Film Festivals

Deadline Today: FEMALE Feedback Film Festival

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Submit via FilmFreeway:

The FEEDBACK Female Film Festival (FFFF) was created for women filmmakers and screenwriters. The goal is to showcase the best of female talent in film & TV from around the world.

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Film Festivals (short & feature) occurs 12 times a year (every month) in Los Angeles and Toronto.

Accepted films get their film screened at 2 festivals. The Audience Feedback Festival where you will receive a video of people’s reactions to your film. (Great asset to promote your movie). Plus, the Film Festival Streaming Service Festival where it will be seen by people in the industry and film fans.

Plus, each filmmaker gets the opportunity to do two interviews to further promote them and their work. A blog interview, and a podcast interview on the Film Festival ITunes show.

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Screenplay Readings also take place EVERY SINGLE MONTH.

Every submission received full feedback on their script from an industry professional. Winning scripts get their script performed by professional actors and make into a video for you.

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: 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 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 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:

Filmmaker Lisa Drupsteen (LIKE MOTHER)

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LIKE MOTHER, 8min., Canada
Directed by Lisa Drupsteen
A young woman navigates her romantic life while trying her best to dodge her mother’s demons. Will she have the strength to break the cycle of manipulation? Or simply fall victim to the old adage: “Like Mother, Like Daughter”…

https://www.instagram.com/lisa_drupsteen

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

A short story I wrote while a student at The Second City Film School (formally the Harold Ramis Film School) featured a zany, narcissistic mother who named pets after loved ones. My peers were eager to learn more about this eccentric lady. I knew I had to explore the concept more deeply and bring it to life on the screen one day.

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

The adaptation took approximately 4 months. Could have been 2 weeks if I stopped putting it on the shelf to marinate…

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

Narcissistic mother!

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

Getting out of my own way. My previous project was higher budget and had more moving parts- I kept feeling anxious that this project wasn’t “enough”. Once I overcame those thoughts, the creativity could flow and I’m grateful I didn’t turn my back on it. Sometimes less is more!

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

I was anxiously excited to press that play button! It has been a while since I’ve gotten public feedback on one of my pieces. It was extremely validating to hear the feedback and positive takeaways. I had a big smile plastered on my face the whole time.

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

When Covid hit and I could no longer perform live or write for the stage.

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

Hmmm. Either Mamma Mia, Singing in the Rain, or Bridesmaids. I’m a sucker for feel-good musicals/comedies.

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’d love some more critical feedback (constructive of course)! This audience was way too nice to me.

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

It’s been great! Although discovering the platform sure has put a dent in my wallet…so many amazing festivals, so little time.

10. What is your favorite meal?

My honey’s reverse-sear steak. Yum.

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

I’m currently working on polishing up my pilot script for a comedy series entitled “Triple Twenty” about a lost young woman who joins a C-division dart league in rural Canada.

Submit to the Chicago FEEDBACK Film Festival

Filmmaker Brenton McNally (HALCYON)

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HALCYON, 7min,. Australia
Directed by Brenton McNally
David looks for his missing wife but struggles to get out of his own way.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
Our film is based on an original story concept by my co-writer Nichola Christie. She was motivated by exploring the simultaneous beauty and heartache of time passing. The film explores how those we love leave impressions on us that stay and mould us beyond time. This film was shot with vintage 70s lenses and blends horror elements with a personal, dream-like drama film.

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

The film was completed, from conception, in less than 48 hours. It was in competition at the 48-hour film challenge in our city – Brisbane, Australia.

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

Melancholic mystery

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

Challenging ourselves to such a short amount of time to conceive and complete the film meant we needed to be deliberate with all of our choices. Writing in such a way as to take advantage of available actors and locations as well as shooting in an economical fashion were essential to the success of the film.

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

We were very pleased with the reactions in our feedback video. With a complicated and mysterious plot, it was great to know that the film was understood and received the way we intended.

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

As with most people, I have had a life-long interest in films. I mostly thought it was not feasible to make something worth watching until smartphones made it so easy to capture the images in my head. Making films with my kids showed me just how feasible all of it was and thus started the trajectory we are on now.

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

It would likely be a James Cameron film – Terminator 2 or True lies, probably. They were on repeat when I was a kid – taped off the TV when that was a thing.

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 wouldn’t suggest any changes. I have enjoyed the experience so far.

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

I find FilmFreeway very easy to use. It is a great concept.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Anything made by my partner – she is an excellent and creative cook.

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

Yes, we have a few projects in the works this year. Our next film will likely continue our theme of time and heartache but this time with a down-to-earth, personal, science fiction lens.

Submit to the Chicago FEEDBACK Film Festival:

Filmmakers Kamil Keenan, Agnieszka Żaglewska (THE CAPSULE)

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THE CAPSULE, 20min,. Poland
Directed by Kamil Keenan, Agnieszka Żaglewska
Two astronauts in a space capsule realize that they won’t have enough oxygen until help arrives. In this extreme situation, they suddenly have to face the ultimate questions. Accompanying the characters on their final journey, viewers begin to wonder what their answers would be.

http://kamilkeenan.com/
https://www.instagram.com/kamilkeenan

Get to know the filmmakers:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
Kamil: My uncle had an accident while working underground as a miner and he was stuck for around 8h with no way out nor possibilities to move.
This made me think that so many thoughts must go through your head when you are facing your death so I adapted this situation to a script with Aga’s talent for writing.
Aga: Kamil told me about his idea and as soon as I heard it I knew I wanted to write this script, it sounded very compelling. Dealing with the idea of my own mortality has always been on my mind, so I knew I could express a lot of my own struggles in the film.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
It was about two years from the moment I had the idea to the finished product.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
We didn’t have a producer, nor any budget.
It was a passion project for all of us, and making a sci-fi film with no budget is not easy.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
So far we’ve only had feedback about the film from family and friends, so it was amazing to hear strangers’ thoughts on it.
It’s mind blowing that people on another continent have even seen our film, let alone enjoyed it!
We are so happy that audiences find our film compelling. We want to make films for this very reason: to communicate through art.

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

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Kamil: I love psychological movies and thrillers so for me it is ‘The Prestige (2006)’.
Aga: When I was little I was obsessed with this obscure kids’ film called “Rock-a-Doodle”, and this is definitely the film I’ve seen the most.
Other than that it’s probably “It’s a wonderful life”.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
Our dream is to watch our film with an audience in a cinema and to be able to talk about it afterwards, so we would love to come to a film festival in person.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
It’s great as you can upload the project once and share it with various (even famous) festivals around the globe.

10. What is your favorite meal?
Aga: My grandparents used to live in Switzerland and introduced me to my favorite meal, which is fondue.
Kamil: I love asian cousine – butter chicken for me.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
Kamil: Yes, I will try to make a full-length movie soon.
Aga: I am currently studying directing in Film School in Katowice, Poland, and I’m working on two short films at the moment.

Submit to the Chicago Feedback Film Festival:

Filmmaker Zach Marks (A VALLEY REBORN)

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A VALLEY REBORN, 11min., USA
Directed by Zach Marks
“A Valley Reborn” is a short documentary that highlights the careful restoration of a portion of the San Miguel River, situated in the historic town of Telluride, Colorado. Led by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in partnership with the United States Forest Service (USFS), this project aims to remediate the adverse effects of a century of mining activity, which left the riverbed laden with heavy metals such as lead and arsenic. This film captures the entire restoration process, from initial assessment to final cleanup. The film features interviews with experts, community members, and stakeholders involved in the project. By addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable practices, we can safeguard water quality, preserve ecosystems, and educate future generations.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
I wanted to make this film after visiting Telluride in the summer of 2020. guided by my good friend, Carlo Pine, I was enthralled by the beauty of the valley and I wanted to do everything possible to spend as much time there. Then in 2022 when the EPA announced the plan to start this restoration project I quickly began to research and plan for A Valley Reborn. Learning about the passion the community had for this land, it was an easy choice to move to Telluride for the summer and start filming. Camping outside of town and filming this project was an unforgettable experience for my team and I.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
It took us 1.5 years.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
We lost all of our b-roll from summer 2022 due to a harddrive overheating and corrupting itself. So we had to go back in summer 2023 to film again.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I was very happy watching the audience reactions, they were what I expected.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I realized I wanted to make films at a young age and have been making short films my whole life. It was in college that I realized my passion was environmental films.

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

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

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

11. What is next for you? A new film?
I am in the research and development for a new film about kelp forests off the coast of Los Angeles.

Submit to the Toronto Documentary Festival

Filmmaker Balca Elif Sagmanli (DREAMER)

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DREAMER, 10min,. USA
Directed by Balca Elif Sagmanli
In an effort to fall asleep, a young woman, Audrey, struggles through the entrapment of a dream-like state where she encounters the various challenges of time past, time present, and time future.

https://instagram.com/dreamer2023shortfilm

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

The motivation behind the making of DREAMER was my quest to explore the themes of dreams/nightmares, sleep, isolation/absence, memories/fantasies, time, cyclical experiences, and out-of-this world experimental imagery/concepts. On a certain level, it is a personal film that encompasses self-exploration and my fascination for time and presence.

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

The initial idea of this film stretches back to a short film that I made with my best friend in high school. This concept has been in the back of my mind for as long as I can remember. In undergrad, I wrote and shot a different version of DREAMER. I never ended up finishing it because I knew that it was not the version that I aspired to share with the world. This all led to DREAMER becoming my thesis film at UCLA. I do wonder if I will ever continue to revisit these concepts and/or make a different version of it in the future.

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

Cyclical dreamstate.

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

The biggest obstacle that I faced in completing this film was my actually my cinematography research for my thesis, which was the exploration of how 35mm analog film works together with the digital 5K Full Format that I used. It was an interesting editing process as well because I had to decide when, why and how to use both of the formats.

The cinematography research explored the communication of both analog and digital formats in order to figure out if they would communicate different intentions and/or can be integrated organically. The film is a result of this narrative and technical integration. The intention of this film is to evoke dream-like, surreal, and calming emotions by creating a psychedelic and ethereal experience. Along with the film’s premise, the technical integration of two different formats of cameras allows this film to display its unique style and sensibility, and distinct aesthetic.

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

It was extremely helpful to hear feedback from an audience that had never seen, or heard of my film before. I think that more festivals should try to implement this feature because it is rare to hear direct audience feedback outside of film schools.

Balca Elif Sağmanlı

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

This will sound a bit cliché, but I have loved watching films ever since I was a kid. In middle school, I told my aunt that I wanted to make films (even though I had no idea what this meant yet). In high school, I took a film class, and that is when I knew that I had to continue making films.

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

This is such an interesting question! I think that I have seen Mean Girls the most. It is a bit of a cult classic film amongst my friends, and we watched it a lot in middle school/high school.

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 think that providing the opportunity of an interview is extremely helpful for student filmmakers, and more festivals should implement interviews. It would be great if the filmmakers could meet in-person at the festival to watch each other’s films.

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

It has been a seamless experience so far.

10. What is your favorite meal?

My favorite meal is a dish from Turkey called mantı (Turkish dumplings). It is the first thing that I eat when I am home in Istanbul, Turkey.

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

I am currently working on writing another short experimental film, and making a guitar centric/experimental music album (since I enjoyed playing guitar on the soundtrack of DREAMER).