Film Festivals
|
Below is a list of film festivals throughout the state. All information provided has been reprinted from the 2006 Texas Production Manual. Upcoming "Call for Entries" to these festivals and more can be found in our Job Hotline section. |
|
|
AFI Dallas International Film Festival Spanning 10 days and nights with 150 feature films and shorts, its more than 200 screenings will make it one of the largest film festivals in the Southwest. The comprehensive programming will include the very best of contemporary international features, documentaries and short films. Festival date: March 22 – April 1, 2007; Submission deadline: December 15, 2006. |
|
|
Asian Film Festival of Dallas The Asian Film Festival of Dallas is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting an understanding of Asian culture, supporting and advancing the work of Asian-American artists. We have a shorts festival that normally takes place in May and a separate features festival at the Dallas Museum of Arts and the Magnolia Theater. AFFD has premiered many Asian films in Dallas such as: GREEN DRAGON, JU-ON, TALE OF TWO SISTERS, WEEPING CAMEL and many more. AFFD was created in 2001 by local film enthusiasts, SMU alumni Mye Hoang and International Movies in Dallas' Stephen Carlton. The organization is operated by nonpaid volunteers and has 501(c)3 nonprofit status. Festival date: first week of August 2006; Submission deadline: July 1, 2006. |
|
|
Austin Film Festival The Austin Film Festival hosts more than 100 film screenings in eight days and a four-day conference with more than 60 panels on various topics with a focus on screenwriting. Past panelists include: John Lee Hancock, Darren Star, Lawrence Kasdan, Paul Schrader, Buck Henry and Lem Dobbs. Competition categories include Screenplay: adult/family and comedy, Teleplay: sitcom and drama, Film: feature, short and documentary. Also, the Young Filmmakers Program sponsors a filmmaking summer camp with UT and other year-round opportunities. Festival date: October 19 - 26, 2006. |
|
|
Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival The Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival is the oldest and largest festival of its kind in the Southwest. aGLIFF is a Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation whose primary mission is to educate all of our community by showing the best in gay and lesbian international and regional films and videos and to promote positive awareness among both straight and gay/lesbian communities about gay and lesbian lives. Festival date: September 29 - October 7, 2006; Submission deadline: July 1, 2006. |
|
|
Cinematexas International Short Film Festival Started in 1995, Cinematexas International has been hailed as "...the most promising and pioneering short film festival in the country." - Filmmaker Magazine. Features international competition, UT student competition, cultural retrospectives, media activism forum, free film workshops for kids, music, performance and installations. Festival date: September 2006; Submission deadline: May 2006. |
|
|
CineSol Film Festival The CineSol Film Festival is an event that showcases the very best film and video with a connection to the Latino Culture and people. The traveling festival makes its way across the Rio Grande Valley, celebrating achievement in the art of filmmaking. CineSol is dedicated to furthering the art, craft and business of screenwriters and filmmakers and recognizing their artistic contributions in the Latino community. CineSol supports the work of aspiring and established filmmakers by enhancing public awareness of their artistic endeavors and by encouraging dynamic and long-lasting community alliances. Festival date: August 31 – September 2, 2007; Submission deadlines: Early Bird Deadline is June 15, Regular Deadline is July 1, Late Deadline is July 15. |
|
|
Dallas Video Festival The Dallas Video Festival is one of the largest and most diversified video festivals in the US and provides a showcase for new works by national, international and regional independent video artists. More than 200 screenings, plus installations, computer-based applications, exhibits, panel discussions, and workshops for adults and children are presented simultaneously in multiple areas. Emphasis on documentaries, experimental video, animation and technology. For more information visit www.videofest.org. Festival date: August 2006. |
|
|
Deep Ellum Film Festival The Deep Ellum Film Festival takes place every Fall as a presentation of Deep Ellum Film, Music, Arts, and Noise Inc. (DEFMAN) a nonprofit 501(c) 3 working to promote the art of filmmaking and the entertainment industry while raising funds for cancer relief. The Deep Ellum Film Festival has been labeled as, "Texas' best kept secret - a worthwhile underground fest" by Chris Gore, Editor, The Ultimate Film Festival Survival Guide. Festival: October/November 2006. |
|
|
A Festival of Films Presented By Texas Independent Filmmakers A Festival of Films was founded by Texas Independent Filmmakers as a response to the need to promote the voices and visions of independent filmmakers around the world. A Festival of Film's mission is to create platforms for filmmakers to reach the best possible audience for their work. For more information about attending the event, or submitting your film for competition, go to www.afestivaloffilms.com or call 210-736-FILM. Festival date: October 14, 2006; Submission deadline: August 1, 2006. |
|
|
Gulf Coast Film and Video Festival The Gulf Coast Film Festival wants to encourage the concept of film as art and offer awards as a means of education and expanded awareness of independent film. Festival date: September 15 - 17, 2006; Submission deadline: July 24, 2006. |
|
|
Houston Film Commission's Texas Filmmaker's Showcase The Texas Filmmaker's Showcase is a special screening event each June of Texas short films and videos under 45 minutes in length, presented to a select group of studio executives, agents and producers in the Hollywood film community. Filmmakers whose projects are selected to participate will be flown from Houston to Los Angeles and provided with an evening's accommodation and transportation to and from the screening which takes place at the Directors Guild of America Theater. The event is accompanied by a post-screening reception where filmmakers and industry professionals can visit with each other to discuss filmmaking, financing, distribution and other aspects of the movie business. No fee to enter! Festival: June 2006; Submission deadline: April 1, 2006. |
|
|
Island Film Festival Island Films is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the works of emerging filmmakers and digital media artists through the annual Island Film Festival. Entries are open to all high school and college students. Prizes include internships to film production workshops, hardware and software, cameras, and much more! Submissions accepted on DVD and VHS. No limit. Festival date: April 21 - 22, 2006; Submission deadline: March 26, 2006. |
|
|
Juneteenth Film Festival The mission of the Juneteenth Film Festival Foundation is to organize and implement film festivals and cultural events in celebration of diversity; encourage and promote artistic expression through original works of film and new media; promote awareness and appreciation of the history and experience of Juneteenth and the cause of freedom and human dignity throughout Texas and the United States; and provide educational scholarships and grants in furtherance of the mission and goals of the foundation. Festival date: June 15 - 17, 2006; Submission deadline: March 31, 2006. |
|
|
KidFilm / USA Film Festival, Dallas Oldest and largest children's film festival in the world. The 12-day Program features the best new and classic children's films from around the world, guest filmmakers, and extensive community outreach screenings for 20,000 local students, educators and adults. Noncompetitive. No entry fee. Festival dates: January 9 - 22, 2006; Submission deadline: October 18, 2005. |
|
|
No Name Film Festival The No Name Film Festival is a not-for-profit event that is hosted by a group of media professionals who love the art of film. Each year this festival seeks out bright, innovative works from imaginative new producers who may not ordinarily have an opportunity to participate in larger, high-profile festivals. It is the goal of this festival to continue to grow in size and scope, and to become a leading venue for the exhibition of projects by new and highly independent producers. Festival date: March 24, 2007; Submission deadline: February 28, 2007. |
|
|
Out Takes Dallas Film Festival The mission of Out Takes Dallas is to enlighten, enrich and entertain diverse communities about gays and lesbians through the medium of film and video and to contribute funds to organizations seeking to foster similar goals. We are a volunteer, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Our first festival was held in November of 1999, and we've since expanded our programming to a 10-day period and grown our audience to nearly 5,000 annually. Throughout the year, the festival hosts One Night Engagement events, which will include premieres and other special screenings. Festival date: November 3 - 12, 2006; Submission deadline: July 31, 2006. |
|
|
OUTer Gay and Lesbian Science Fiction / Fantasy Film Festival The mission of The OUTer Gay and Lesbian Science Fiction/Fantasy Film Festival in Austin is to expose, enlighten, educate, enrich and entertain diverse communities about gays, lesbians, bisexuals and/or transgender in the genres of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror through the medium of film and video. We also hope to encourage and contribute funds to gay and lesbian filmmakers or organizations seeking to foster similar goals through our competitive portion of the festival. Festival date: November 4, 2006; Submission deadline: September 15, 2006. |
|
|
Q Cinema Fort Worth's Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival Q Cinema is gearing up for its eighth annual festival in various locations throughout Fort Worth. Showcasing Texas-made, national and international releases aimed at the gay and lesbian community, the festival's mission is to provide a voice for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered persons by presenting films, videos and live programs that not only represent the diversity of our community but educate, enlighten and entertain us all. Q Cinema is produced by Q Cinema, Inc., a nonprofit organization under IRS code 501(c)(3). Festival dates: May 18 - 21, 2006; Submission deadline: April 1, 2006. |
|
|
Reel Women, Inc. - International Film and Video Festival Founded in 1989, it is a celebration of women, our programs entertain and educate as films and videos reveal the commonalties of women's lives while reflecting the varied life experiences of race, nationality, economic class and sexual orientation. As the filmmaker looks at women's lives with a "female gaze," we see stereotypes challenged and glimpse a world in which equality is reality. We aspire to provide inspiration and motivation to women to actualize their ideals. The Zoom Award will be presented to an outstanding woman filmmaker by Women of Vision during the festival. Festival: the first week of March 2006; Submission deadline: February 1, 2006. |
|
|
San Antonio CineFestival In 2006 the San Antonio CineFestival will celebrate its 29th year as the longest-running international Latino film and video exhibitor in the US. Presented by the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, one of the nation's premier Latino arts organizations, CineFestival continues to provide an important forum for viewing cutting-edge works produced by, for, and about Chicanos, and the international Latino experience. CineFestival encourages the discussion and critique of timely issues in the media arts and, in particular, the work of Latino media artists. CineFestival 2006 will take place over a seven-day period and will include panel discussions, guest speakers and media workshops. Festival date: November 10 - 17, 2006; Submission deadline: July 28, 2006. |
|
|
San Antonio Underground Film Festival The 12th annual San Antonio Underground Film Festival is accepting short and feature films for its upcoming June 16-17 event. Grand Prize: Lowrider Bicycle. This "boutique festival" has a light-hearted approach and is looking for films of all genres. Entry forms available at www.safilm.com. Festival date: June 16 - 17, 2006; Submission deadline: April 15, 2006. |
|
|
South by Southwest Film Conference and Festival (SXSW) South by Southwest Film is a nine-day film festival and four-day independent film conference occurring every March. Past participants include Quentin Tarantino, John Carpenter, Janeane Garofalo, D.A. Pennebaker, John Sayles, Liz Smith, John Pierson, Steven Soderbergh, Rick Linklater, Dennis Hopper, Russell Crowe, Ethan Hawke and Kevin Smith. The Festival has premiered such favorites as HIGH FIDELITY, JOURNEYS WITH GEORGE, IN THE COMPANY OF MEN, DARK DAYS and SPELLBOUND. For more information or for registration and submission information, please call our office or visit our Web site. Festival dates: March 10 - 18, 2006; Submission deadline: early December 2005. |
|
|
Spindletop / Lamar University Film Festival Founded in 1999, the Spindletop Film Festival focuses on bringing together student and advanced filmmakers with Hollywood insiders and professionals involved in all aspects of filmmaking, from directing to music composition. The Film Festival contest has three divisions: high school, college, and graduate/advanced. The categories include animation, documentary, experimental, narrative, feature, and music video. This year, three new categories have been added: screenplay, film journalism, and trailer/packaging. The Spinfest awards an annual scholarship to the “Best of Show” in the high school division and a prize to the “Best of Show” college entry. Submission deadline: July 4, 2006 and September 1, 2006 for high school students. Festival date: November 10-12, 2006; Submission deadline: July 4, 2006. |
|
|
Stateline Film Festival The Stateline Film Festival (formerly fest-EYE-ful) will be held in Texarkana, Texas on January 27 and 28, 2006. This is a transition year for the festival with a new name, dates and leadership. The Texarkana Filmmakers Guild is a newly formed community organization that recently took over the reins of the festival. We are very excited about the new direction this festival is taking. We are partnering with the historic Arkansas Municipal Auditorium in Texarkana, Arkansas where Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Roy Orbison have performed. In a few years, when the building's restoration is complete, we will have a beautiful, 700-seat facility in which to hold our event. Festival date: January 27 - 28, 2006; Submission deadline: December 31, 2005. |
|
|
USA Film Festival, Dallas Year-round programs include an eight-day Spring Festival (now in its 36th year), annual children's festival, monthly series, special tributes, etc. Annual Spring Festival showcases best new US and international features and shorts and also includes Academy-qualified national competition for short films with multiple cash awards. Overall Festival is non-competitive. Visit the Web site, call or fax to receive an entry form for short film competition (US shorts only). Festival date: April 28 - May 4, 2006; Submission deadline: March 1, 2006. |
|
|
WestFest Video Festival WestFest Video Festival: Short-Form Festival for Students. The mission of the WestFest Short-Form Video Festival is to provide a venue for all student filmmakers and to also encourage filmmakers in the Big Bend region to chronicle their culture, stories and lives. WestFest is intended to provide a platform for young videomakers and to give them the experience and exposure they need in their careers. Festival categories include Narrative, Animation, Documentary and Alternative. Successful filmmakers, from around the state, participate in panels and workshops to teach students the tools and techniques of modern multimedia development. Festival date: November 2006. |
|
|
WorldFest Houston International Film and Video Festival The 39th Annual WorldFest Houston is the only totally dedicated independent film festival in North America. We screen only indie films, shorts and features - no films from major studios or distributors. WorldFest offers competition in indie features, shorts, documentaries, experimental, student, scripts, music videos, new media, interactive, TV production and commercials. More than 50 feature films are premiered and 100 new shorts are shown. More than 450 international filmmakers attend this annual event. Nine professional production seminars, $25,000 in awards, awards gala, regatta and Texas BBQ. Festival club open every night of festival. The third oldest international film and video festival in North America. Festival date: April 21 - 30, 2006; Submission deadline: December 15, 2005. |