Monday, March 31, 2014

Film Festival Submission Plan

There were a few factors that went into deciding which film festivals we would submit to. First and foremost, we feel our film is pointless to exhibit unless someone from the group is able to attend, especially at film festivals outside of North Carolina. While the topic is localized, the message is useful to any state with an incentive, but at first glance, people may see it is about North Carolina and film enthusiasts and supporters may not feel a personal connection to it. Having one of us in attendance to discuss the film and the movement would be more beneficial to the success of the film. For the most part we kept the festivals within driving distance, with a few exceptions. We also wanted to aim for representation in our respective home states (Seattle Shorts Film Festival for Sarah & Reel Independent Film Extravaganza for Connor).

The second factor was the date of the film festival. Since the Film Tax Incentive is set to expire in January 2015, we need to screen the film prior to that in order to build support. That being said, we have a limited time frame based on submission deadlines.

  • Orlando Film Festival is a program that is by filmmakers, for filmmakers. More importantly, they are extremely welcoming and encouraging to student filmmakers. This festival is a great outlet for educational outreach as well.
  • River's Edge International Film Festival attracts people who are serious about the art of film; attending the festival would create opportunities to educate others about incentive programs/supporting their local programs as well as networking with people who are equally passionate about the topic of our film.
  • Cucalorus Film Festival- no brainer :) The support we've received from local film industry members out of Wilmington has been incredible. During the production process, the community has been super supportive and resourceful; screening the film here would show that their efforts have not gone unnoticed and we're all in this fight together!
  • Petaluma International Film Festival- California representation! The big dogs in California are the ones with the choice. They decide where they want to make their films and we need to make them understand why North Carolina needs to stay in the mix. Of course they do not decide if the incentive stays or goes, but their support could be a deciding factor for the NC Government.
  • Indie Memphis Film Festival- Top 20 event by Southern Tourist Society; the publicity we could receive from screening here would not only benefit our own film careers, but would also increase awareness of the our ever-growing film industry.
  • Underexposed Film Festival YC- the title says it all; the situation with the NC Film Tax Incentive is definitely underexposed right now. This festival will be a great way to gain exposure and also get support from a neighboring community.
  • Asheville Cinema Festival- Similarly to why we want to show at Cucalorus, the North Carolina film community is what this documentary is all about. We want to spread the love for NC Film!


Festival Name Submission Date Deadline (Ea/Reg/Lt/Ext.) Submission Fee Category Submission Format Location Date of Festival
Orlando Film Festival 1-May-14, 1-Jun-14 Early / Regular $25/ $30 Documentary Short Secure Online Screener Orlando, FL October 22-26, 2014
River's Edge International Film Festival 15-May-14, 15-Jul-14 Early / Regular $20/ $25 Documentary Short DVD & Blu-Ray Paducah, KY November 6-9, 2014
Cucalorus Film Festival 20-Jun-14 Early $20 Short DVD or Online Screener Wilmington, NC November 12-16, 2014
Petaluma International Film Festival 15-Aug-14 N/A No Entry Fee Documentary Short DVD Only Petaluma, CA October 17-19, 2014
Indie Memphis Film Festival 14-May-14, 18-Jun-14 Regular/Late $25/ $35 Documentary Short Secure Online Screener Memphis, TN Oct 30-Nov 2, 2014
Underexposed Film Festival YC 5/16/2014, 20-Jun-14 Regular/Late $20/ $35 Documentary Secure Online Screener Rock Hill, SC November 13-15, 2014
Asheville Cinema Festival 15-Jun-14 Regular $35 Documentary Short Secure Online Screener Asheville, NC  November 7-10, 2014
Seattle Shorts Film Festival 30-May-14, 30-June-14 Late/Extended $10 College Students Shorts Secure Online Screener Seattle, WA 15-Nov-14
Reel Independent Film Extravaganza 1-Jul-14 Late $40 Documentary Secure Online Screener Washington, DC October 10-16, 2014

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