contest

Literati Film Festival

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New York, New York – USA
November 26 to 27, 2012

The 2nd Annual LITERATI FILM FESTIVAL (LFF) is dedicated to exploring evocative, challenging, and emotionally resonant films from around the world. Taking full advantage of its dynamic New York City setting, this festival is uniquely designed for any filmgoer who is ready to embrace the bold, the strange, and the unfamiliar. Applicants are encouraged to submit not only finished films, but also scores, performance pieces, videos, and any in-progress materials for review.

Selected applicants will receive passes to LFF events and the opportunity to attend screenings at the prestigious Anthology Film Archives, an international center for the study, preservation, and exhibition of film and video. With the intention of encouraging the study of film as art rather than as entertainment, Anthology houses a reference library with the world’s largest collection of books, periodicals, and stills exploring avant-garde cinema.

Literati Film Festival offers its participants the chance to explore filmmaking’s robust past while helping to shape its limitless future. Alums Ben Russell (TRYPPS #3), Robert Todd (MORNING GLORY), and Alex McLeod (UNTITLED) have received acclaim after participating in LFF, and have continued to carry forward the off-beat spirit of the festival in their various projects.

UPCOMING DEADLINE
July 20, 2012 – Late Deadline

MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
The Literati Film Festival is located in New York City’s East Village, a renowned arts community surrounded by theaters, restaurants, pubs, and many other Big Apple attractions.

To enjoy the energizing sights, sounds, and flavors of New York and a bold, artistic program of films, submit to the Literati Film Festival today!

THE FILMSHIFT FESTIVAL

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FILMSHIFT FESTIVAL
Somerville, Massachusetts – USA
October 6 to 7 & 13 to 14, 2012

 

The 3rd Annual FILMSHIFT FESTIVAL celebrates the power of cinema to energize communities and change the world. Presenting films that tell unique and interesting stories from a variety of genres, including local projects, student works, and films that deal with environmental or sustainability issues, Filmshift marries filmmaking, community, and social empowerment for two unforgettable weekends just outside of beautiful Boston, Massachusetts.

Filmshift’s first-place winner will take home $1,000 USD cash, a downloadable copy of Final Draft’s professional screenwriting software, membership in Script Pipeline’s lauded screenwriting database, and the Festival’s “Shifty Award.” Cash, trophies, and other prizes will also be awarded to second-, third-, fourth-, and fifth-place winners, thanks to sponsors including Improv Boston, Script Magazine, and Cambridge Naturals.

Previous Filmshift programs have included such films as EARTHWORK, starring Academy Award-nominee John Hawkes; Indie Spirit Award-nominee MARWENCOL; and THE BURNING SEASON, featuring Hugh Jackman. All screenings take place at the historic Somerville Theater, a venue that has been entertaining audiences since 1914 and gives festivalgoers a taste of cinema history.

UPCOMING DEADLINE
July 16, 2012 – Regular Deadline

MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
Filmshift’s Student Film Showcase offers audiences a chance to witness the works of on-the-rise talents in a wide variety of genres, including Documentary, Music Video, and Horror. Acceptance into the Filmshift Festival is a great way for young filmmakers to stand out among their peers and show off what they can do.

Experience the power of film to change minds and communities…submit to the Filmshift Festival today!


LA FEMME INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

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Hollywood, California – USA  October 11 to 14, 2012

Upcoming is the 8th Annual LA FEMME INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, a four-day celebration of women filmmakers and a festival that is “by women, for everyone.” In addition to rewarding noteworthy films, hosting educational seminars, and offering networking opportunities for its attendees, LA Femme seeks to close the gender divide in front of and behind the motion picture camera while championing strong storytelling that empowers and enhances the diversity of women.

Set amidst the glitz and glamour of the Hollywood scene and attracting notable industry attention, LA Femme pursues national and international distribution opportunities for filmmakers who win top prizes in the Festival’s documentary and feature film categories. Through a variety of the Festival’s connections, all official selections may be considered for these and other unique opportunities. LA Femme has a strong record of seeing award-winning material make its way to screens both large and small. THE COLT, a 2005 LA Femme award-winner, debuted on The Hallmark Movie Channel that same year. BEAUTIFUL DREAMER was picked up by Showtime after winning at LA Femme, and five LA Femme documentaries have been programmed by the Independent Documentary Channel in 2012 alone.

Many of LA Femme’s guest speakers and honorees are familiar faces to film and television audiences. In 2010, Academy Award-nominees Angela Bassett (WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT) and Virginia Madsen (SIDEWAYS) were honored with LA Femme’s Pioneer Award and Visionary Award, respectively. Academy Award-winning screenwriter Diablo Cody (JUNO) and Directors Guild of America Award-winner Patty Jenkins have both been honored by LA Femme for advancing opportunities for women behind the scenes.

 

UPCOMING DEADLINE
July 16, 2012 – Late Deadline

MISSION AND OBJECTIVE
LA Femme International Film Festival is dedicated to supporting and nurturing the artistic entertainment productions of women for the benefit of international and domestic audiences.

MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
At LA Femme, filmmakers engage in an environment that is more collaborative than competitive, as each attendee plays an important role in advancing opportunities for women in the exciting world of filmmaking. A complimentary festival pass is offered to each LA Femme applicant whose material is not selected to be screened, ensuring access and support for all women working in film. But this festival isn’t just for the girls: LA Femme welcomes and encourages submissions from any male filmmaker who seeks to create, celebrate, and support strong female roles in cinema.

By providing a platform for showcasing terrific female-driven material, mentoring and inspiring the next generation of women filmmakers, and creating an inclusive and collaborative industry environment that celebrates diversity, LA Femme International Film Festival is a great place for filmmakers to take proactive and empowering steps toward their dreams. Submit today

LOUISVILLE'S INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF FILM

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LOUISVILLE’S INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF FILM
Louisville, Kentucky – USA
October 4 to 7, 2012

LOUISVILLE’S INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF FILM (LIFF), now in its fourth season. LIFF is a four-day celebration of independent film and the cultural and creative diversity that flourishes in Louisville, Kentucky. The annual program has expanded rapidly to include the Kentucky Youth Film Festival, which allows students the opportunity to pitch and promote their work, and the Kentucky Legends of Fame showcase, honoring an entertainment luminary and delighting audiences with one-of-a-kind live performances.

As its visibility, network, and reputation continue to grow, LIFF benefits from strong partnerships with Final Draft and with film distributors Barnholtz Entertainment and 3DD Entertainment. Several of LIFF’s programmed features have been picked up for distribution thanks to these and other relationships, proving that this is a festival dedicated to fostering connections and exposure, and yielding substantial results for the independent filmmaker. Cash prizes are awarded to winning filmmakers; the values of those prizes are determined by the number of festival entrants and have grown steadily, year after year.

Thanks in no small part to its formidable network of industry supporters, LIFF draws from a selection panel of experts that includes former network television executives, Emmy Award-winning actors, casting directors, and entertainment attorneys. Last year, every attending filmmaker had the opportunity to pitch to Barnholtz Entertainment’s Director of Acquisitions and was given professional feedback on their material – a truly valuable experience for LIFF’s exhibiting filmmakers.

UPCOMING DEADLINE
July 15, 2012 – Regular Deadline

MISSION AND OBJECTIVE
Louisville’s International Festival of Film is a sustainable, annual film festival located in Louisville, Kentucky, developed to showcase independent film, celebrate the cultural diversity of its surrounding area, and to support The Louisville Film Arts Institute.

MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
LIFF’s wide array of screenings, seminars, discussions, and celebratory events are held in many of the most picturesque locations in Louisville, including the Galt House hotel (where filmmakers are offered a reduced room rate), Glassworks, and the Muhammad Ali Center. “Breaking Bad” star Bryan Cranston calls Louisville a “delightful [and] ideal setting for a film festival.” LIFF’s opening and closing night ceremonies are rich with the spirit of storytelling. In 2011, actress and comedian Lily Tomlin performed her one-woman show to a sold-out crowd to benefit the Festival’s creative arts charity.

More seminars, guest speakers, and celebrations will be unveiled as the festival approaches, but it’s already clear that this year’s program will be top-notch. Submit your film to Louisville’s International Festival of Film today for your chance to take part!


EUGENE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

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The 7th Annual EUGENE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (EIFF), is presenting a diverse line-up of films from around the world and an informative program of interactive workshops, panel discussions, and networking events in Eugene, Oregon. EIFF receives entries from more than 30 countries annually, and accepts features, shorts, and short shorts in a variety of categories including narrative, documentary, science fiction, animation, young audience, art/experimental, comedy, television pilots, and more.

The Festival is renowned for its Screenwriter and Filmmaker Retreat, which offers attending artists the chance to meet, learn from, and collaborate with other attending writers, filmmakers, and special guests. This year’s industry participants are writer/producer Tom Sawyer (“Murder She Wrote”), Beverly Hills literary agent Ken Sherman, film and video distributor Mike Katchman, and acclaimed feature film concept artist Terryl Whitlatch. This year’s retreat will include a Concept Arts Workshop, where Whitlatch will discuss her work creating STAR WARS creatures and help those attending hone the art of visual storytelling and character development by guiding attendees through a concept world, “The Tales of Amalthea,” with its own ecology, culture, and inhabitants.

Over a half-dozen films have been acquired for distribution at EIFF over the years, and many more EIFF filmmakers have had their careers boosted by the many agents and other industry attendees that have discovered their work at the festival. Roger Corman raves that EIFF is “already one of America’s top film fests…and getting better every year.”

UPCOMING DEADLINE
July 13, 2012 – Regular Deadline

MISSION AND OBJECTIVE
In addition to screening great films and showcasing talented artists, the Eugene International Film Festival puts a special focus on networking, and strives to offer attending artists and guests a platform for connection and collaboration.

MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
Participating filmmakers vie for a number of awards in each category, including Most Original Film, Most Socially Engaging Film, the Wild Card Award – given for just about anything special, and the Cut to the Chase Award – given to the filmmaker that most efficiently captures the hearts and minds of the audience. All EIFF submitting filmmakers receive a free download copy of the “Showbiz Software Labor Guide for North America” and a complimentary Copic Marker Storyboard and Concept Art starter pen set, shipped from Imagination International, Inc.

If you’re looking for a fun and educational filmmaker getaway to the Pacific Northwest and a state-of-the-art venue to screen your film for industry guests, the Eugene International Film Festival is for you. Submit today!

Ann Arbor Film Festival

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Ann Arbor Film Festival

51 Annual March 19, 2013 to March 24, 2013

 

MISSION & OBJECTIVE
The Ann Arbor Film Festival is committed to support bold, visionary independent filmmakers, advance the art form of film and new media, and engage communities with remarkable cinematic experiences.

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
The Ann Arbor Film Festival is the longest-running independent and experimental film festival in North America. Internationally renowned as a premiere forum for film as an independent art form, the AAFF screens works across a broad range of genres including: experimental, animation, documentary, narrative and hybrid works. The AAFF is steeped in a rich tradition of ground-breaking cinema as thousands of filmmakers screened early work at the AAFF, including luminaries such as: Kenneth Anger, Agnes Varda, Andy Warhol, Yoko Ono, Gus Van Sant, Barbara Hammer, James Benning, Bruce Conner, Chick Strand, Les Blank, Lawrence Kasdan, and George Lucas.

The Ann Arbor Film Festival serves as one of the few Academy Award®-qualifying festivals in the United States for the Short Films category. The AAFF presents over $20,000 in cash awards to filmmakers in competition, as determined by the awards jury. The AAFF is highly competitive, receiving over 2,600 submissions annually from more than 60 countries. All submissions are reviewed by a minimum of 3 trained screeners, with many films watched and discussed collectively by 4 – 7 members of the festival screening team.

The festival main venue, the Michigan Theater, is a gorgeous 1920s movie palace with a historic organ that is performed prior to many of the programs. The theater has two screening spaces: the impressive 1,700-seat main auditorium and the state-of-the-art 200-seat screening room. The AAFF is committed to high quality exhibition of all films at the festival and presents work on 16mm, 35mm, super 8mm and digital formats.

Many accepted filmmakers attend the festival as guests each year and receive complimentary festival pass, housing with host families, shuttle transportation to/from airport, filmmaker party, catered green room and swag bag. The AAFF also provides additional opportunities for select filmmakers accepted into the festival. As a pioneer of the traveling film festival tour, each year a “best of” shorts program travels to more than 35 theaters, universities, museums and art house cinemas throughout North America. Filmmakers participating in the tour are paid for each screening of their work.

ORGANIZERS
Becca Keating (Development Manager) ; David Dinnell (Program Director) ; Maria Feldman (Operations Manager)

GENERAL RULES
The Ann Arbor Film Festival is open to independent film and digital media in all categories that demonstrate a high regard for the moving image as an art form. Each year we select 100-125 shorts and features for exhibition in the awards competition portion of the festival. Films previously submitted (and not selected) may be re-entered if there has been a significant change to the edit. You must complete an entry form for each film submitted. Entry fees are per film entered, and must accompany the entry form for confirmation. Make checks and money orders payable to the Ann Arbor Film Festival. Entry fees are non-refundable.

Entries are accepted in the following formats: DVD, Blu-ray, Internet Links (URL) Secure Online Screening and 16mm. Please note: Region free NTSC DVDs are preferred for screening purposes, though we do accept PAL and region 1. We do not accept VHS or video data files for screening purposes.

DVD/BLU-RAY SCREENING:
DVDs & cases must be labeled (preferably using permanent marker/ink) with film title, filmmaker name, phone, email and WAB tracking ID number. Please place DVDs in a DVD sleeve, no hard plastic cases of any kind.

INTERNET LINKS (URL):
If you have a link (ie., Vimeo) you may submit via Withoutabox or with an entry form found on our website (aafilmfest.org/festival/submit) and send an email to submissions@aafilmfest.org with the link, title of film, director and Withoutabox tracking number (if applicable).

SECURE ONLINE SCREENING:
This option is only available for short films in the documentary, animation, narrative and music video categories. We do not accept the SOS option for experimental works.

16MM SCREENING:
If you would like the festival to preview a 16mm print of your film, please contact the festival directly to make arrangements.

DEADLINES:
Please review the following postmark deadlines carefully.

Early Deadline – August 20, 2012 (postmarked by)

Official Deadline – October 8, 2012 (postmarked by)

Late Deadline – November 8, 2012 (postmarked by)

Santa Barbara International Film Festival

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Santa Barbara International Film Festival

28 Annual January 24, 2013 to February 03, 2013

 

MISSION & OBJECTIVE
Now in its 28th year, The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) is a nonprofit 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 in its own right. SBIFF will continue to build its acquisitions program with Traction Media, which highlights films for some of the world’s most viable distribution companies. SBIFF is also committed to educating our youth through the “10-10-10” youth filmmakers project and the unique “Field Trip to the Movies” program. With a projected audience of over 70,000, The Festival will screen more than 200 films over an eleven day period. SBIFF attracts an affluent, local, national and international consumer base, while maintaining strong ties with the entertainment industry in Los Angeles.

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) is an eleven day event held in the seaside resort city of Santa Barbara, California (90 minutes north of Los Angeles). SBIFF is proud to present a diverse slate of more than 200 films to over 70,000 film enthusiasts. Our audience is a unique combination of film industry professionals, local, regional and International attendees, and a large student population.

In addition to showcasing a diverse spectrum of films, tributes and galas. SBIFF also offers seminars with industry professionals including Directors, Screenwriters, Producers and Women’s Panels, as well as provocative Q&A sessions with a diverse selection of filmmakers.

SBIFF has established itself as one of the premier international film festivals and we look forward to building on that success in 2013 and creating opportunities for participants to network with some of the world’s leading independent distributors and filmmakers. In addition to expanding our slate each year to highlight emerging genres, styles and regions, SBIFF is growing our free educational and community outreach programs with the “10-10-10” youth filmmakers project, “Field Trip to the Movies” and “Applebox” which cumulatively served over 12,000 students and families during our last festival. Please visit our Website for more information on these and other SBIFF programs. http://www.sbfilmfestival.org

ORGANIZERS
Michael Albright (Programming Manager) ; Michal Wiesbrock (Director of Development) ; Mickey Dudevich (Programming Coordinator) ; Rodney Gould (Director of Operations) ; Rodney Gould (Director of Operations) ; Roger Durling (Executive Director) ; Sean Pratt (Operations Manager) ; Steve Blain (Managing Director)

GENERAL RULES
Each tape for projection must be labeled with name, filmmaker, Contact info, Running time and aspect ratio (4*3 or 16*9)

FILM ENTRY RULES

The accepted exhibition formats for our festival are :
35 mm – Optical, Dolby A, Dolby Digital only
Digibeta – 29.97 fps, Stereo
Sony HDCam – Sony HD cam only 23.98 fps and 59.94 fps, Audio is STEREO only

NOTE: These formats may vary depending on the category. Please check the submissions guidelines or contact programming@sbfilmfestival.org

All films must be in NTSC format. PAL is not accepted. It is the filmmakers responsibility to convert PAL to NTSC.

**FEE WAIVERS NOT AVAILABLE **

-Entry fee is non-refundable.

-For preview purposes, DVD (NTSC only) is preferred.
-DVDs MUST BE CLEARLY labeled on the spine with film title.

-Please do not send press kits with your screener unless requested.
-DVDs will not be returned.

-Films/videos that have received national U.S. network television (including cable) or theatrical release prior to Festival are not eligible.

-No music videos or commercials.

-More than one entry may be submitted. Each entry must be accompanied by its own online entry and entry fee.

-If your film is selected, original format prints will be due at the Festival offices no later than January 13th, 2012.

-The filmmaker will assume shipping costs of materials and print to SBIFF.

-Please DO NOT send in a press kit until AFTER you have received notification from SBFF.

-Upon acceptance, Filmmakers must agree to send no less than two high resolution digital screen shots to be used at the SBIFF’s discretion. Film posters will not be accepted.

-If your film is selected, you will be asked to provide: digital stills from the film; press materials; video trailer and digitized trailer for website (if available); posters and flyers.

-Titles produced in languages other than English must have legible English subtitles.

-Not all invited films officially selected will be eligible for competition.

-The selection committees’ and juries’ decisions are final.

-If selected, filmmaker gives SBIFF permission to audio-describe film for the sight-impaired.

-Title of work, WAB ID #, and name of entrant must be on all mailing containers and mailing labels, video boxes, photographs, videocassettes, film containers, cans, reels, and film leaders. Video boxes, film reels and cans must be numbered (1 of 2, 2 of 2, etc.).

-If paying by check, the check MUST include the film title and WAB ID #

-Import declaration statements: all non-U.S. entries must be sent via air mail registered with the declaration:

A) for 35mm films: “Free entry claimed under #724.10 (960.55) U.S. Tariff Act. To be returned following the Festival.”

B) for videotapes: “Free entry claimed under #724.12 (960.60) U.S. Tariff Act. To be returned following the Festival.” Entrants must assume all responsibility for clearing films and videotapes through U.S. and/or foreign customs officials.

-SBIFF reserves the right to make any necessary changes in regulations or Festival scheduling.

NEW HAMPSHIRE FILM FESTIVAL

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NEW HAMPSHIRE FILM FESTIVAL


Portsmouth, New Hampshire – USA October 11 to 14, 2012

The 12th Annual NEW HAMPSHIRE FILLM FESTIVAL (NHFF) began in 2001 as a small, grassroots organization to support regional and student filmmakers. It now holds a place as a world-class festival that showcases the brightest talent on the international film festival scene.

Presenting the best of independent film at four state-of-the-art screening venues in the gorgeous seacoast city of Portsmouth, the Festival emphasizes creative collaboration, education, and networking. Filmmakers can mix and mingle with other film artists, fans, and industry guests at an array of panels and after-parties.

NHFF attracts more than 9,000 attendees and exhibits more than 80 domestic and international films. National press coverage from outlets such as MovieMaker Magazine – which called Portsmouth “the film center of New England” – and sponsors like Francis Ford Coppola Winery, give the festival significant validation and recognition circuit-wide.

 

UPCOMING DEADLINE
July 5, 2012 – Regular Deadline

MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
Highlights of the 2011 program include TERRI, Sundance hit HAPPY HAPPY, acclaimed documentary BEING ELMO: A PUPPETEER’S JOURNEY, Oscar-Nominated documentary IF A TREE FALLS: A STORY OF THE EARTH LIBERATION FRONT, and many award-winning short films.

Recent award highlights include NHFF’s 2011 Best Feature PUNCTURE and the 2010 Audience Choice Award-winner TEENAGE PAPARRAZI from actor-turned-director Adrian Grenier. Recent panels have featured special guests from Magnolia Pictures, Oscilloscope Laboratories, Emerging Pictures, and Public Television, among others. To be a part of this top-notch festival’s stellar line up, submit to the New Hampshire Film Festival today!