Upcoming Film Festivals: August Edition

Special thanks once again to my friends at MovieMaker magazine for their awesome festival-and-contest email. As much as I love giving you all this info every month, I can't really take credit for finding it... so please head to www.moviemaker.com and check out their website, sign up for their free newsletter, or subscribe to their magazine!

In the mean time, here's some great info on upcoming festivals, contests, etc...

Tickets are available for the ANGELUS STUDENT FILM FESTIVAL on Sept. 13! This festival honors future filmmakers as they create works that respect the dignity of the human person. Angelus-winning films reflect values such as redemption, spirituality, dignity, tolerance, equality, diversity, hope and triumph of the human spirit. Angelus alumni include Sundance winners Patricia Cardoso (Real Women Have Curves) and Tony Bui (Three Seasons and Green Dragon). Other winners include directors Greg Marcks (11:14, starring Hilary Swank) and Sabrina Dhawan (screenwriter, Monsoon Wedding). For tickets or more information, go to www.angelus.org or contact Monika Moreno at Monikka1@verizon.net or 800/874-0999.

The 5th Annual BIG APPLE FILM FESTIVAL is now accepting entries for this year's event taking place November 19 - 22, 2008 at the world famous Tribeca Cinemas in the heart of the greatest city in the world. The BAFF is dedicated to showcasing and promoting the highest quality films from the New York City independent film community, as well as additional specially selected films from across the country and around the world. The festival includes special New York City premieres, interactive panel discussions with industry professionals, networking parties and a closing night awards ceremony. Alumni films include Suffering Man's Charity directed by Alan Cumming, Love, Ludlow (Warner Home Video), Owl and the Sparrow (2008 Spirit Award nominee) and Chubb Chubbs Save Christmas (2007 Sony Pictures Release). Previous panelists, guests and keynote speakers include representatives from Samuel Goldwyn Films, Magnolia Pictures, HBO, Current TV, Wellspring Media, Cinematical.com, Zeitgeist Films, Wild Bunch Films, First Run Features and Gen Art. In order to bring the most elite talent to the silver screen, BAFF partners with a variety of New York City independent film organizations and media outlets including IFP, The Village Voice, Indiewire.com, Cinematical.com, The L Magazine and MovieMaker Magazine. For more information go to www.bigapplefilmfestival.com.

BIG BEAR LAKE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL & SCREENWRITING COMPETITION is held the weekend of September 11 - 14, 2008. Screenings of independent feature films, short films, student films, high school student films, documentaries and a screenwriting competition. Festival holds educational filmmaker panels, seminars and a Pitchfest. Visit www.bigbearlakefilmfestival.com or call 909/866-3433 for more information.

To help inspire women to get into the sport of motorcycling, Harley-Davidson is sponsoring BIKES, CAMERA, ACTION!, a special contest challenging female moviemakers to capture the passion, independence and empowerment that embodies the spirit of female riders on film. Female moviemakers are encouraged to submit a two minute movie about women riders to the Motor Company by September 30, 2008, for the chance to win $5,000, a new High Definition video camera, Harley-Davidson MotorClothes® and the opportunity to showcase their film at a premiere party in Los Angeles. Visit www.bikescameraaction.tv for entry information and official contest rules.

The 4th annual HOLLYSHORTS FILM FESTIVAL takes place August 7 - 10. August 7 marks the opening night celebration at the Egyptian Theatre featuring short films from stars Jessica Biel, Josh Brolin and David Arquette. They are also honoring filmmaker David Lynch with a special visionary award that evening. On August 8 they will host a music video celebration at Nacional in Hollywood. August 9 - 10 they will showcase short films from around the world and industry panels at Laemmle's Sunset 5. To follow that there will be parties and closing awards. Advertising opportunities still available, for rates, contact staff@hollyshorts.com. Tickets and schedule available at www.hollyshorts.com.

Set for October 9 - 16, 2008, the 11th annual INDIE MEMPHIS FILM FESTIVAL is accepting submissions from across the country, in any style or genre, with an emphasis on films about the South or made by Southern filmmakers. Located in the home of the Blues and the birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll, the festival provides an environment that inspires independent filmmakers to connect and collaborate, building bridges from Memphis to all corners of the United States. Deadlines: May 16 /June 16 /July 1 /July 15. For details, call 901/246-7086 or visit www.indiememphis.com.

MILL VALLEY FILM FESTIVAL: October 2-12, 2008
2008 marks the Mill Valley Film Festival’s 31st edition. A celebration of the best in independent and world cinema, MVFF annually brings together a community of filmmakers and film lovers to Mill Valley, San Rafael and beyond to experience great new films in the beautiful environment of San Francisco’s beautiful Bay Area. With its reputation as a filmmakers’ festival, this prestigious non-competitive event showcases international features, documentaries, shorts and children's films—something for every filmgoer. They invite you to join them in celebrating great film! For more information go to www.mvff.com.

The PHOENIX FILM FESTIVAL is now accepting films and screenplays for its April Festival. Go to www.phoenixfilmfestival.com to submit your film today. The Phoenix Film Festival is the largest festival in Arizona and accepts features, shorts, animated shorts, student films and foreign films in both short and feature length. The festival has repeatedly been called "the best filmmaker festival" by filmmakers that have attended. The screenplay competition offers a cash prize and studio exposure.

Held beneath the red rocks of Zion National Park, the RED ROCK FILM FESTIVAL comes back in November 2008 with more excellent programming that will both challenge and educate the mind. The Xtreme sports shorts and off-the-charts dramatic features are just the accessories to the festival’s staple of political documentaries and foreign film. The festival is just a two-hour drive north of Las Vegas and offers a breathtaking location to see film in the warm part of the state of Utah. For more information visit www.redrockfilmfestival.com.