Tony Dyson

MIAMI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

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Miami, Florida – USA
March 1 to 10, 2013

Celebrating its 30th season this year is the MIAMI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (MIFF), a premier venue for the exhibition of U.S. and international films. MIFF annually showcases the work of the world’s best emerging and established filmmakers to diverse South Florida audiences and guests from across the globe. More than 70,000 people attended the festival in 2012 and more than 300 filmmakers, producers, directors, writers, actors, and industry representatives shared and celebrated their work, connected with one another, and enjoyed Miami’s vibrant scene during the ten-day event.

A variety of cash prizes are awarded to the top films through generous sponsorships. Dramatic works from Latin America, Spain, and Portugal, as well as Latino-themed works produced in the United States, will compete for $40,000 USD in prizes courtesy of the Knight Foundation and a $5,000 Screenwriting Award from the Jordan A. Ressler Foundation. First-time feature filmmakers from Spain, Portugal, or Latin America will compete for a $5,000 cash prize sponsored by Lexus. And, feature-length documentaries made by international filmmakers that examine social issues, diverse cultures, icons, or inspiring people will compete for $10,000 from the Knight Foundation.

MIFF offers filmmakers an exceptional platform for exposure during the festival and beyond. Worldwide media impressions and press coverage topped over three billion hits in the three months surrounding MIFF 2012. Regarded as an important destination for distributors on the hunt for acquisitions, a number of MIFF alums have brokered deals during or after the festival. MIFF additionally offers complimentary accreditation and access to all events and activities for up to four representatives from selected feature and documentary films and up to two representatives for short films. Discount codes for airfare and accommodations in Miami are also provided to accepted filmmakers attending the festival.

UPCOMING DEADLINE
July 23, 2012 – Regular Deadline

MISSION AND OBJECTIVE
The Miami International Film Festival is known for exhibiting the work of veteran filmmakers alongside films from emerging talents primed for the world-wide attention that the festival commands.

MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
The Festival has celebrated a diverse group of important international filmmakers in its long history, including Pedro Almodóvar, Andrea Arnold, Hector Babenco, Luc Besson, Susanne Bier, Daniel Burman, Alfonso Cuarón, Terrence Davies, Jonathan Demme, Alex de la Iglesia, Roberto Faenza, Philippe Falardeau, Abel Ferrara, Andy Garcia, Liz Garbus, Xialou Guo, Patricio Guzmán, Steve James, Lawrence Kasdan, Pablo Larraín, Lucrecia Martel, James Marsh, François Ozon, Carlos Sorín, Fernando Trueba, Liv Ullman, Margarethe von Trotta, Wim Wenders, and Andrés Wood. With a special focus on Ibero-American cinema, MIFF is annually recognized for discovering and launching new works from Ibero-American artists.

If you’re looking for top-notch exposure, cash awards, and an exciting festival experience, the Miami International Film Festival is for you. Submit today!

the EUROPEAN FILM FESTIVAL

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Various Cities – Europe
October 14 to November 17, 2012

The 8th Annual EUROPEAN FILM FESTIVAL (EFF), is a crowd-pleasing multi-city showcase of more than 60 feature films and 200 shorts. With events held in dozens of locations across Europe for more than a month, EFF ignites the continent with the joys of storytelling, creativity, and professional networking. With the operating philosophy that cinema is a language everyone can speak, EFF creates a common emotional bond that demolishes barriers and promotes cultural connections.

The festival places particular emphasis on the discovery and celebration of new filmmakers, with special attention paid to first- and second-time directors who have overcome budgetary restrictions in bold and innovative ways. Selected filmmakers are not only rewarded with the opportunity to screen their work at venues including Berlin’s Westphailia University and Athens’s Afaia New Star Art Cinema, they also benefit from networking events with critics, scholars, film masters, and the movie-going public. What’s more, Toronto-based distributor CinemaVault will consider all EFF official selections for distribution.

EFF’s categories of competition span all storytelling genres and include narrative feature, documentary feature, short documentary, gay and lesbian film, experimental film, animated short, music video, feature screenplay, and short screenplay, as well as screenplay pitch – for film concepts expressed in a maximum of three pages. The festival truly offers something for everyone, regardless of home country, style, or area of interest. Winners of last year’s festival included filmmakers and films from Denmark, France, Germany, Belgium, Australia, Peru, and the United States, to name just a few.

UPCOMING DEADLINE
July 27, 2012 – Regular Deadline

MISSION AND OBJECTIVE
The mission of EFF 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 to utilize the power of film to further the goal of inter-cultural understanding among nations, ultimately assisting in the building of a shared artistic experience.

MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
Academy Award-nominated PERSEPOLIS, the French animated film that charted the story of a precocious Iranian girl, won EFF’s Best Film prize in 2007. Many more EFF films have gone on to theatrical release after the festival, including I AM FROM TITOV VELES, SEVEN SISTERS, URBAN COWBOYS, and THE DAY AFTER PEACE.

Time Out Magazine hails the Festival’s unique approach: “Representing a revolution in the concept of the film festival bringing the festival to the viewers rather than the other way around, the European Film Festival, with its focus on low-budget wonders, is fast becoming a standard-bearer of quality indie can-do filmmaking all over the continent.” Join the revolution…submit your film, script, or pitch to the European Film Festival today!

CUCALORUS FILM FESTIVAL

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CUCALORUS FILM FESTIVAL

Wilmington, North Carolina – USA
November 8 to 11, 2012

 
Upcoming Deadline: July 25, 2012

A true filmmaker favorite, the 18th Annual CUCALORUS FILM FESTIVAL (CFF) is a four-day celebration of art and artists, in any and all of their many forms, and has been lauded by MovieMaker Magazine as “a breeding ground for artistic appreciation and good times alike.” Presenting an eclectic collection of independent and international films as well as a broad range of special programs, CFF ushers new and exciting voices onto the filmmaking scene.

Rather than bestow trophies on a select handful of filmmakers, CFF spreads a little green around to all participants. The festival provides travel stipends, housing, and airfare for all visiting artists on a first-come first-served basis. With the belief that financial support for artists is critical to building a sustainable model for independent filmmaking, more than 50% of festival ticket sales go directly into the hands of exhibiting artists. The Festival’s laid-back vibe also allows attending filmmakers to unwind, network, explore new ideas, and launch collaborations with other guests. To enjoy a warm North Carolina welcome at a totally immersive celebration of the arts, submit to the Cucalorus Film Festival today!

 

 

What is a Cucalorus?

cuc•a•lor•us n., [orig. Gk. kukaloris, the dance of the shadows.]1. a film set apparatus placed in front of a light source to create a dappled lighting effect on a subject or background. also cookie, UK. gobo. 2. a film festival in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Cucalorus was founded in 1994 by a filmmaking collective called TwinkleDoon. At the inaugural event, crowds wrapped around the block to see 16 local films screening at a restaurant by the Cape Fear River. These days Cucalorus Film Festival takes place every November in historic Wilmington, NC screening over 100 independent and international films in venues like the majestic and recently restored Thalian Hall as well as City Stage Theater and Jengo’s Playhouse. In 2009 MovieMaker Magazine recognized it as one of the “25 Coolest Film Festivals” and by the Brooks Institute as one of the “Top Ten Film Festivals”

ZERO FILM FESTIVAL – CANADA

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The ZERO FILM FESTIVAL – CANADA

Montreal & Toronto – CANADA
September 6 to 14, 2012

Upcoming Deadline: July 20, 2012

The 3rd Annual ZERO FILM FESTIVAL – CANADA (ZFF) exclusively celebrates the courage, ingenuity, and talent of self-financed filmmakers from around the world. Each film screened at ZFF is made with little to no budget but with limitless imagination. Since 2007, ZFF has featured more than 1,000 films from filmmakers working on five continents, and has held screenings in unique venues in London, Peru, France, Los Angeles, and New York. This year marks ZFF’s first festival in Montreal and third in Toronto, two of Canada’s most exciting cities.

ZFF’s award winners each nab a $500 USD cash prize, and select filmmakers earn programming space in other ZFF events around the globe or distribution through the festival’s partner label, LoWave. Up-and-coming filmmakers have the chance to exhibit their work in a celebratory environment alongside such talents as David Lynch and Chloë Sevigny. Success at Zero Film Festival today could generate great opportunities tomorrow; just ask writer-director Lena Dunham, a ZFF alum and the creator of HBO’s hit series, “Girls.” ZFF is more than a film festival – it’s a multimedia event exclusive to self-financed filmmakers that brings talented artists together and sparks relationships that could last for years. Submit your film today!

PAH-FEST in the virtual world of Second Life

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The ART of MACHINIMA in SECOND LIFE

Thursday,12 Jul 2012 at 10 AM PAC time/19.00 CET – you can watch this event live:

URL for live video stream

 

Machinima filmmakers from across the globe will be meeting in Second Life to be part of Coppola’s Project Accessible Hollywood Festival,  @ SIM Orange22

Participants for the panel include Tony Dyson, the EMMY nominated man behind the famous R2D2 robot, Chantal Harvey, producer for Scissores, 48HFP and the MMIF.org,  Vincent Lowe creator of the the series “How Far Jafar” and “Be My Guest” ,  Maximillian Merlin, Pooky Amsterdam,  Olaf Barbosa,  Rosco Teardrop.

 

Travelling across the United States and overseas, PAH-FEST is a groundbreaking digital media festival that celebrates the stories and voices of everyday people. Through a variety of FREE contests, local participants are invited to create their own short digital films with pro-sumer cameras and video-enabled mobile phones provided by the Festival. Experienced industry “coaches” help festival participants realize their vision within the allotted timeframe. Winning films are screened in a closing ceremony, and posted online for an international audience.

Do you have a story idea that would make A GREAT SHORT FILM? Do you have a story about something important to you that only you can tell? Do you want to impress your family, friends and neighbors, and compete for cash prizes? Winning teams will gather at PAH-FEST to write, produce, shoot and edit their 6 minute story. PAH-FEST will provide everything needed to make their movies for free: a prosumer camera, an editing system and coaches, plus a one-day crash course to help prepare for production. Movies will be screened at Festival Closing Ceremony, and a cash prize awarded to the winner.

Check Out Past Winners

LONE STAR INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

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LONE STAR INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

 

The 6th Annual LONE STAR INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (LSFF), offering up a hearty Texan welcome to filmmakers from around the globe for a celebration of both the art of cinema and the robust city of Fort Worth. LSFF takes pride in positioning some of the most high-profile and critically lauded films of the year next to as-of-yet undiscovered gems worthy of audience attention, and also provides critical mentorship and resources to up-and-coming filmmakers on the road to success.

The dynamic program includes a thoughtfully selected lineup of short and feature films, as well as educational panels, celebrity guest appearances, and red carpet galas. Last year, LSFF drew some of the most beloved names in the industry to Fort Worth’s Sundance Square, including Willie Nelson, T-Bone Burnett, Oscar-winning screenwriter Callie Khouri, Troublemaker Studios’ head Elizabeth Avellan, and esteemed producer Ted Hope. The Festival has bestowed its most prestigious honor, the LSFF Lifetime Achievement Award, upon the likes of Gregory Peck, Martin Sheen, Sidney Lumet, and Bill Paxton.

LSFF has showcased a variety of incredible films, including SUNSHINE CLEANING, LET THE RIGHT ONE IN, and BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOUR DEAD. In 2011, titles that screened at LSFF – including THE DESCENDANTS, THE ARTIST, and SHAME – went on to snag a total of 24 awards and 126 nominations at the Golden Globes, Oscars, BAFTA Awards, and more. LSFF aims to offer an environment where great films and great filmmakers really can be discovered by critics, fans, and industry players alike.

 

UPCOMING DEADLINE
July 23, 2012 – Regular Deadline

MISSION AND OBJECTIVE
The mission of the Lone Star International Film Festival is to promote artistic integrity and the independent spirit in film while promoting the city of Fort Worth, Texas to regional, national, and international audiences with the intention of fostering tourism and economic development.

MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
There’s plenty for visitors to see and explore in Fort Worth, Texas, a city that proudly merges cowboys and culture while offering up a dazzling downtown metropolis. The host venue, Sundance Square, is an entertainment and shopping district with unique architectural feats and 35 blocks of restaurants, stores, art galleries, and performing arts venues. Fort Worth is safe, friendly, and alive with activity both day and night, making it the perfect setting for a star-studded and vibrant film festival.

Year after year, nothing but the best roll on down to Texas. To discover this memorable city and one-of-a-kind event for yourself, submit to the Lone Star International Film Festival today!

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!