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AFI Silverdocs Documentary Festival

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11 Annual June 19, 2013 to June 23, 2013

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
THE FESTIVAL (June 19-23, 2013):

SILVERDOCS, AFI’s premier documentary program, is held each June just outside Washington, DC at the AFI Silver Theatre & Cultural Center as well as in the heart of the District. The 2013 Festival will take place June 19-23.

In just eleven years SILVERDOCS has become “the pre-eminent US documentary festival” according to Screen International and was cited as one of the ten most interesting film festivals—of any kind––in the world by Variety.

The five-day program presents the very best of contemporary documentary filmmaking from across the globe, including numerous world and international premieres and works by master and emerging filmmakers alike. In 2012, SILVERDOCS presented 114 films representing 44 countries, and numerous special events to an audience of over 27,000, including over 1200 film and television industry professionals and educators.

SILVERDOCS’ concurrent 2-day International Documentary Conference (June 20-21, 2013) brings together leaders from across the commercial, education and public media spectrum who believe in the vital influence of the documentary form and the importance of exploring current business, creative and cultural challenges in a focused, professional environment. The event includes 65+ Conference panel discussions and dozens of networking sessions and special events.

GENERAL INFORMATION
AFI Silverdocs Documentary Film Festival is a five-day international film festival and conference that honors the creativity and passion of independent, non-fiction filmmakers and the power of the moving image to alter our perspective and expand our world-view. Anchored in the Nation’s Capital, where important global and national issues are the daily business, SILVERDOCS is marked by its relevance, broad intellectual range, and wide public appeal.

SILVERDOCS is a program of the American Film Institute, a national non-profit institute providing leadership in screen education and the recognition and celebration of excellence in the art of film, television and digital media.

SILVERDOCS takes place at the AFI Silver Theatre –– the flagship theatre of the AFI; one of the premier film exhibition spaces in the country, and the top art house cinema in the region –– and extends to the DC region.

GI FILM FESTIVAL

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GI FILM FESTIVAL
Washington, DC & Northern Virginia – USA
May 6 to 12, 2013

UPCOMING DEADLINE
January 22, 2013 – Regular Deadline

MISSION AND OBJECTIVE
The GI Film Festival aims to preserve the stories of American GIs, promote the work of active duty military and military veteran filmmakers, and honor struggles for freedom around the globe.

MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
Last year, the Pentagon Channel began broadcasting a weekly television series showcasing GIFF films. This series, which will continue in 2013, was delivered to 30 million homes nationwide as well as all military bases worldwide, providing GIFF filmmakers with extraordinary exposure to the audiences they are most eager to celebrate and explore. All films submitted to GIFF, whether official selections of the festival or not, are considered for this weekly series.

The 7th Annual GI Film Festival (GIFF), is honoring the successes and sacrifices of the American GI through the power of big-picture storytelling. Unfolding during Armed Forces Appreciation Month and against the majestic backdrop of America’s capital city, GIFF brings Hollywood and the United States military together for a festival that’s uniquely dedicated to celebrating the too-often unsung stories of heroism at home and abroad. Films submitted to GIFF must portray at least one real or fictitious military-oriented character in a respectful manner. The festival also welcomes submissions from filmmakers who have served in the US military, even if their respective projects do not address military topics or personnel.

Films selected to participate will be exhibited before diverse audiences that include active duty military, veterans, military families, military enthusiasts, top military brass, members of Congress, and powerful industry players who are specifically scouting military-themed films. Participating filmmakers are offered free access to Hollywood and Capitol Hill parties, guided tours of the Pentagon, and visits to local military hospitals, as well as access to GIFF’s unique “Filmmaker Boot Camp,” designed to equip cineastes with the practical tools needed to guide their projects into the industry marketplace.

GIFF proudly presents awards in five competitive categories, including Best Student Film, Best Narrative Feature, Best Narrative Short, Best Documentary Feature, and Best Documentary Short. In 2013, the director of the festival’s Best Narrative Feature Award-winning film will receive an “Associate Producer” role on the upcoming military-themed feature film Homecoming, produced by American Way productions.

The GI Film Festival is a recipient of the American Legion National Commander’s Public Relations Award, which has previously been bestowed on media luminaries including Tom Brokaw, Tim Russert, Lou Dobbs, and Jack Valenti. The festival also received the 2012 Carlton Sherwood Media Award from the National Blind Veterans Foundation and the 2007 George Washington Valley Forge Honor Medal from the Freedom Foundation.

Widely respected by many of the brightest stars of the US military and Hollywood, GIFF is an extraordinary platform on which to share powerful stories with exceptional audiences. For the chance to share your love of country and film with like-minded artists and appreciative festivalgoers, submit your film to the GI Film Festival today!

 

ASFF – the Aesthetica Short Film Festival wants your entries!

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7 – 10 November 2013, York

Deadline for entries is May 31, 2013

An established and dynamic player on the UK film festival circuit, the Aesthetica Short Film Festival (ASFF)   is a celebration of independent film from across the world, and an outlet for championing and supporting short filmmaking.

Spanning all genres including drama, documentary, animation, comedy, music video, thriller, experimental and artists’ film, the festival showcases its films across 15 distinct and historic locations in the city of York. Moving between medieval halls, ancient city walls, boutique cinemas, quirky stores, lively café bars, art spaces and museums, the festival invites visitors to create their own unique viewing experience.

Alongside screenings, ASFF also presents a series of masterclasses and workshops with leading industry figures, working with such organisations as BAFTA, Channel 4, Warp Films, Raindance, Sheffield Doc/Fest and many more. There are also networking opportunities and social events across the weekend.

Explore York. Experience Film.

  • The deadline for entries is 31 May 2013.
  • All films selected for screening at ASFF will be notified by 31 July 2013.
  • Winners will be announced at the closing ceremony at ASFF on 10 November 2013.
  • ASFF Sampler DVD of a shortlist of finalists will be released with the December issue of Aesthetica Magazine.

Prizes

  • Screenings at ASFF.
  • £500 prize money for Festival Winner Award.
  • £250 prize money for Peoples’ Choice Award.
  • Opportunity to be included on the ASFF 2013 Sampler that will go to Aesthetica readers
    (60,000 viewers) in December 2013.
  • Editorial in Aesthetica Magazine and on the Aesthetica Blog for a selectiion of finalists.

 

The 2013 TUPELO FILM FESTIVAL

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Tupelo, Mississippi – USA
May 15 to 19, 2013

 

 

The 10th Annual Tupelo Film Festival (TFF) offers all the Southern charm and hospitality that you’d expect to find in the birthplace of Elvis Presley. Jam-packed with great films, savory meals, fun-filled parties, and networking opportunities galore, TFF instantly feels like a home away from home, even if you’re from halfway around the world. In addition to an extraordinary festival experience, participating filmmakers will enjoy discounted hotel room rates and complimentary local transportation.

TFF warmly welcomes independent filmmakers working in all genres and styles, offering a broad range of competitive categories including narrative, documentary, animated, and student works, as well as short films and music videos. Cash prizes and awards are valued at $6,500 USD total, including the Ron Tibbett Award for Best in Show and the Elvin Whitesides Directors Award. For many participants, though, taking part in this filmmaker-focused festival is reward enough. If live blues music, homestyle Southern cuisine, scintillating educational panels, stellar independent films, and countless new friendships sound like a recipe for a good time, the Tupelo Film Festival is for you. Submit today!

SOUTHERN CIRCUIT TOUR OF INDEPENDENT FILMMAKERS

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UPCOMING DEADLINE
January 10, 2013 – Regular Deadline

The  Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers, now in its 37th year, is designed to expose filmgoers in the American South to a touring buffet of some of the very best offerings in independent cinema. Southern Circuit welcomes a range of films as diverse as the audiences it serves, showcasing an engaging lineup in theaters throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Participating Southern Circuit filmmakers are given the chance to travel with their films and engage directly with audiences in post-screening Q&As and other social events.

MISSION AND OBJECTIVE
The Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers provides filmmakers with paid opportunities to participate in six-venue tours of the Southeastern United States, screen their films for new audiences, and engage filmgoers in discussions about the production and content of their works.

As more filmmakers embrace independent distribution as a viable option to reach audiences, Southern Circuit provides an interactive format that truly puts the filmmaker at the forefront of his or her own success. Live audience engagement and feedback can be invaluable to filmmakers navigating the waters of film marketing and distribution. Participating filmmakers receive a $400 USD honorarium per screening venue, and all travel costs – including airfare and fees, car rental, and gasoline – are covered. Filmmakers also receive a per diem stipend for lodging and meals.

Over the years, Southern Circuit’s increasing popularity and visibility have allowed an expansion of both its ambition and its reach. The “circuit” now includes four parallel tours for an anticipated total of 24 participating filmmakers. Each filmmaker will hit the road for an estimated 7 to 10 days, documenting his or her adventures on the Southern Circuit blog and sharing their work with eager audiences at museums, universities, performing arts centers, clubs, and parks across these nine states.

OFF PLUS CAMERA INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF INDEPENDENT CINEMA

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Krakow – Poland
April 12 to 21, 2013
Upcoming Deadline: January 21

The 6th Annual OFF PLUS CAMERA International Festival of Independent Cinema strives to change the contemporary media market of Poland by breaking away from traditional constructs and forging exciting new alternatives. The festival showcases more than 100 films across unique categories of entry and is proud to promote bold voices and big ideas that truly embody the spirit of independent filmmaking. Hosted in Krakow, Off Plus takes full advantage of a local community thrilled by adventurous art, open dialogue, and the “intellectual underground.”

A 10-day celebration devoted to Polish and international independent cinema, Off Plus is particularly focused on giving support and visibility to filmmakers at the beginning of their careers. The centerpiece of the festival is an international filmmaking competition in which 12 talented directors vie for the Krakow Film Award of $100,000 USD. Selected by an international jury, the competition’s winner will also receive a grant from the Polish Film Institute in the amount of 1 Million PLN, to be used for the production of a film in Poland. Success at the Off Plus Camera International Festival of Independent Cinema is not only a high-profile celebration of your latest achievement, it’s a lucrative springboard to the next one…submit today!

 

source: withoutabox.com

ENVIRONMENTAL FILM FESTIVAL AT YALE

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New Haven, Connecticut – USA
April 8 to 14, 2013

Call for Entries for EFFY 2013!

UPCOMING DEADLINE
January 15, 2013 – Late Deadline

MISSION AND OBJECTIVE
The Environmental Film Festival at Yale showcases the arts through incisive, cutting-edge films that raise awareness of environmental and related social issues.

The 5th Annual Environmental Film Festival at Yale (EFFY), is merging the worlds of artistic ingenuity and global conscientiousness at one of the most revered learning institutions in the world. As a student-run festival for environmental films, EFFY aims to facilitate meaningful, learned discourse about some of the most daunting challenges of our time. Better yet, it sparks action – at Yale and beyond – to combat those challenges and make the planet a safer and healthier place to call home.

Selected EFFY feature filmmakers are provided free travel and accommodations, and all participating filmmakers are integrated into festival programming through participation in panels and workshops with Yale faculty and students. Touted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as one of “20 Great Resources for Green Filmmakers,” EFFY has benefited from thought-provoking presentations by Dan Rather, Van Jones, Jeffrey Sacs, and Colin Beavan, and has screened numerous Oscar favorites including The Cove, Waste Land, and The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom. Year after year, EFFY tackles big issues in front of big audiences and discusses ingenious solutions from some of the sharpest thinkers of today.

In addition to offering thought-provoking cinema and career-enriching awards, EFFY proudly embodies the spirit of sustainability it celebrates in each of its honored films. The festival routinely offsets all emissions, works alongside like-minded environmentally conscious sponsors and groups, and uses paperless ticketing, electronic advertisements, and organic catering throughout every event. EFFY isn’t just a film festival about the environment, it’s a film festival for the environment, and for each of us who seeks to secure a more sustainable future.

Kansas City Improv Festival

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About the Kansas City Improv Festival:

In 1994  Kansas City’s Lighten Up Improv Co. gave birth to the first independent improv festival, and they named it Spontaneous Combustion.

“SpoCom” presented groups from Minneapolis, Iowa and Lawrence shared the stage with locals, butlater, SpoCom reached many other groups in Seattle, Boulder, Minneapolis, Frederick (Maryland) and Chicago.

After four years SpoCom became The US Improv Festival. Invited by KC’s new troupe, Funny Outfit, big-name directors like LA’s Dan O’Connor, Chicago’s Rebecca Sohn and Joe Bill, Rob Reese and NYC’s Jeff Wirth were all added to the mix.

With a new name, the fest continued to grow, and so did its young performers. SNL’s Jason Sudekis, Sonic guy TJ Jagodowki, 30 Rock’s Jack McBrayer and Second City performers Mark Sutton, Corey Rittmaster and Tim Mason.

In 2007, City 3- former students of the Lighten Up Improv Co.’s high school improv league- teamed up with original producers and the fest was dubbed, The KC Improv Festival.

In 2007, City 3–former students of the Lighten Up Improv Co.’s high school improv league–teamed up with original producers and dubbed the fest The KC Improv Festival. They passed it off to the KC Improv Company, which produces today’s festival. They’ve built on the festival’s reputation for taking care of audiences and performers, and taken it to the next level.

 

INDEPENDENT FILM QUARTERLY FILM & WEBISODE FESTIVAL

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Los Angeles, California – USA
January 30 to February 2, 2013

Upcoming Deadline: December 28

The 3rd Annual Independent Film Quarterly Film & Webisode Festival (IFQ Festival) brings together the best in film and new media works in a competitive festival engineered by Independent Film Quarterly. The festival presents short- and long-form creative works that each demonstrate a unique personal vision, and honors the efforts of up-and-comers, established professionals, and tomorrow’s industry leaders, alike. Participants can enjoy red carpet galas, networking events, and a venue right in the thick of the entertainment capital of the world.

IFQ Festival winners will benefit from a profile interview featured in Independent Film Quarterly. The festival also presents valuable industry seminars on topics of domestic and international distribution, and has shepherded its winners to distribution deals through Netflix, VOD Video on Demand, CurrentTV, and global distributors respected the world over. Feature-length films, documentaries, screenplays, shorts, webisodes, and mobile content are all welcomed by IFQ. Submit your work to the Independent Film Quarterly Film & Webisode Festival today and get ready to share it with the world!

 

PALM BEACH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

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Palm Beach, Florida – USA
April 4 to 11, 2013

UPCOMING DEADLINE
December 31, 2012 – Late Deadline

The 18th Annual Palm Beach International Film Festival (PBIFF), is offering eight days of world premieres, special events, and a program of feature, documentary, and short films that will amaze, entertain, and inspire. From its opening night reception to its closing night celebration, PBIFF is an energized and unforgettable foray into the magic of the movies. Set against the backdrop of one of the most beloved beach communities in the United States, fueled by enthusiastic volunteers, and supported through strong ties to its community, PBIFF is proud to treat each of its visitors like the industry powerhouses they are – or soon will be.

PBIFF boasts an impressive roster of alums, including Oscar-winner Bobby Moresco (Crash), Academy Award nominees Jason Reitman (Up in the Air) and Joel Zwick (My Big Fat Greek Wedding), and Spirit Award nominee Ricki Stern (The Trials of Darryl Hunt). Participating filmmakers compete for a variety of awards across several categories and benefit from festival transportation to and from the Palm Beach International Airport, discounted hotel rates, transportation to all festival events, and passes to films, panels, galas, and industry panels. Throughout the whole experience, PBIFF’s friendly staff and volunteers ensure that each festival guest gets the most out of his or her time in Palm Beach.

PBIFF is motivated by the films and the filmmakers it serves and is dedicated to expanding opportunities and visibility for top-notch cinematic achievements. PBIFF invites independent theater owners and bookers from across the U.S. to screen films and meet filmmakers during the festival in an effort to help independent artists get their projects seen by larger audiences. The festival also hosts a number of events where filmmakers can mix and mingle with industry guests; PBIFF is truly a place where career-launching relationships are built and future collaborations are born.

The festival is dedicated to making a positive and long-lasting difference in the lives of

young people who share the festival’s spirit of creativity and its passion for film. That’s why, every year, proceeds from PBIFF are directed towards Palm Beach County schools to provide new technologies, grants, and scholarships for the innovative pioneers of the future. Major industry players including Anthony Hopkins, Adrian Brody, Brett Ratner, Samuel L. Jackson, and Edward Norton have also contributed their services and resources to PBIFF’s cause and have enriched the festival experience for years on end.

Recent PBIFF honorees include long-time Palm Beach resident and Academy Award nominee Burt Reynolds, The Blind Side’s Quinton Aaron – who also doubled as a guest deejay, and Academy Award nominees James Cromwell (LA Confidential) and Richard Jenkins (The Visitor). Much like its host city, the festival offers a warm, social, and unpredictable energy alive with the spirit of possibility. See for yourself why Moviemaker Magazine raves, “Class is the name of the game…and PBIFF has it in droves”…submit your film to the Palm Beach International Film Festival today!