Short Film and Film Festivals

FILM FESTIVALS

There are thousands of film festivals held around the world, all differing on content and aim. The longest running film festival is the Edinburgh International Film Festival, running since 1947.

There are different reasons as to why people want to win at a film festival. One of the reasons is money. At the Encounters short film festival, the totalling prize money was £12,500. Another reason is recognition. Even if contestants do not win an award, but have produced excellent material, they will still get noticed for their raw talent. You also get to meet directors. Some Hollywood films have been influenced by Short films, which means, director will approach filmmakers about their ideas, if they are good. By showcasing your work, many people can see this and later show an interest. This is why it's also good to publish your work on the Internet.

SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL

Sundance Film Festival, held in Park City, Utah, takes place in January. Sundance accepts films both internationally and nationally and is the biggest independent film festival in the U.S.A. The festival first called US Film Festival, began in 1978 in Salt Lake City, founded by Sterling Van Wagenen, John Earle and Cirina Hampton Catania. The original plan was to bring more filmmakers to Utah, broadcast American films and show to the audience what independent films were about, showing what film making is like outside the Hollywood 'system.' The festival name later changed in 1985, to Sundance Film Festival, when Sterling Van Wagenen later returned, after running the Sundance Institute.

Films that can be entered into the festival include US, Documentary, US Dramatic, World Cinema, Documentary, World Cinema Dramatic, Shorts Programs and Animation Spotlight. To apply, you must fill out an online application. There are fee's that apply:

EARLY SUBMISSION DEADLINE:
U.S. & INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILMS
Monday, August 17th, 2009 - $35 ENTRY FEE

U.S. & INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILMS & DOCUMENTARIES
Monday, August 17th, 2009 - $45 ENTRY FEE

OFFICIAL SUBMISSION DEADLINE:
U.S. & INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILMS
Tuesday, September 8th, 2009 - $50 ENTRY FEE

U.S. & INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILMS & DOCUMENTARIES
Tuesday, September 8th, 2009 - $75 ENTRY FEE

LATE SUBMISSION DEADLINE:
U.S. & INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILMS
Monday, September 21st, 2009 - $75 ENTRY FEE

U.S. & INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILMS & DOCUMENTARIES
Friday, September 25th, 2009 - $100 ENTRY FEE

Here is a trailer from the film 'New Low,' from Sundance;


EXPOSURES FILM FESTIVAL

Exposures film festival, held in Manchester, is usually held in mid November, with the first festival held in 1994, with the original name 'Northern Exposures.' It is the largest festival in the UK, showcasing students work. In 2003, the rules were that Exposures accepts videos from students 19 and under from the North West only, until 2005, where students from all over the UK could enter. To enter the Exposures film festival, you have to fill out the form and send it off, but you must read the guidelines to make sure your work is eligible for entry:

Rules and Guidelines at a glance

•To be eligible for entry work must have been produced whilst studying at a UK institution between August 2009 and July 2010 (detailed explanations can be found in the exposures 2010 Rules & Guidelines
•Work can be of any genre, theme or type.
•Work must be under 30 minutes long.
•You must fill in one form per artwork submitted.
•Films will not be accepted without a completed entry form.
•Do not send your only copy or original.
•Send your entries on DVD only, and make sure it works before you send it.
•Make sure your work does not infringe any copyright – you must have permission for any music or images used.
•Incomplete or invalid entries will not be returned.
•Don’t forget to sign and date the entry form