support independent filmmakers, and promote the art of filmmaking

The European Film Festival was established to utilize the power of film to further the goal of inter-cultural understanding among nations and to assist in the building of a shared artistic experience.

No medium is better positioned than film to enable people to understand, question and affect the world around them.

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
The European Film Festival, held every October and November in cities across Europe, showcases the best of international independent film. With events in dozens of locations all over the continent, the Festival screens over 150 narrative features, documentaries, shorts, and music videos. Now in its sixth year, the Festival has grown into a world-class event, uniting new filmmakers with critics, scholars, film masters, and the movie-loving public.

The European Film Festival is dedicated to new filmmakers. We accept films in every genre, on any topic, from every country around the world. Special attention is paid to new directors, and films that overcome budget limitations in new and innovative ways. The European Film Festival brings attention to the most talented emerging filmmakers, showcasing their work to audiences around Europe.

ORGANIZERS
Mary Symmons (Festival Registrar) ; Mary Symmons (Festival Registrar)

GENERAL RULES
Submissions must have been completed after January 1, 2005.

Films must not have had any commercial theatrical play in the EU. The European Film Festival does not require films to be world or EU premieres. Screenplays must not have been produced.

Films in a language other than English must be subtitled in English for Festival presentation. Screenplays must be in English.

For submission purposes, DVDs may be works-in-progress, films with temporary soundtracks, or digital outputs

OPEN CALL FOR ENTRIES • Select a Category of Entry to continue.

Narrative Feature (budget under €15k)
Narrative Feature. Film budget must be under €15k ($15k USD).
Narrative Feature (budget under €150k)
Narrative Feature. Film budget must be under €150k ($150k USD).
Narrative Feature (budget over €150k)
Narrative Feature. Film budget may exceed €150k ($150k USD).
Documentary Feature
Short Documentary (under 30 minutes)
Short documentaries of under 30 minutes.
Lesbian and Gay Film
Experimental Film (under 30 minutes)
Short Film (under 50 minutes)
Short Short (under 5 minutes)
Animated Short (under 50 minutes)
Music Video
Feature Screenplay
Short Screenplay (under 50 pages)
Screenplay Pitch (under 3 pages)

Oxford Film Festival

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10 Annual February 21, 2013 to February 24, 2013

MISSION & OBJECTIVE
The Oxford Film Festival was created in 2003 to bring exciting, new, and unusual films (and the people who create them) to our city, a vibrant college town frequently featured in national publications and rich in artistic heritage.

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
The four-day Oxford Film Festival continues to attract quality films and highlight the talents of young filmmakers from all over the world to North Mississippi to screen alongside the work of local filmmakers and has been praised for its hospitality. In 2008, the Oxford Film Festival became an independent non-profit organization with 501c3 status committed to celebrating the art of independent cinema.

The festival screens short and feature-length films in both showcase and competition settings, hosts panel discussions on issues in contemporary filmmaking, and invites the filmmakers to interact with the audience at a number of social events.

The Oxford Film Festival entertains and educates its participants, providing residents and visitors with the opportunity to watch independent films, as well as to meet the filmmakers and learn from industry professionals. The variety of films, in addition to the panels, attracts filmgoers of all ages and backgrounds.

ORGANIZERS
Diala Chaney (Hospitality Director) ; Diala Chaney (Hospitality Director) ; Dwayne Butcher (Filmmaker) ; Dwayne Butcher (Filmmaker) ; Melanie Addington (Communications Director) ; Micah Ginn (Production Director) ; Michelle Emanuel (Operations Director) ; Michelle Emanuel (Operations Director) ; Molly Fergusson (Executive Director) ; Oxford Film Festival Judge

GENERAL RULES
ENTERING TIPS
• Online screeners are encouraged. Entry fees have been discounted for films with Secure Online Screeners. Otherwise, please send 2 copies of the DVD with this application.
• Upon acceptance, filmmakers will be asked to provide a prores 422 file to the festival, a DVD backup, as well as a high-resolution photo file for printed materials.
• Entry title and name of entrant must be on all materials and containers.
• Applicants will be notified of decision by or before December 15, 2012.
• The Festival is not responsible for materials damaged or lost in transit. TRACKING NUMBERS ARE ENCOURAGED.
• Keep a copy of your completed application for reference.
• Separate applications are required for each film—even if one entity is submitting more than one film.

EXHIBITION FORMAT
• Please note that the Oxford Film Festival is a digital-only festival. We will screen your film as a digital file through a digital projector.
• We do not accept HD-Cam as an exhibition format.

In your Withoutabox Online Project Details, please include:
1. A 30-word synopsis of your film (to be used in press materials).
2. A one-paragraph synopsis of your film.
3. A list of previous screenings and any awards.
4. Digital press kit is optional but VERY MUCH appreciated. PLEASE DO NOT SEND PAPER PRESS KITS.
6. Completed entry form (One entry form per submission. Work entered in multiple categories must be accompanied by an entry form for each category).

Entry Fee:
Send check or money order in U.S. funds, payable to
Oxford Film Festival

ENTRY FEES WILL NOT BE RETURNED.
The Festival reserves the right to impose a $20 surcharge for returned checks.

Animation

Animated films can be feature length or short length. Computer generated or hand-drawn (old school style). Selected films will be shown as a block. There is not a “children’s film” block.

Documentary Feature The documentary category is generally understood to mean non-fiction. Isn’t the truth stranger than fiction, anyway? Please submit “mockumentaries” under the narrative (fictional) categories.
Documentary Features are at least 45 minutes in length.

Experimental Open to interpretation, frequently misunderstood, representative of an ever-changing world of non-linear sublimity, oblivious to commercial success — experimental film is art, subjected to critique.

Narrative Feature A Narrative Feature is neither a short nor a documentary. This is a live-action category for fictional works. Animated features should be submitted under Animation.
Narrative Features are at least 45 minutes long.

Documentary Short The documentary category is generally understood to mean non-fiction. Isn’t the truth stranger than fiction, anyway? Please submit “mockumentaries” under the narrative (fictional) categories.
Documentary Shorts are less than 45 minutes in length.

Narrative Short A Narrative Short is not a documentary short. This is a live-action category for fictional works. Animated shorts should be submitted under Animation.
Narrative Shorts are less than 45 minutes long.



Recommended: the ANIMANIMA Festival

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Visit if you can !!

6 September 2012 – 9 September 2012

Contact: Milen Alempijević

E-mail: executive@animanima.org

Phone: 00 381 32 341 068

Fax: 00 381 32 225 073

Address: Dom kulture Čačak
Trg ustanka 2
Čačak
32000
Serbia

 

A principal aim of the ANIMANIMA festival is to affirm the art of animation, through featuring works of national and international authors. The works themselves comprise the most diverse techniques, ranging form the classical ones to the contemporary computerised techniques; they also cover a variety of forms, including artistic, commercial educative, experimental and other. Last but not least, the festival aims to bring together authors form all over the world, in a friendly and creative atmosphere.

Additional notes

There are two categories in the festival competition: films with the running times up to 30 minutes, and animated commercial or music video. Outside the competing segment, there is the special sections (reviews, lectures, retrospectives, miscellaneous shows, etc.), as well as the fringe events (exhibitions, concerts, promotions and similar events). There is a three-member Serbian Selection Comitee that selects the films for the festival, and there is a three-member international Jury that is in charge of the festival awards.

ZERO FILM FESTIVAL

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New York, New York – USA
November 6 to 12, 2012

The 5th Annual Zero Film Festival – New York, is a one-of-a-kind event exclusively dedicated to self-financed filmmakers. Injecting talented writers and directors into one of the most robust film communities in the world, Zero Fest is proud to put the festivities back into the film festival experience while creating a globally interconnected community of creative professionals. Filmmakers who earn distinction at New York’s Zero Fest are automatically eligible for programming in other Zero Fest cities, including Toronto, Los Angeles, and London.

Zero Fest presents a $500 USD audience award, and a grand jury prize that includes a distribution offer through the festival. Select short films will also be offered distribution through the LoWave label, and some travel and accommodation will be provided for select feature filmmakers. All attending filmmakers can enjoy industry parties and panels, in addition to all screenings and festival events.

At its core, Zero Fest is a platform for underrepresented and emerging filmmakers and artists that offers up an energized and progressive festival atmosphere, year after year. Rather than build events around exclusive “VIP” access, Zero Fest’s parties are open to all, filling unique venues from Manhattan to Brooklyn, with the best DJs from the indie music scene always on hand to keep the parties in full swing until dawn.

UPCOMING DEADLINE
September 5, 2012 – Late Deadline

MISSION AND OBJECTIVE
Zero Film Festival is an independent not-for-profit organization firmly committed to supporting under-represented filmmakers and exhibiting the world’s best self-financed films for cinema lovers everywhere. Zero Fest focuses on community, inclusivity, innovation, and just plain good times for anyone who loves making, viewing, or talking about films.

MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
Several Zero Film Festival alumni have gone on to receive distribution deals, including Darine Hotait, whose film Beirut…Hide & Seek received Zero Fest’s Audience Choice Award in 2010. Other filmmakers celebrated at Zero Fest – including Lovisa Inserra, director of Betty Bangkok – have received funding for future projects. Most importantly, Zero Film Festival alumni form a far-reaching and tight-knit network with other emerging filmmakers, industry, and media.

If you’re a self-financed filmmaker on the hunt for a festival that understands the independent spirit, submit to Zero Film Festival – New York today!

THE PRODUCERS GUILD WEEKEND SHORTS CONTEST

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Open to Entrants Worldwide
September 28 to 30, 2012

UPCOMING DEADLINE
September 12, 2012 – Regular Registration Deadline

MISSION AND OBJECTIVE
The mission of the Producers Guild Weekend Shorts Contest is to support talented producers through the Producers Guild’s Debra Hill Fellowship and to bring the inspirational spirit of Debra Hill’s life and work to new generations of storytellers. Entries for this competition will reflect themes and elements found in Debra Hill’s films, and revenues raised by the contest will fund the PGA’s Fellowship.

MORE ABOUT THE CONTEST
Filmmakers must pre-register to participate in the Contest, and all films must be submitted by the completion deadline on September 30 to be considered in competition. Exact challenge details and story requirements will be distributed to all registered entrants at the beginning of the 48-hour filming period and will reflect themes and elements found in Debra Hill’s films. Completed films should be no longer than five minutes in runtime, and will be evaluated based on creative merit, technical execution, and fulfillment of the assignment. Winners will be announced on November 9, 2012.

Register for the Producers Guild Weekend Shorts Contest today, and get ready to flex your creative muscles in a fast-paced and fascinating storytelling challenge while benefiting the Producers Guild’s Debra Hill Fellowship!

The 2nd Annual Producers Guild Weekend Shorts Contest, is benefiting the Producers Guild of America’s (PGA) Debra Hill Fellowship. A pioneer among women in film production, Debra Hill charted a course from production assistant to writer-producer of some of the most successful films in history. By the time of her death in 2005, her filmography included crowd-pleasing hits like Halloween and Escape from LA, as well as the critically-lauded Academy Award-nominee The Fisher King . Uniquely dedicated to honoring Hill’s memory and achievements, the Weekend Shorts Contest is proud to bring the adventurous spirit of her life and work to a new generation of filmmakers and audiences. The Contest is open to all filmmakers worldwide 18 years and older; registrants need not be a member of the Producers Guild to enter.

The Producers Guild invites producers of all experience levels to participate in this exciting contest. Tailored to test both storytelling ability and production efficiency, entrants must craft memorable and effective films based upon a pre-assigned topic, with a maximum of 51 hours at their disposal. All entrants will receive the same assignment, but each will no doubt approach the subject with his or her own individualized flair. Completed productions will be submitted online and evaluated by accomplished industry professionals – including producers Gale Ann Hurd and Stacey Sher – each of whom had strong personal friendships with Hill.

The Contest will award First-, Second-, and Third-Place prizes, each of which includes guidance and mentorship from a well-respected member of the PGA. Additional prizes designed to help emerging talents advance their filmmaking careers include a $60,000 USD gift certificate from Panavision, a one-year subscription to Movie Magic, and a $10,000 gift certificate for grip and electric rentals from Cinelease.

 


BOULDER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

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Boulder, Colorado – USA
February 14 to 17, 2013

UPCOMING DEADLINE
September 7, 2012 – Regular Deadline

MISSION AND OBJECTIVE
The Boulder International Film Festival is committed to bringing the best in international filmmaking to the heart of Colorado and to celebrating talented filmmakers of the past, present, and future. More than a film festival, it is a community that expands and intensifies with each passing year, creating opportunities for filmmakers to further strengthen their connections and their output.

MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
BIFF has hosted some of the industry’s most talented and celebrated artists including Academy Award-winning director Oliver Stone; Academy-nominated actors James Franco, Alec Baldwin, and Eric Roberts; Emmy Award-winning actress Blythe Danner; legendary comedian Chevy Chase; and Golden Globe-nominated actress Maria Bello, along with many other independent filmmakers, directors, producers, and stars.

Located at the foot of the stunning Rocky Mountains, Boulder is just 45 minutes from Denver International Airport and has been voted “#1 Most Creative City” by The Daily Beast, “Smartest Town in the U.S.” by Forbes Magazine, “Place you Dream of Living” by Backpacker Magazine, “The Foodiest Town in America” by Bon Appetit, and “Best Place to Live” by Men’s Journal. And with stellar ski slopes, restaurants, and attractions not far from the festival action, there will be plenty to see, do, and imbibe when you’re not basking in the light of the big screen. Don’t miss out…submit your film to the Boulder International Film Festival today!

the 9th Annual Boulder International Film Festival (BIFF), a four-day celebration of cinema that attracts over 20,000 film enthusiasts, media, and industry each year. With exciting networking events, A-list filmmaker and celebrity attendees, an inviting local community, and some of the best films and filmmakers working today, it’s clear why BIFF was named one of Moviemaker Magazine’s “25 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee” and “25 Coolest Film Festivals.” BIFF offers independent filmmakers first-rate hospitality, numerous opportunities for exposure, and huge, enthusiastic audiences eager to embrace unique voices.

Last year’s BIFF celebration was a banner event; the festival honored veteran television and film star Martin Sheen (Apocalypse Now, The West Wing), Oscar-nominee William H. Macy (Fargo, Boogie Nights), producer Anthony Bregman (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind), and writer-director Lawrence Kasdan (Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Big Chill). Year after year, film fans descend on Boulder by the tens of thousands to rub elbows with the best in the business, and this year’s festival promises to be no different.

Whether you’re a household name, an established filmmaker, an up-and-comer, or just a fan of outstanding storytelling, BIFF is ready and waiting to give you the star treatment. Visiting filmmakers enjoy complimentary accommodations just a few blocks from the festival’s main venue – the historic, 900-seat Boulder Theater – and receive a VIP pass to galas, parties, and other great networking events. With all of this outstanding hospitality, it’s no wonder why Chris Gore, founder of Film Threat, called BIFF “a festival that should be at the top of every filmmaker’s list.” For cineastes eager to mix and mingle with like-minded film lovers, BIFF is a must-visit destination event.


Palm Springs International Film Festival

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24 Annual January 03, 2013 to January 14, 2013

The Palm Springs Film Festival welcomes narrative feature submissions from the United States and internationally.

The festival welcomes non-fiction documentaries for programming during the festival.

MISSION & OBJECTIVE
“The Palm Springs International Film Festival is the premier presenter of world cinema on the North American continent”.

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
Located in the beautiful Coachella Valley at the base of Mt. San Jacinto in southern California, the Palm Springs International Film Festival is one of the largest film festivals in the country, screening over 200 films from more than 60 countries to an audience of over 120,000.

From ages 5 to 85, the festival brings together communities as diverse as the retired citizens of the desert, the young, hip industry crowd of Los Angeles and film aficionados from around the world. The festival also features cultural events, filmmaker tributes, industry seminars and an annual black-tie gala award presentation.

The festival screens a majority of the official international submissions to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for Best Foreign Language Film. We also present the largest festival of short films in North America. Our 23rd Annual Festival will be held January 5-16, 2012. This festival is a “must see.”

ORGANIZERS
Christine Asaro (Accountant) ; Christine Asaro (Accountant) ; Darryl Macdonald (Executive Director) ; Helen Du Toit (Artistic Director) ; Ken Jacobson (Programming Coordinator) ; Ken Jacobson (Programming Coordinator) ; Ken Jacobson (Programming Coordinator) ; Ken Jacobson (Programming Coordinator) ; Rhea Lewis (Managing Director) ; Rhea Lewis (Managing Director) ; Rhea Lewis (Managing Director) ; Rhea Lewis (Managing Director) ; Rhea Lewis (Managing Director) ; Rhea Lewis-Woodson (Managing Director) ; Steve Wilson (Publicist)

GENERAL RULES
PLEASE NOTE ALL DEADLINES ARE “RECEIVED BY” DEADLINES, NOT POSTMARK DEADLINES!

SUBMISSION REGULATIONS:
1. Submitted films must be 70+ minutes for narrative features and 50+ minutes for documentary features. No short films will be accepted.

2. Please label the submitted DVD with the film title, running time and contact email and phone number

3. the film must have been completed in 2012 or 2013. Films completed in 2011 will only be considered if they premiered in 2012; films premiering prior to 2012 will not be considered

4. The film must not have been screened previously in the Coachella Valley (includes Palm Springs)

5. The film must not have been broadcast in U.S. prior to end of 2013 Palm Springs International Film Festival or viewed on the Internet

6. Rough cuts or cuts with “temp” sound will be accepted. Please list directly on the DVD what elements of your film are missing

7. More than one entry may be submitted. Each entry must include a separate entry form and submission fee. Films submitted without proper payment will not be considered. Entry fees are non-refundable.

ONCE YOUR FILM IS ACCEPTED FOR THE FESTIVAL:
1. Films accepted for the festival must be feature length (70+ minutes) or Documentary Feature (minimum 50 min) and must be shown in 35mm, DCP, Digibeta, HDCAM, or BluRay formats only in their original language with English subtitles.

2. The number(s), date(s), time(s), and location(s) of the screenings of films are at the discretion of the Festival.

3. The print supplier will be responsible for the cost of shipment to the Festival. The Palm Springs International Film Festival, in turn, will return the print postage prepaid to the supplier or to the next destination as indicated by the supplier. The Festival will not be responsible for international return shipping costs for U.S.-produced films.

4. The Festival takes utmost care of your entry, and provides insurance for loss or damage to a maximum value of $500.00 USD. The Festival does not pay additional charges for originals, masters, or special prints.

5. Participation in The Palm Springs International Film Festival implies understanding and acceptance of all terms included in this application.

SLAMDANCE FILM FESTIVAL

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Park City, Utah – USA
January 18 to 24, 2013

UPCOMING DEADLINE – Slamdance Film Festival
September 5, 2012 – Regular (Received-By) Deadline

MISSION AND OBJECTIVE
A festival designed for and by filmmakers, Slamdance serves as a showcase for the discovery of new and emerging independent artists and is dedicated to the nurturing and development of their visions.

MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
In addition to bestowing Sparky Awards in a variety of categories, accompanied by significant cash and in-kind prizes, Slamdance is also proud to offer its Best Cinematography Award, sponsored by Kodak. This award honors great visual flair with 10,000 feet of Kodak film stock, ensuring that its winner will have plenty of canvas on which to paint his or her next masterpiece.

Running concurrently with the Sundance Film Festival, Slamdance offers exceptional opportunities for professional and personal growth as guests network, party, engage with press outlets, and celebrate their work in picturesque Park City, Utah. Slamdance accepts films in every genre, on any topic, from every country around the world. The festival program is selected from 100% blind submissions and does not disqualify any film based on its premiere status or date of completion.

Submit your film today for the chance to showcase your work in Park City as part of a truly unforgettable and eye-popping week of great cinema!

The 19th Annual Slamdance Film Festival, is  a globally recognized festival honoring new filmmakers with bright futures. Since its founding in 1995, Slamdance continues to be organized and programmed by active filmmakers with an enthusiasm for powerful storytelling.

All films submitted to Slamdance are seen and scored by two programmers, and are selected by majority vote in final deliberations. This unique Slamdance selection process ensures that no film is granted early acceptance or preferential treatment. Additionally, the festival’s main feature competition is strictly devoted to films with a budget under $1 million, without domestic theatrical distribution, and helmed by first-time feature directors. Other competitive categories include short films, documentaries, music videos, underground films, and experimental projects. At Slamdance, the voice of the independent filmmaker takes center stage.

Several high-profile filmmakers got their start as Slamdance discoveries, including Christopher Nolan (Inception, The Dark Knight), Marc Forster (Finding Neverland, Quantum of Solace), and Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite, Nacho Libre ). Slamdance is ever eager to uncover its next huge success, and that’s why every filmmaker who attends gets the “A-List” treatment: passes that grant access to all parties, screenings, fireside chats, and happy hours; a slew of press and industry contacts; and the kind of warmth and hospitality that leaves a lasting impression. Whether or not your film nabs the coveted Slamdance Sparky, you’ll still go home feeling like a winner.

 


Foyle Film Festival

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25 Annual November 21, 2012 to November 25, 2012

MISSION & OBJECTIVE
The Foyle Film Festival‘s main aim is to provide access to cultural cinema, film industry workshops and moving image education to a regional and visiting audience, and to showcase the films of emerging local and international filmmakers.

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
Foyle Film Festival is the flagship project of the Nerve Centre. From its earliest days, it has pursued an integrated development strategy, linking together the different art forms – film, music, animation, new media – across the interlocking sectors of production, training, education and exhibition. The key elements of Foyle Film Festival are its thematic content, diverse programme strands and special industry events which have been developed to meet the evolving interests of its audience.

The ethos is to offer a range of contemporary, classic, cultural and new cinema to a local and visiting audience and to provide access to cultural cinema to the general cinema going public in this region.

In addition, the Festival targets schools and colleges with a series of curriculum based screenings, workshops and presentations which runs for five days of the event. A new theme is adopted each year which shapes the Festival forum as well as the main education programme.

The Festival is also committed to showcasing indigenous work and providing opportunities for the local industry to meet and hear leading experts from the film industry in a masterclass and workshop situation. These have included workshops with special effects experts, composers, writers, cinematographers, actors and animators plus film historians and film journalists.

Please see our website http://www.foylefilmfestival.org for the awards list which we qualify for including the Oscar, BAFTA and BIFA.
ORGANIZERS
Bernie McLaughlin (Festival Director & Programmer) ; Bernie McLaughlin (Festival Director & Programmer) ; Bernie McLaughlin (Festival Director & Programmer) ; Eavan King (Competition Manager)

GENERAL RULES
Regulations for Participation 2012

Please read ALL of the below rules and regulations for the Foyle Film Festival before entry.

Keys: FFF – Foyle Film Festival, CM – Competition Manager, LIM – Light In Motion, DVD can also mean Blu Ray as we accept both.

Anything in CAPITALS means that you should pay particular attention to the rule/regulation stated.

Date and Venue
The 2012 Foyle Film Festival will take place in Derry, Northern Ireland from Wednesday 21-Sunday 25 November 2012.

Organisers
The 2012 Foyle Film Festival is a project of The Nerve Centre and will be organised and managed by the Festival Director Bernie McLaughlin. The competition will be managed by Eavan King.

Rule 1: By entering FFF your agreeing to all of the Competition rules and regulations stated below by FFF, Withoutabox and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (for International Short, Irish Short and Animation). Please see http://www.oscars.org/awards/ academyawards/rules/rule01.html for full Oscar rules and regulations.

COMPLETION DATE
All films must be completed after 1 January 2011.

Rule 2: All entries are to be made through Withoutabox. No exceptions. You must enter online and then send your DVD to the festival office.

Competition
The Competition section of the Festival is divided into the following categories:

A. Best Short Film
B. Best Animated Short Film
C. Best Documentary Film

Rule 3: You can only enter your film into one category.
If you are entering more than one film please make sure that they are eligible for each category you wish to enter that and you pay a separate fee for each film. If you wish to enter a number of films (Film Collective) you must put each film on a separate DVD and pay a fee for each entry.

Rule 4: The Festival reserves the right to place films into alternative categories if it feels it is to the benefit of the filmmaker. This will be discussed with those relevant before any decision is made.

Rule 5: Your film must not be available online or have shown on another medium e.g. TV. If your film is on YouTube, etc. then it will be automatically withdrawn from the competition. The only exception to this rule is the documentary category which can have been shown on another medium, but again not online.

Rule 6: Subtitles
The significant dialogue or narration of all films must be in English, or the entry must have English-language subtitles. Exceptions can be made for films that contain little or no dialogue.

Rule 7: Film Format (Submission and Exhibition)
Films selected for screening during the Festival are to be on DVD format. Both submission and exhibition will be on DVD. In most cases, we will use the DVD screener sent for submission, for exhibition, unless otherwise stated by the filmmaker at time of acceptance with due cause.

We accept all regions and aspects (NTSC, PAL and SECAM). We would prefer regions 0, 1 (USA) or 2 (UK), but all are acceptable. Please see the category technical requirements for a complete list of acceptable regions. Please make sure that your DVD plays in a DVD/Blu-Ray player before sending it to us.

PLEASE NOTE: ALTHOUGH YOU CAN SCREEN YOUR FILM ON DVD FORMAT DURING THE FESTIVAL, IF YOUR FILM WINS AT FOYLE FILM FESTIVAL, IT MUST BE AVAILABLE ON 35mm FILM PRINT ONLY IF YOU WISH TO ENTER IT FOR OSCAR CONSIDERATION. THE ACADEMY WILL MAKE NO EXCEPTION TO THIS RULE.

The Documentary category is not eligible for Oscar consideration.

ONLY SEND THE FINISHED VERSION OF YOUR FILM. WE DO NOT ACCEPT RE-EDITS OR WORKS IN PROGRESS..

Rule 8: Duration
All Short films should not be more than 40 mins. long.
A Documentary must be a minimum of 40 mins. long.

What you must send
For each entry the following must be sent:
* A DVD copy of the film being entered with your tracking number on the disc and the box or envelope for postage.

On your disc please put:
Name of film
Tracking number
Category you wish to enter
Aspect ratio
Contact details for submission contact

Due to the high number of entries we receive, DVDs will be separated from their boxes for storage.

We do not require a full press kit at time of entry. If successful, we will ask for a press kit if/when your film is accepted. PLEASE use the Withoutabox on-line press kit service. It’s free for all the basic press kit requirements.

In the interests of saving the environment please do not send lots of paper.

Rule 9: Publicity
The Festival reserves the right to use extracts from submissions for TV coverage or any other publicity that is used in the promotion of the Festival.

Submission

SUBMISSION REFERS TO SUBMISSION OF THE DVD (NOT THE ONLINE APPLICATION FORM). The 25th Foyle Film Festival 2012 submission dates are Friday 11 May-Friday 21 September. There are no Early Bird Entry Dates this year and no staggered payments. Entry fee the whole way through the submission process is fixed at £40 standard entry and £35 for WAB members. PLEASE NOTE: The discounted WAB Fee is only available to submitters that have upgraded their project.

All fees must be paid. FFF and Withoutabox take failure to pay the relevant and correct fee very seriously. An email from the CM will be sent to the entrant in this event. After a warning, failure to pay will result in disqualification. YOUR FILM WILL NOT BE VIEWED IF THE RELEVANT PAYMENT HAS NOT BEEN MADE.

Waivers (free entry) are granted only to select filmmakers who have been invited to submit by the Festival Director. Please do not email us and ask us for waiver. We receive thousands of requests and all are turned down.

Rule 10: All entries for FFF must arrive before the final deadline of 21 September 2012. (Applications after this date will not be accepted).
Please ensure you keep a copy of the accompanying rules and regulations.

The Festival reserves the right to change the criteria under certain circumstances. If changes do happen – submitters will be notified in writing of any changes to submission terms or criteria.

Shipping Instructions
Both submission and exhibition will be on DVD. In most cases, we will use the DVD screener sent for submission, for exhibition, unless otherwise stated by the filmmaker at time of acceptance with due cause. When accepted, if you do wish to send an exhibition DVD, it must reach the FFF office at the time stated by CM once accepted. This date must be respected. Beyond this deadline the film’s participation in the Festival cannot be guaranteed. Notification of despatch of the DVD to the Festival should be sent in advance.

The shipping cost of the DVD (Submission/Exhibition) to the Festival plus the customs and fees is the responsibility of the sender and the sender alone (this includes customs fees incurred at either end). MARK ON YOUR SHIPMENT “FOR CULTURAL PURPOSES ONLY TEMPORARY IMPORT” and of low/no value. If you want to pay for insurance, this is done solely at your own discretion.

PLEASE NOTE: THE FOYLE FILM FESTIVAL WILL NOT PAY ANY COSTS RELATING TO ANY COURIER/POSTAGE – INCLUDING FEDEX – THAT FILMMAKERS CHOOSE TO SEND THEIR ENTRIES WITH. THE FILMMAKER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST OF GETTING BOTH THE ENTRY COPY AND IF THEY WISH THE FINAL EXHIBITION COPY OF THE FILM ON DVD TO THE FESTIVAL. ALL COSTS AND DUTIES, ETC., ARE THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE FILMMAKERS. FURTHER, IF ANY FILMMAKER USES A COURIER AND TRANSFERS THE COST TO FOYLE FILM FESTIVAL, THEN THIS ENTRY WILL BE DISQUALIFIED WITHOUT ENTERING INTO ANY DISCUSSION.

Use of packaging
If at all possible please avoid using padded envelopes. We cannot recycle them. If your DVD arrives broken through postage we will allow you to send another copy without paying an extra fee. Again, another reason to enter early. If this happens at a much later stage we may be unable to allow for time to post and screen. The CM has discretion in all matters.

We regret that we cannot return any submission/exhibition DVDs.

Selection
A special committee nominated by the Festival management selects the films for the Festival programme. The Festival management may invite films for the competition and programme.

Unsuccessful applicants will be informed via email and your submission status on your entry page will reflect this on or before the 12 October 2012. Emails can be mislaid … so please assume if you have not heard from us by the specified deadline (12 October 2012) that you have been unsuccessful at this time.

All successful applicants will be informed by email/telephone before or on the 12 October 2012. The selection committee’s decision is final. A final list of those films screening in Competition at the 2012 FFF will also be posted on the festival website (www.foylefilmfestival.org). If your film does not appear on this list then your film is not screening in competition in the 2012 FFF.

The category winners will be announced at the closing evening LIM Awards Ceremony, Sunday 25 November 2012. Absent winning filmmakers will be contacted by telephone or email. Winners in all categories will receive a Light In Motion (LIM Award). If you cannot be present at the ceremony, your LIM Award will be posted out to you.

Please send your entries to the address below:

Eavan King
Competition Manager
Foyle Film Festival
Nerve Centre
L/Derry
BT48 6HJ
N. Ireland
UK

Any enquiries or if you would like clarification on any of the above please get in touch.

E: e.king@nerve-centre.org.uk
T: +44 (0)28 7126 0562 (Ask for Foyle Film Festival Office)

Good Luck.
Eavan King, Competition Manager FFF 2012