Upcoming Film Festivals: July Edition

Hey, screenwriters & filmmakers--

Once again, courtesy of MovieMaker magazine, here's a list of upcoming film festivals and conferences. Take a look... and also check out some of the great features at MovieMaker.com...

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, 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.

BOULDER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL: Their big idea? Provide filmmakers with huge, film-savvy audiences along with generous filmmaker hospitality and open the festival to gifted film artists worldwide. This has made BIFF into one of the most influential and popular young festivals in the U.S. Chris Gore, the author of The Ultimate Film Festival Survival Guide and Film Threat, says, "The staff's dedication to championing true Indies, the amazing hospitality along with a classic theater (with a full bar), make this a festival that should be on the top of every filmmaker's list.” Submit today, you’ll love it there. Deadline July 25. Visit www.biff1.com or email staff@biff1.com for more information.

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.

FANTASTIC FEST is a week-long festival featuring the best in new science-fiction, fantasy, horror, animation, crime and Asian cinema. During his Keynote Address at the 2007 International Film Festival Summit in Las Vegas, former Variety president and publisher Charlie Koones listed Fantastic Fest in a list of "10 Film Festivals We Love," which he described as "interesting and exciting" events. In addition to the Fantastic Fest, the list included industry heavy-hitters such as Cannes, Toronto and Telluride. The festival strives to make it the most friendly, fun and exciting experience as possible for their out of town guests and visiting filmmakers. www.fantasticfest.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.

The INTERNATIONAL HORROR & SCI-FI FILM FESTIVAL is now accepting submissions. Get your film and screenplay in now. Be part of the coolest genre fest in the country. Directors of acquisition from distributors will be in attendance to view films for consideration. This event will receive press coverage from the top genre press, both online and traditional. Submit your film and screenplay now to become part of the madness that is the International Horror and Sci-Fi Film Festival. Go to www.horrorscifi.com for more information.

MOONDANCE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL cordially invites filmmakers and screenwriters, playwrights, short story writers, TV writers, librettists, composers, children's filmmakers & writers, young (18 & under) plus seniors (75 & over) and all filmmakers & screenwriters, music video filmmakers and multi-media filmmakers to attend and participate in the truly international 2008 film festival in beautiful Boulder, Colorado, USA. Moondance offers everyone a unique opportunity to come together with other writers, directors, producers and audiences, to create new opportunities, develop tools for success and forge new alliances within the international film and entertainment industry. Festival dates: August 29, 30, 31, 2008. Email: director@moondancefilmfestival.com or visit: www.moondancefilmfestival.com.

The OMAHA FILM FESTIVAL is now accepting entries in the following categories: Narrative Features, Documentaries, Short Films, Animated Short Films, OFF the EDGE (Horror, Experimental, Dark Films) and Screenplays. Deadlines: Sept 8 (regular) and Oct 26 (late). Visit www.omahafilmfestival.org. With the creation of the festival's Film Education Initiative, ongoing learning opportunities have been provided to filmmakers during the annual festival and conference. Past participants include Shane Black, Mike Hill, Jon Bokenkamp, Josh Stolberg, Lew Hunter, Tom Elkins and Jeff Kitchen.

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.

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