Film Festivals

Today’s FilmFreeway Deadline: NEW YORK Feedback Film Festival

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This is a HYBRID film festival with live screenings for the audience feedback video you will receive, plus an optional virtual 2nd showcase to enhance the film’s exposure (optional). Festival also conducts blog and podcast interviews with the filmmaker. We have also started a filmmaker’s WhatsApp group with over 150 joined to date to chat about next project and make contacts etc….

Submit via FilmFreeway:

FILM FESTIVAL:

We are proud to announce a FOUR tier festival set up of your accepted film at the festival. Two screenings of your film at our festival, plus two separate interviews.

Screening #1 will take place in NYC and will be a private screening for a select group of people. They will then go home after the festival and record their comments of your film. Then we turn those comments into our regular FEEDBACK Festival Video.

For context, here is an example of a video from a recent festival: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EviO64sSbrA

Screening #2 takes place one time only (for FREE) VIRTUALLY for all to see on our online feed every single day. 365 festivals in 2022. Already these screenings are garnering an audience of 1000s each day.

So in the end you will have TWO showcases of your film and you’ll receive your audience feedback video a week before the Virtual Festival.

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.

SCREENPLAY FESTIVAL:

Winning screenplays performed by professional actors and made into a video each month. Film festival also occurs each month.

FULL FEEDBACK on all screenplay submissions. Film submissions can also request the committee’s feedback notes on their film.

FREE Film Submissions – DOCUMENTARY Feedback Film Festival – Deadline Today

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Over 70 FIVE Star Reviews on FilmFreeway!

https://filmfreeway.com/DocumentaryFilmFestival

2 option to submit:

1) Submit for FREE and have your film shown at the Virtual Festival Platform www.wildsound.ca

(Includes awards and other options for movie reviews, interviews)

OR

2)  NEW OPTION: All submissions receive an automatic acceptance to the festival!

We have 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 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 (optional) – Your film plays 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 documentaries. 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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Upcoming Deadlines for more FREE Festivals: 

ASIAN Filmmakers Festival

https://filmfreeway.com/ASIANFeedbackFilmFestival

FASHION/EXPERIMENTAL Festival

https://filmfreeway.com/stylefashionexperimental

POLITICAL Feedback Festival

https://filmfreeway.com/PoliticalFilmFestival

COMEDY Film & Screenplay Festival

https://filmfreeway.com/ComedyFilmScreenplayFestival

ANIMATION Feedback Festival 

https://filmfreeway.com/FEEDBACKAnimationFilmScreenplayFestival

EUROPEAN Film Festival

https://filmfreeway.com/europeanfeedbackfestival

BLACK & WHITE Film Festival

https://filmfreeway.com/BlackandWhiteFilmFestival

Filmmaker Joe McGowan (P IS FOR PENIS)

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P IS FOR PENIS, 9min., UK
Directed by Joe McGowan
An overdue catch up down the pub between two old friends is thrown into chaos by the inclusion of a terrifying third wheel with an embarrassing secret.

http://www.thejoemcgowan.co.uk/
https://instagram.com/joe_mcgowan88

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I wanted to make a film that focused on an escalating absurd premise. I love a good sitcom that is led by strong, memorable characters who find themselves in a bit of a pickle. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is by far my favourite show for this. The way the characters talk and treat each other always cracks me up and the levels of escalating circumstances in that show are second to none. I approached this film like I was writing a scene from a sitcom, as ultimately that’s what I would love to do in the future.

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

Four months. I started writing the script in December 2023 and the final edit was done and dusted in the first week of April 2024.

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

Absurd oversharing.

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

Two things. The first is budget, as most filmmakers would agree. I was adamant about paying my cast and crew a fair fee and I hired the pub for an eight hour window. Everything adds up before the cameras have begun rolling. The second thing was getting everything filmed in time. I quickly learned that twelve pages of dialogue in eight hours is quite an ambitious task. We had to streamline the filming approach fairly quickly into the shoot. The dramatic lighting and slider shots got scrapped and it’s a much simpler film than I originally planned, but I feel the script is strong enough to carry the film without the extra bells and whistles, so it all worked out fine in the end.

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

I felt like I had achieved what I was going for. The script got a lot of praise, which felt great as I spent most of my time writing and tweaking it for about two months. The fact that people are responding so well to it and finding it overall funny and enjoyable is so lovely to hear.

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

When I was sixteen, I started a Media course at sixth form college as it was completely different from anything I did at high school. I quickly picked up on how to film things well and edit them together and I fell in love with the whole filmmaking process. That’s when I knew this was what I wanted to do.

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

Back to the Future.

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

I’ve been to quite a few festivals over the last year for this and other films I’ve made. The main piece of feedback I give is to make it obvious who the filmmakers are. I want to network with filmmakers who made things I enjoy and vice versa. Having the filmmaker introduce their films, having the festival organizers point them at screening, tag the filmmakers on social media when posting about their work. We’ve put a lot of effort into our films and getting the chance to meet likeminded creatives is essential for our growth.

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

It’s been great. Super simple and easy to use.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Ramen.

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

I’ve started writing a new comedy short called ‘Orc Talk’ that’s set in a Fantasy world, which I’m excited about. I have a few other short ideas I’m still playing around with and plan to start writing a sitcom pilot this year.

Filmmaker Hsiao-Tsun CHIU (EUPHORIA)

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EUPHORIA, 19min., Taiwan
Directed by Hsiao-Tsun CHIU
As nightfall cast shadows on their secrets, the woman schemes under the shroud of darkness, returning to the house to share her clandestine plans with her partner in crime. Yet, an otherworldly aura permeates the air, revealing the lovers’ true selves and dropping cryptic hints about the mysterious male corpse. Step by step, they are lured into a dance with the supernatural, spiraling into a world of trance and bewilderment, where the line between reality and the ethereal blurs into an enigmatic tale of passion and peril.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
In modern relationships, the person suffering from violence is often unable to leave. As their relatives, friends, and family, we can only watch helplessly.

One of the most distressing reasons is that the victim firmly believes the toxic relationship is due to their own personality traits, feeling they must endure and even fix it themselves.

This heartbreaking story happened around me, and I felt compelled to share it with a wider audience, taking them on the victim’s journey to witness the hopeful sunrise on the east coast of Taiwan.

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

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

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

What takes the most time is the editing.
During the process, I tried again and again with the editor and sound designer to find a way to break away from the linear narrative, so that the audience can have an engaging yet alienated viewing experience.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I was very nervous. It takes a lot of courage for an auteur to take feedbacks in front of audience.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
My father passed away suddenly and I didn’t have time to reconcile with him, so I closed the door and started writing my first script.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
I like all the works directed by Joachim Trier and have watched them many times, especially “Oslo, August 31st.”

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
I feel very satisfied so far, especially with the feedback from the audience.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
It’s been very convenient.

10. What is your favorite meal?
Teppanyaki, the Japanese cuisine.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
My new film has been shot and is now in post-production. The story follows a stand-up comedian who, after the sudden death of his father in the morning, must perform on stage that same evening. It is based on my personal experience, and I am very excited about it.

Filmmaker Maria Taber (KISS ME DEADLY)

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KISS ME DEADLY, 9min., USA
Directed by Maria Taber
Edgy Simone decides to follow her friend’s advice of giving the online dating guy Thomas another try, little does she know all she would be getting this holiday season. Get ready for the thrilling reality of LA dating in this dark comedy.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31565894/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I was part of a 48 hour film festival. Everyone was given one line to use as well as the theme, which was “Halloween meets Christmas”

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
48 hours from inception to the final edit.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
the biggest obstacle was keeping everyone on the same page and focused since we had such a limited amount of time. It was also difficult letting it be complete after the 48 hrs– when we had so many more elements we would have loved to add in addition.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
i couldn’t believe anyone outside of the original festival had seen it, let alone had things to say. It was really cool seeing people watch it and give their feedback.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I have always been interested in this medium. I think I always had an interest since I was very young. I always like watching people and hearing stories.

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

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
I really liked the feedback element, I think it helps for future projects!

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
My brother, who is also in the film Michael, actually submitted for us. He has had a wonderful experience.

10. What is your favorite meal?
hmm maybe Italian. Something with fresh Burrata never disappoints 🙂

11. What is next for you? A new film?
I am in the process of editing and writing some things that I look forward to directing in the future.

Today’s FilmFreeway Deadline: Toronto DOCUMENTARY Film Festival

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NEW OPTION: For limited time – Option to submit and garner an automatic acceptance of your film. Agenda is to create exposure for the filmmaker and their film!

With that acceptance, you will receive an audience feedback video, plus 2 interviews (blog and podcast) to promote the filmmaker and film.

Submit via FilmFreeway:

Since 2016, the FEEDBACK Film Festival has been showcasing the best of Documentary Short Films. We now will be showcasing a Documentary Film Festival every month in the heart of downtown Toronto at the Carlton Cinemas.

We have 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 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 (optional) – We put up your film live on our FILM FESTIVAL APP for 24 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 documentaries. 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.

——

We also will be showcasing winning documentary treatments at our festival every single month.

Awards & Prizes

The Documentary Short Festival was created for filmmakers. The goal is to showcase the best of documentary talent in film from around the world.

Read daily testimonials: https://documentaryshortfilmfestival.com/?s=testimonial

Today’s FilmFreeway Deadline: CRIME/MYSTERY Film 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 to the Festival 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 Lauren Pringle (WITCH-HUNT!)

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WITCH-HUNT!, 6min., Germany
Directed by Lauren Pringle
Join Suzette, our hunted witch as she grapples to understand her own intuitive body. Fearful and avoidant of an inner voice, this movement film takes us on a journey that combines dance and narrative elements that wrap us into this dystopic world. Stones and dust fill our landscape as alive bodies jump out of the screen. Suzette is chased by a group of witches who are hunting her in order for her to realize her own magic powers. Once she does we are drawn into an emotive space where we see deep revelry in her surrender.

http://www.laurenpringle.com/
https://www.facebook.com/lauren.Jane87
https://www.instagram.com/laurenjaynepringle/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Covid 19 🙂

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

Around 18 months. i had no money so waited on my beautiful friends and collaborators support.

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

Thrilled motion

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

Money as always lol

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

So lovely and humbling.

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

i was around 11 and i used to write horror stories for films i was obsessed with 70’s/ 80’s / 90’s horror.

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

lord of the rings and beetlejuice.

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

feedback on the film is amazing. i love the audience review.

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

really good

10. What is your favorite meal?

I love a mezze or tapas lots of different flavours and options

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

Yes i would love to shoot a narrative dance thriller film in Argentina next year

Submit to the Experimental, Dance, Music Festival

Filmmaker Qais Sarhan (ALWAN)

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ALWAN, 3min., UK
Directed by Qais Sarhan
Meet Alwan, a cheerful child longing for a friend. After a series of disappointments, a box of crayons unexpectedly brings magic into his life. The crayons come alive, creating a vibrant world filled with joy and friendship. In this magical world, Alwan discovers that his imagination holds the key to happiness. The story celebrates the power of creativity and the simple joys found within our imagination.

http://www.qaissarhan.com/
https://www.instagram.com/qaisicle/

https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/alwan-review

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I’ve always wanted to create a personal short film but never felt confident enough to do it. Last year, I went to an animation festival with my friend Gordon Howie, and we both felt incredibly inspired and motivated. So, we made a pact right then and there to hold each other accountable and dive into the filmmaking process together. For this film specifically, the story is a very personal one. I wanted to explore the idea of loneliness and exclusion for kids, as I think that’s a big issue for a lot of children, for different reasons. I think that made it more meaningful and it became a passion project for me.

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

It took around 8 months from idea to completion. However, for most of that period, I was only working on the film in my spare time in the evenings and weekends. I went into turbo-mode and started working on it full-time in the last month or so.

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

Emotional, colourful

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

This being my first narrative film, I had to figure out a lot of stuff along the way and do some creative problem-solving. The toughest part was keeping up my excitement and energy throughout the process.

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

Seeing people connect with my film in the feedback video was amazing. It made me so happy to see them get the message and feel the emotions I put into it. It was also interesting to see a few people interpret it in their own completely different way too.

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

Since I was a little kid. I was constantly running around with a camera harassing my cousins into shooting little films and music videos.

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

One of my favourite animated films is Wes Anderson’s “Fantastic Mr Fox”. I love everything about it, from the design to the animation, pacing, and acting.

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

Experimental Dance & Music Film Festival does a great job in enhancing the experience already – getting to hear and see real feedback from the audience was an amazing extra value-add. Also, getting feedback on the film even when it isn;t successfully selected would be great, although I know that would involve a lot of extra work for the organisers.

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

Overall, FilmFreeway has been great. It made the whole submission process a lot less daunting for me as a newbie. My one piece of feedback would be that the platform can be a little overwhelming to navigate through because of the sheer number of festivals available. A simple way of rating the festivals and organisations might make it easier to pinpoint the best or most relevant

10. What is your favorite meal?

My family is from Palestine, and I now live very far away, in the UK. So without a doubt, my mother’s stuffed vine leaves take the crown as my favorite dish.

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

I’d like to make another film eventually, but I’m not ready to jump into it just yet. For now, I want to focus on shorter projects and see how much I can improve and push my style before starting a new film.

Submit to the Experimental, Dance, Music Festival

Interview with the Band CAPTAIN DANGER (Keith “E-Day” Eaddy, Roger “Joose” Benford, Aaron Steinberg)

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HOLLY BY CAPTAIN DANGER, 5min., USA
Directed by Aaron Steinberg
Captain Danger soundtracks interstellar misadventures.

https://www.captaindanger.com/
https://www.facebook.com/captaindangermusic
https://twitter.com/captdanger
https://www.instagram.com/captaindangermusic

Get to know the band CAPTAIN DANGER

Keith “E-Day” Eaddy – bass
Roger “Joose” Benford – drums
Aaron Steinberg – guitar, “Holly” music video director

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Our band Captain Danger needed a music video to accompany our single entitled “Holly.” Our goals included making something fun that pointed to our sense of adventure as a group, musically and otherwise. Along the way, we were super-fortunate to enlist (Emmy-nominated) Dane Lawing as Director of Photography, who was keen on capturing a look for the live band sequences that could somehow complement the overall Sci Fi concept. We were striving to create something that could nod to our appreciation for weirdness and humor while also supporting the song’s underlying, more earthbound themes, which explore missed connections and a sense of alienation.

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

It was wrapped up in about a month. (Fortunately! ‘Cause you never know.)

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

Melodious Misadventures

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

Helping out our Director of Photography Dane Lawing transport his absurdly gigantic lighting rig. (Maybe next time he’ll just use an aircraft carrier?)

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

Smiles all around! What fun. And thank you guys again. We were thrilled with how all of your audience members enjoyed and fully understood what we were going for and dug all the various elements at play.

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

Aaron: Very young actually! (Hard to imagine not wanting to try it out, if there was a way.) My early experiments included Super 8 cameras, believe it or not!

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

Keith: Coming To America

Joose: Goodfellas

Aaron: Planet Of The Apes (original 1968)

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

Your feedback concept is excellent and fresh – we appreciate it! We’ll give it some thought in terms of suggestions . . . maybe there are ways to further engage even casual film buffs to want to get more into the act. (Why should official “film critics” have all the fun? Regular people don’t use typically words like “seminal” which is refreshing. Ha!)

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

Film Freeway works well!

10. What is your favorite meal?

BBQ? Indian? Cuban? Mexican? Whaddaya got?

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

Up next is a new music video for our next release! Stay tuned to http://www.captaindanger.com and to our socials for what particular form that may take. At present we’re exploring animated concepts!

Submit to the ROMANCE & RELATIONSHIP Festival: