film festival

Deadline Today: EXPERIMENTAL, DANCE, MUSIC Film Festival

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Festival occurs 3 times a month at our Los Angeles and Toronto events. See website for next events: https://experimentalfilmfestival.com/

Submit via FilmFreeway:

Festivals take place at various Cinemas in downtown Toronto, Canada, for the audience feedback video.

NOTE: The festival has created a hybrid festival with 4 tiers to enhance your film and your festival experience. All accepted films receive all four tier options:

Tier #1 – Your film plays at either a public live event where we will record the audience reactions of your short or feature and then send you the feedback video. Or, it plays at a private festival event where the audience will record their comments/reactions to your film on their camera or phone, then we edit them and send you a promotional video. No matter what you will receive a promotional video of your film of people commenting on your film.

Tier #2 – We put up your film live on the Film Festival Streaming Service for 30 hours and invite a select industry audience to watch it. With this system, some films have already received a distribution deal as many platforms are looking for solid feature and short films. We can not guarantee anything of course but this has been very helpful to many in the past. (see testimonials below)

Then (Tier #3) we will send you a list of questions to answer for our blog interview that will promote you and your film. Then after that (Tier #4) we will set up a podcast interview on our popular ITunes show where will we chat with you about the process of how the film was made.

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The goal of this festival is to showcase the best of new experimental short films and independent music videos from around the world. Films that don’t get a fair shake from other film festivals because programmers don’t know where to “categorize” these films. There isn’t a typical linear story occurring so most festivals can’t truly understand the talent and beauty around these films.

We want to showcase films that showcase true originality and talent from filmmakers from every corner of the globe. And also showcase new musicians who have made a music video and want it to be shown.

Deadline Today: LGBTQ+ Toronto Film Festival

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This festival is designed to showcase the best of LGBTQ+ stories from around the world today! We accept screenplays (short, TV Pilot, feature) and short & feature films.

Submit via FilmFreeway:

Film Festivals:

Festivals occur every single month. We accept an assortment of shorts & feature films from around the world today monthly. We are proud to announce that we will be using the audience feedback format where all accepted films receive a video of people talking about their film at the festival. Excellent video to use for promotional purposes too. NOTE: To enhance the feedback video for the filmmakers, all festivals are held for a private selected audience only.

Screenplay Festivals:

We are proud to showcase 2-5 winning LGBTQ+ screenplays at our festival every single month!! Go to the site and watch the winning readings each month.

All entries receive full feedback from the industry. Accepted screenplays get their screenplays performed by professional actors.

One of North America’s leading gay destinations, Toronto has been holding Pride observances since the ’70s. The Pride parade draws more than 1.2 million spectators and participants annually, making it one of the top such draws in the world. The cinema is located in the Church & Wellesley area, where all of the Pride Events take place.

LGBTQ+ festivals occur 12 times a year. Go to the website for information on the next events.

All submissions receive feedback on their film no matter what.

Deadline Today: ENVIRONMENTAL Film & Screenplay Festival

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A festival designed to showcase the best of new environmentally themed films (shorts, features) and screenplays (shorts, features, TV pilots) from around the world. We accept any genre (animation, comedy, experimental, horror etc.) as long as it has an underlying environmental thematic. We seek to advance public understanding of the environment through the power of film and storytelling; which is why this festival has been created.

Submit iva FilmFreeway:

Awards & Prizes

We will perform a winning Environmental screenplay(s) at our festival every single month using professional actors. Then we send the writer a video of the performance reading.

We will showcase a festival every month using our flagship FEEDBACK Film Festival format. All festival dates are private screenings with the same Audience FEEDBACK videos made for the short & feature films, and recorded script readings performed by professional actors for the screenplays. This is our way of showing community over distance so everyone around the world can experience our Audience Feedback videos.

Deadline Today: WILDsound Film & Screenplay Festival

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This festival now takes place every single day giving filmmakers 4 tiers to showcase and promote their film (All accepted films get all four tiers).

1) Screening #1 where you will also obtain your audience feedback video.
2) Screening #2 virtually on the streaming service WILDsound TV
3) Podcast interview at WILDsound Radio on ITunes
4) Blog interview promoting you and your film.

Submit via FilmFreeway:

All festival dates are now presented in private screenings with the same Audience FEEDBACK videos made for the short & feature films, and recorded script readings performed by professional actors for the screenplays. This is our way of showing community over distance so everyone around the world can experience our Audience Feedback videos.

WILDsound Writing and Film Festival – Daily Deadlines

Short Film Festival – Occurs at least 7 times a WEEK in Chicago, Los Angeles and Toronto

Your film will get screened in front of a large, broad audience.

– We are a feedback festival and you will actually hear what the industry and film lovers think of your film.

NEW Showcase: Submit your FEATURE FILM and receive an audience feedback promotional/testimonial video of your film. Great video to use to get into more festivals and/or promote your film. All submissions receive the committee’s feedback notes on their film no matter what, as per their request.

Deadline Today: CRIME/MYSTERY Film & Screenplay Festival

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This festival now takes place every single month giving filmmakers 4 tiers to showcase and promote their film (All accepted films get all four tiers).

Submit via FilmFreeway:

1) Screening #1 is held in Toronto or Los Angeles where you will also obtain your audience feedback video.
2) Screening #2 virtually on the Film Festival streaming service (optional)
3) Podcast interview on Film Festival Radio on ITunes
4) Blog interview promoting you and your film.

All festival dates have been promoted to private screenings with the same Audience FEEDBACK videos made for the short & feature films, and recorded script readings performed by professional actors for the screenplays. This is our way of showing community over distance so everyone around the world can experience our Audience Feedback videos.

Monthly Deadlines

Short Film Festival – Occurs once a month in Los Angeles and Toronto

Your film will get screened in front of a large, broad audience.

– We are a feedback festival and you will actually hear what the industry and film lovers think of your film.

NEW Showcase: Submit your FEATURE FILM and receive an audience feedback promotional/testimonial video of your film. Great video to use to get into more festivals and/or promote your film. All submissions receive the committee’s feedback notes on their film no matter what, as per their request.

Filmmaker Podcast: EP. 1180 – KATHERINE CONNOR DUFF (THE SLATE)

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THE SLATE, 8min., USA
Directed by Katherine Connor Duff
A struggling actress attempts to film a self tape.

https://www.katherineconnorduff.com/

LISTEN to the podcast:

https://www.wildsoundpodcast.com/the-film-podcast-by-wildsound/2024/4/8/ep-1180-filmmaker-katherine-connor-duff-the-slate

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/ep-1180-filmmaker-katherine-connor-duff-the-slate/id1406973270?i=1000651838728

Get to know the filmmaker:

This film was based on a domestic argument I found recorded on my self tape camera. I lost the argument, I lost the boyfriend, but I won Best Story at TOFFF! After finding said video, I thought it would make for a great short film, where reality is blurred à la cinéma vérité style of the new wave films of the 1960s. I wanted to convey raw authenticity, the unsuccessful balance of career and relationship, and remove the line between fiction and fact. As an actress in LA, I wanted also to explore the audition method where we film so many self tapes using our own homes, our own equipment, and our own readers, in my case, an uncooperative boyfriend.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at http://www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast:

https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/
https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Filmmaker Mark Stas (EMERGING FROM THE SHADOWS)

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EMERGING FROM THE SHADOWS, 14min., Belgium
Directed by Mark Stas
Takeda was forced to leave Asia after a tragic incident. He travelled but stayed close to the woods in order to remember his heart, but also to live a new life in Europe and tries to forget his past. After three years this peace is suddenly disturbed. While he goes running in the woods, Muto, an Italian gangster discovers suddenly an Asian man in the woods. Maybe this could be the killer his boss, Martello is looking for since many years. Karyudo, a powerful hunter who is also an excellent martial artist, was sent by his corrupt police chief to help the Italian gangster boss. He wants to know where Muto found this Asian man. They have a small issue to arrange and at the woods, Karyudo’s sensitive instinct tells him his prey is there. Karyudo, who has a great sense of honour and justice, doesn’t know the exact details of this hunting, but with the help of Muto, he will track this Asian man in the Italian woods. Doubt will grow in his mind. Martello’s hate during these three years will finally find a reason to be. They will hunt this Asian man down and make him pay, no matter what. Takeda has no other choice than to rise from the shadows, confront his past and fight for his life.

http://www.wingflowsystem.com/
https://www.facebook.com/mark.stas.official
https://www.instagram.com/markstas_wfs/
https://twitter.com/markstaswfs

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

Since I’ve previously acted in action-packed movies like “English Dogs in Bangkok” and “Haphazard,” the desire to make original fight scenes within a concise narrative motivated me. Collaborating with my friend Ron Smoorenburg, I devised a storyline where he could shine as the main opponent. This project was fueled by pure passion, and the very good fusion between Ron and me in the past, would give us again a very good fight scene effect. Initially, it wasn’t intended for festival circuits.

From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

The journey spanned approximately three years, with a long stop in between. Given its no-budget nature and the fact that I filmed it primarily with my iPhone, I initially paused the project upon viewing the initial results, deeming them not good enough. However, following the untimely passing of one of the actors, Max, I resolved to honor his memory by completing the film. This decision led to a revision of the story, an addition of a powerful introduction and conclusion.

How would you describe your film in two words?

Memory, Passionate

What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Shooting the majority of the film in Italy and keeping this project on hold, to start again in order to finish this project knowing what was filmed should be used or deleted was a major issue. Additionally, the passing of one of the actors necessitated a reevaluation of the project. Revising previously filmed segments without altering their essence proved to be a significant challenge. Furthermore, losing edited and original footage due to a laptop crash added to the complexity. However, with the invaluable support of friends like Jan, Lina, and Tomo, as well as my wife Juliana, I was able to overcome these hurdles and realize my vision.

What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

I was profoundly moved and filled with pride to witness the audience’s enthusiastic response to my humble project. Only to hear their words of praise really makes creating movies worth, which I owe for my short movie, to all those who helped me in realising this final result.

When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

My passion for crafting fight scenes in previous action movies paved the way for my interest in filmmaking. Collaborating on a biographical short film, which later won awards, further fueled my aspiration to create meaningful cinematic experiences. Surrounding myself with talented individuals demonstrated the transformative power of collaborative filmmaking, complementing my lifelong dedication to martial arts with a newfound appreciation for the artistry of cinema. I kept in mind that the power of imagination and passion knows no bounds, even in the face of limited resources

What film have you seen the most in your life?

While I’ve enjoyed numerous films and series, “Enter the Dragon,” “Prodigal Son,” “Pan’s Labyrinth” or “the Crow” hold a special place in my cinematic repertoire. However, this list is by no means exhaustive, as each viewing offers a unique cinematic experience.

What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

Your festival provided a highly professional and engaging experience, with exceptional follow-up and communication. To enhance the experience, I would have loved to have a live festival for award-winning films, allowing filmmakers to fully immerse themselves in the celebration of their hard work and achievements.

You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experience been working on the festival platform site?

Overall, my experience with FilmFreeway has been positive, although I’ve encountered some challenges, primarily due to the lack of professionalism at certain festivals. Nevertheless, it remains an invaluable platform for filmmakers to showcase their work and connect with diverse audiences.

What is your favorite meal?

While I enjoy a variety of dishes, some of my favorites include Sushi, Bulgogi, Tteokbokki, and beef sautéed with basil. Additionally, I am a real ice cream lover.

What is next for you? A new film?

Currently, I’m dedicating significant time to my martial arts practice. However, there are exciting new film projects on the horizon, though I’m unable to divulge specific details at this time. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to share more about these projects once they are confirmed.

Submit to the Action/Adventure Festival:

Filmmaker Chaya Gurkov (THE SHIDDUCH CRISIS)

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THE SHIDDUCH CRISIS, 24min., USA
Directed by Chaya Gurkov
An Orthodox Jewish girl struggled with her mothers expectations for an arranged marriage.

https://www.instagram.com/reelworks

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

It was something I wanted to talk about. I think there is a narrow scope of Jewish stories in the entertainment sphere and I wanted to talk about an experience that I, and many women growing up in the Orthodox Jewish community, feel being in this dating system. I wanted to write a story with nuance, humour, and honesty in a way that doesn’t demonize the religion that Shaina practices.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

It took ten months. I started writing the script in November of 2022, when I was accepted into the Reel Works Narrative Fellowship Program. We completed shooting at the start of August 2023.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Honest and humorous.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

The biggest obstacle I faced was handing in ONE final version of the script. Eduardo, one of Reel Works mentors, laughs every time he tells the story of how many new versions of the script I churned out in a matter of days. If I felt like there was something wrong with a scene, or like I wasn’t totally immersed and in love with the version I wrote, I would scrap the whole thing and start over. Obviously, this is a one way ticket to insanity. I learned to accept my imperfections and trust in my process of writing eventually and I’m so happy with how everything turned out.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

Immensely grateful and excited. I want to thank the audience for the time they gave my film and their insightful comments.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

In March 2021, when a professor at college told me that I have a voice and one that’s interesting, too, after I submitted a short script assignment for the first time.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

Manchester by the Sea, written and directed by Kenneth Lonergan.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

It would be wonderful to be able to meet the winners and festival staff in person so we can connect.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

Entirely positive.

10. What is your favorite meal?

My Bubby’s meatballs and rice.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

I’m working on a series inspired by and built around the world of the Shidduch Crisis with a producer who expressed interest.

I’m also working on a feature film about an ultra-orthodox 34 year old woman finally taking matters into her own hands after realizing that the Shidduch system failed her. It’s raunchy, funny and deeply honest.

Lastly, I am working on a thriller-drama short film about a character hell-bent on revenge in the face of rising anti-semitism and holocaust denial.

So yes! God willing, many new projects!

Submit to the STUDENT Feedback Film Festival:

Filmmaker Karen Lang (TOLLERMANIA)

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TOLLERMANIA, 27min,. Canada
Directed by Karen Lang
In this film, Ukrainian-Canadian ceramic artist, Natalia Laluq, interprets the life and work of Canadian world champion figure skater and artist, Toller Cranston, through a stop-motion installation of individually crafted ceramic plates. The art project itself was almost 2 years in the making. The show took place at Toller Cranston’s studio in Mexico in 2014, the year before Toller died. This documentary shows the work from initial concept through process and completion. It is one artist interpretation of another artist’s work and life.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
There is brilliance in this artistic interpretation of sport. How the talents of a visual and ceramic artist can bring to life an actual skating performance of a world champion figure skater, is genius of mind and artistic talent. It is a project that had to be brought to a wider audience.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
The art show and installation happened in 2014. Toller Cranston, the object of this interpretive art installation died the following year. It wasn’t until 2020 that the idea of bringing the show to a larger audience began to germinate. Approximately 3 years were spent pulling the materials, film clips, interviews, etc together to make the film.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Two artists.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Trying to do justice to both artists was challenging. This was one artist’s interpretation of another artist’s life and work. Toller was a very famous Canadian skater, and a talented artist with a specific style and flare. Natalia, a Ukrainian Canadian immigrant, knew virtually nothing about Toller Cranston when she set out to do this project. She was able to creatively interpret and create a body of work that perfectly defined and celebrated Toller in his creative world. I like to think this film captures both of them as equally talented artists in their own right. This is a film that showcases Natalia’s talents within the context of Toller, a brilliant athlete and artist.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I was struck by their specific observations and insight, and their appreciation of the talents of both Natalia and Toller. It was nice to know they actually watched it!!:)

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I took a film making course about 7 years ago, and fell in love with the creative possibilities that film making provides. It gives meaning and permanence to events and stories in our lives. Creating the story,

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
That is too hard to choose:)

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
The feedback is by far the most helpful element to this festival experience, and it would be really incredible if more festivals did that.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
The platform makes it very easy to submit to festivals.

10. What is your favorite meal?
Tostados, served on a ceramic plate.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
I am going to be working with Toller Cranston’s sister, Philippa Baran, who has recently published a book about her brother – she is putting her talents and energy towards keeping Toller’s legacy alive. And of course, there are always adventures and travel that find their way into a film.

Submit to the WILDsound Film Festival:

Filmmaker Isaiah Matthew Griggs (ASHES – CHAPTER 0)

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ASHES – CHAPTER 0, 4min., USA
Directed by Isaiah Matthew Griggs
In a mysterious facility, David, a captive, engineers his escape by tricking a guard. He evades pursuit through the building, discovering a lab and learning about his metahuman status. Outside the facility, he is captured by guards who mention his destructive potential. David wakes up in the lab, where his powers intensify and cause a powerful explosion. The short ends with David metaphysically floating in space, undergoing a transformative experience before unleashing a surge of energy.

https://twitter.com/genus_art
https://www.instagram.com/genus.entertainment/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
My goal for Ashes is to fully produce it into an animated series at some point. I have A general outline for the series’ story.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
Well the idea for Ashes has been around in my google docs and has been featured in miscellaneous drawings and animations I’ve made for years. That being said, a proper episode or ‘chapter’, did not start getting made until 2022 and took a little over a year to finish with some help.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Very explosive

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Probably compromising quality in favor of completing the film on time.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I was quite glad they seemed to enjoy the anime-inspired action. I also like that one person pointed out that it feels like there’s more to the story, and believe me, there is definitely more.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I’ve always liked to make. It honestly almost goes as far back as I can remember.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Can’t say, I’m not sure. But I’ve definitely seen the Raimi Trilogy for Spider-Man a good amount, I’ve also watched “The Road to El Dorado” a lot on VHS.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
Nothing really comes to mind, I’m just glad people get to see the work I’ve made.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
Pretty good, it’s fairly straight forward.

10. What is your favorite meal?
lol pizza maybe

11. What is next for you? A new film?
I plan on making a follow up to this Ashes short.

Submit to the Chicago Feedback Film Festival: