MOTIONPICTUREMAKER.COM

Edinburgh International Film Festival - Early Bird Deadline
2024-03-08 | N/A
Edinburgh, Scotland
United Kingdom

ABOUT THE EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
The original festival. We’re the one that started it all, the igniting spark which established Edinburgh as the world’s Festival City.
Our Origin Story
Founded in 1947, the International Festival was the inspired idea of Rudolf Bing, a cultural pioneer and Jewish refugee of the Nazi regime.
He joined with civic and artistic leaders to create an event that would transcend political boundaries through a global celebration of performing arts in Scotland’s beloved capital city. Over the following 76 years the International Festival has flourished, deepening our commitment to artistic excellence and cultural curiosity. Meanwhile, sister festivals have grown up around us, each of them contributing to the atmosphere of unparalleled excitement that transforms the city every summer.
Our Festival
We welcome the world to Edinburgh to experience our hand-picked programme of the finest performers in dance, opera, music and theatre. Through their artistry we create space for reflection and reconciliation, debate and celebration, bringing people of different cultures and viewpoints together.
Our Impact
Shining far beyond what you see on stage, we aim to be a beacon for the enormous creativity, curiosity and potential held within individuals, communities and our nation. We offer year-round pathways for people of all ages and backgrounds to discover and participate in live performance, and to help shape the future of our Festival. By nurturing the next generation of artists – from inspiring primary schoolchildren to mentoring rising stars – we want this legacy to be felt for years to come.
Our Vision
Our vision is simple: to provide the deepest experience of the highest quality art for the broadest possible audience.
Audience Manifesto

Live performance is most thrilling when audiences and artists are in communion with one another. What we each bring into the room matters.
We invite you to listen, gather, seek, and feel with us. Sometimes we listen so deeply we hear every breath in the room; at other times we gather with a joyful roar! We’ll make sure you know what to expect.
We want you to feel truly welcome at our events. We ask and listen to what you need, aiming to remove barriers through our Access Pass, range of prices, concessions and friendly staff.
There is always something new to discover – we hope our audio introductions, post-show talks and ‘inside out’ concerts will reward your curiosity, whether you’re here for the first time or you’ve been with us through the decades.
There is no singular view on why a symphony matters, what makes opera relatable, or how dance makes us feel. If you seek context and depth, we will connect you with the human stories behind these works of art.
We present you a window to the world. Encounter familiar stories in other languages or from radically different perspectives. Bring an open heart and mind, and we’ll provide specific guidance for those who want to feel more prepared.

DEADLINES & FEES
Opening Submission Date
January 23, 2024
Notification Date
June 30, 2024
Event Date
August 15-21, 2024

Early Bird
Regular
Late

Feature Films
March 8, 2024: $60
March 29, 2024: $70
April 19, 2024: $85

Short Films
March 8, 2024: $25
March 29, 2024: $35
April 19, 2024: $40

Visit the Edinburgh International Film Festival website for more information.

VIEW THE EVENT CALENDAR

Cinequest Film & VR Festival
2024-03-07 - 2024-03-17 | N/A
San Jose, California
United States

ABOUT THE CINEQUEST FILM & VR FESTIVAL
Cinequest Film & VR Festival was voted Best Film Festival by USA Today Readers. Cinequest programs 90% of its festival from paid submissions annually - one of the highest percentages of the world's most influential film festivals, and has helped discover countless artists including: Edie Falco (The Sopranos, Nurse Jackie); Alejandro González Inñárritu (Amores Perros, 21), Deepa Mehta (Water, Midnights Children); Jason Reitman (Thank You For Smoking, Juno); Bryan Singer (The Usual Suspects, X-Men); Mira Sorvino (Mighty Aphrodite); Michael Imperioli (The Sopranos); Renee Zellweger (Chicago, Jerry MacGuire); and Gavin Hood (Tsotsi, Wolverine), among many others. Click here for additional Cinequest Programming Highlights
Cinequest Film & VR Festival (CQFF) will occur both Live in San Jose / Silicon Valley and Globally via its proprietary Virtual platform. Cinequest has been a leader in building community, audiences, and opportunity for film and filmed media via groundbreaking tech and paradigms for decades and will continue the golden combination of live and online post pandemic.
Organizationally set in the home of the world's most influential media technology companies (Apple, Cisco, Facebook, Twitter, Netflix, LinkedIn, Occulus etc.) CQFF showcases premier films, renowned and emerging artists, and breakthrough technology empowering global connectivity between creators, innovators and audiences. CQFF has led the world in its showcase and implementation of the technologies that have revolutionized film making, exhibition and distribution. CQFF's blend of the artist and innovator gains focus through its Maverick Awards. Its Maverick Spirit Awards recognizes artists (Harrison Ford, Nicolas Cage, Elle Fanning, J.J. Abrams, Tatiana Maslany, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Bill Nighy, Sir Ben Kingsley, Rosario Dawson, Spike Lee, James Franco, Neil Gaiman, and Sir Ian McKellen are among the guest recipients). Its Maverick Innovator Award recognizes technologists (including Martin Cooper, father of the cell phone, and Steve Wozniak, Co-founder of Apple Inc.). A Maverick stands apart from the crowd willing to create and innovate from a place of personal yet global vision.
Cinequest connects artists, innovators, media, and audiences as people converge to experience a potent mix of immersive stories from around the globe and breakthrough technologies. Yet, Cinequest's stellar reputation not only hinges on its knack for creating a powerful line-up, but also for securing distribution for many of its honored filmmakers. Netflix, IFC Films, Amazon, MSNBC Films, Oscilloscope, Sony Pictures, Magnolia Pictures, Kino-Lorber, eOne, Lionsgate, PBS, and HBO are just a few of the many that have signed deals with some of Cinequest's success stories. Cinequest Distribution has also successfully released 85 Film Festival favorites.
Also, as an Academy-qualifying festival for the short film categories, Cinequest is proud to honor the winners of its Best Short Narrative and Best Short Animation prizes with a shot at every filmmaker's dream... Oscar gold.

DEADLINES & FEES
Opening Submission Date
May 1, 2023
Notification Date
January 31, 2024
Event Date
March 7 – 17, 2024

Early
Regular
Late
Extended

Feature Films
Aug 11, 2023: $55
Oct 13, 2023: $65
Nov 10, 2023: $70
Nov 17, 2023: $80

Short Films
Aug 11, 2023: $40
Oct 13, 2023: $50
Nov 10, 2023: $55
Nov 17, 2023: $65

Episodic Content
Aug 11, 2023: $50
Oct 13, 2023: $60
Nov 10, 2023: $65
Nov 17, 2023: $70

Music Video
Aug 11, 2023: $35
Oct 13, 2023: $45
Nov 10, 2023: $50
Nov 17, 2023: $60

Visit the Cinequest Film & VR Festival website for more information.

VIEW THE EVENT CALENDAR

Calgary International Film Festival - Earlybird Deadline
2024-02-23 | N/A
Calgary, Alberta
Canada

ABOUT THE CALGARY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
The Calgary International Film Festival's mission is “to entertain and engage audiences by curating the most innovative and compelling films, and creating remarkable festival experiences.”
Achieving our mission includes hosting a large number of participating filmmakers – both locally and from abroad – and connecting them with the audience through interactive post-screening Q&As, networking, and through panels and film talks open to the general public.
Located in one of North America's 10 Best Cities to Live and Work as a Moviemaker the Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF) has grown to be the biggest film festival in Alberta and the sixth-largest in Canada.
Offering over $40,000 in cash and prizes, the festival awards outstanding films selected by the audience and esteemed juries. Showcasing an average of 200 short and feature-length, multi-genre films, from Canada and around the world, CIFF is a qualifying, accredited festival for the Academy Awards® and the Canadian Screen Awards.
Located on the edge of the world's most dynamic filming locations, the festival is known for its hospitality and has been named one of the “Top 50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee” by MovieMaker Magazine in 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2022 and 2023!

DEADLINES & FEES
Opening Submission Date
January 8, 2024
Notification Date
August 15, 2024
Event Date
September 19 - 29, 2024

Earlybird
Regular
Extended
Final

Features (Canadian)
Feb 23, 2024: $35
April 16, 2024: $45
May 31, 2024: $55
June 13, 2024: $75

Features (International)
Feb 23, 2024: $45
April 16, 2024: $55
May 31, 2024: $65
June 13, 2024: $85

Short Films
Feb 23, 2024: $30
April 16, 2024: $40
May 31, 2024: $50
June 13, 2024: $70

Student Short Films
Feb 23, 2024: $20
April 16, 2024: $30
May 31, 2024: $40
June 13, 2024: $60

Youth by Youth Short Films (Under 18)
Feb 23, 2024: $10
April 16, 2024: $15
May 31, 2024: $20
June 13, 2024: $30

Visit the Calgary International Film Festival website for more information.

Hawaii International Film Festival - Earlybird Deadline
2024-02-16 | N/A
Honolulu, Hawaii
United States

ABOUT THE HAWAII INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
HIFF's MISSION
As the vanguard forum of international cinematic achievement in the Asia-Pacific region, Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF) endeavors to recognize new and emerging talent, promote career development and original collaborations through innovative education programs, and facilitate dynamic cultural exchange through the cinema arts.
HIFF started as a project of the East-West Center, an educational and research institution created by U.S. Congress and located on the University of Hawai’i Manoa campus in Honolulu. Jeannette Paulson Hereniko was HIFF’s Founding Director, from 1981 to 1996. In 1981, HIFF’s inaugural year, the program consisted of seven films from six countries which were viewed by an audience of 5,000.
HIFF has become a premiere cinematic event in the Pacific and annually attracts more than 50,000 film enthusiasts from around the state, the nation and throughout the world. It is one of the premier film festivals in the United States and the only festival spread across an archipelago.
HIFF annually presents a series of prizes for established and emerging filmmakers at its annual Awards Gala. In addition to its main competitions, the festival also honors filmmakers for special accomplishments and contributions to cinema culture.

DEADLINES & FEES
Opening Submission Date
January 9, 2024
Notification Date
August 30, 2024
Event Date
October 2 - 13, 2024

Earlybird
Regular
Late

Feature Films
Feb 16, 2024: $55
Apr 26, 2024: $65
June 21, 2024: $75

Short Films
Feb 16, 2024: $45
Apr 26, 2024: $55
June 21, 2024: $65

Pacific Islander Showcase Features/Shorts
Feb 16, 2024: $35
Apr 26, 2024: $35
June 21, 2024: $35

Made in Hawaii Features/Shorts
Feb 16, 2024: $25
Apr 26, 2024: $25
June 21, 2024: $25

Visit the Hawaii International Film Festival website for more information.

VIEW THE EVENT CALENDAR

Edmonton International Film Festival - Earlybird Deadline
2024-02-01 | N/A
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada

ABOUT THE EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
The Edmonton International Film Festival Society’s (EIFFS) mission is to present a film festival in theatres to celebrate diverse cinema for audiences. To achieve this, we showcase high quality cinema from around the world to allow filmmakers to interact in a forum that creates and fosters community, while placing EIFF on the global film festival map.
We present films produced within 20 months of each festival. These films are curated from submissions and solicited from distributors. The festival also presents a generous dose of filmmaker chats, Q&A’s, gala screenings, a local filmmaker spotlight, ‘buzzy’ films that are travelling the festival circuit, shorts with lunch, and more. Films are selected on the basis of story, quality and originality. All films must be EDMONTON premieres.
EIFF IS AN OSCAR QUALIFYING FESTIVAL FOR SHORT FILMS — LIVE ACTION & ANIMATION — AND IS THE FINAL QUALIFYING FESTIVAL EACH CALENDAR YEAR.

DEADLINES & FEES
Opening Submission Date
November 15, 2023
Notification Date
August 1, 2024
Event Date
September 26 - October 5, 2024

Earlybird
Regular
Late

Feature Films
Feb 1, 2024: $40
Apr 15, 2024: $50
May 1, 2024: $65

Short Films
Feb 1, 2024: $25
Apr 15, 2024: $35
May 1, 2024: $50

Alberta Films (All Lengths)
Feb 1, 2024: $15
Apr 15, 2024: $25
May 1, 2024: $40

Visit the Edmonton International Film Festival website for more information.

VIEW THE EVENT CALENDAR

Edinburgh International Film Festival - Open For Submissions
2024-01-23 | N/A

New Orleans Film Festival - Earlybird Deadline
2024-01-19 | N/A
New Orleans, Louisiana
United States

ABOUT THE NEW ORLEANS FILM FESTIVAL
The New Orleans Film Society is a 501(c)3 whose mission is to discover, cultivate, and amplify diverse voices of filmmakers who tell the stories of our time. We produce the Oscar®-qualifying New Orleans Film Festival annually and invest year-round in building a vibrant film culture in the South to share transformative cinematic experiences with audiences, and connect dynamic filmmakers to career-advancing resources.
NEW ORLEANS FILM SOCIETY VALUES STATEMENT

Start with the art and allow artistic vision, equity, and social impact to guide our search for resources.
Champion filmmakers who have been historically denied access to resources and opportunities within the industry–– including Southern artists, women, people of color, LGBTQIA people, and people with disabilities.
Seek deep audience engagement.
Build a working environment that is fair and fulfilling.
Exhibit dedication and passion and believe that inspired and impactful programs arise from collaboration and mutual respect.

New Orleans shines ever brighter as an epicenter of culture and creativity during the New Orleans Film Festival, with 500+ filmmakers from every corner of the world in attendance at 220+ films. We see our greatest impact in the exchange of ideas that occurs when over 35,000 people gather over the course of 8 days to champion film in New Orleans and engage with visionary films, directors, and other film lovers. NOFF is one of the few film festivals that is Oscar®-qualifying in all three Academy-accredited categories.
Diversity + Discovery:
Paste Magazine praised the festival for offering “a platform to voices that still fight to be heard.” We honor three vital commitments to filmmakers and to audiences hungry for fresh work with perspectives less often represented on the silver screen:

90% of the films in the festival will come from submissions, ensuring New Orleans Film Festival is a place of discovery where all voices have an opportunity to be heard
50% or more of the films will be helmed by women and gender non-conforming filmmakers
55% or more will be helmed by filmmakers of color

DEADLINES & FEES
Opening Submission Date
December 5, 2023
Notification Date
August 9, 2024
Event Date
October 24 - November 3, 2024

Earlybird
Regular
Late
Extended

Narrative/Documentary Feature Films
Jan 19, 2024: $46.50
Mar 15, 2024: $56.50
May 10, 2024: $71.50
June 14, 2024: $81.50

Narrative/Documentary Short Films
Jan 19, 2024: $37
Mar 15, 2024: $47
May 10, 2024: $57
June 14, 2024: $72.50

Animated/Experimental Shots
Jan 19, 2024: $32
Mar 15, 2024: $37.50
May 10, 2024: $47.50
June 14, 2024: $57.50

Visit the New Orleans Film Festival website for more information.

VIEW THE EVENT CALENDAR

Atlantic International Film Festival - Open For Submissions
2024-01-08 | Cineplex Cinemas Park Lane, 5657 Spring Garden Rd, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 3R4, Canada
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Canada

ABOUT THE ATLANTIC INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
The Atlantic International Film Festival has grown into one of Canada’s premier celebrations of film and filmmaking, an essential platform for our regional industry alongside the best new national and international offerings. Celebrating its 44th year in 2024, the festival began as a tiny, grassroots operation in St. John’s, Newfoundland in 1981, relocating to Halifax the following year. Providing an immersive escape and experience for movie lovers, filmmakers, and industry professionals worldwide, AIFF continues to take place at Cineplex Cinemas Park Lane in the heart of historic downtown Halifax, Nova Scotia.
AIFF carefully curates our selections to bring audiences the best local and international films, while industry programming and special events are chosen with our diverse community in mind.
With our yearly lineup of anticipated film screenings, informative industry panels and glamourous galas, AIFF is dedicated to continuing its legacy as one of Atlantic Canada’s premier celebrations, serving as a key destination for people united by their shared love of film.

DEADLINES & FEES
Opening Submission Date
January 8, 2024
Notification Date
August 7, 2024
Event Date
September 11 – 18, 2024

Earlybird
Regular
Late
Extended

Atlantic Canadian Feature Films
March 22, 2024: $35
May 3, 2024: $45
June 7, 2024: $55
June 14, 2024: $75

Atlantic Canadian Short Films
March 22, 2024: $25
May 3, 2024: $35
June 7, 2024: $45
June 14, 2024: $65

Canadian Feature Films
March 22, 2024: $45
May 3, 2024: $55
June 7, 2024: $65
June 14, 2024: $75

Canadian Short Films
March 22, 2024: $35
May 3, 2024: $45
June 7, 2024: $55
June 14, 2024: $75

International Feature Films
-
May 3, 2024: $65
June 7, 2024: $75
-

International Short Films
March 22, 2024: $45
May 3, 2024: $55
June 7, 2024: $65
-

Visit the Atlantic International Film Festival website for more information.

Edmonton International Film Festival - Open For Submissions
2023-11-15 | N/A

Berlin International Film Festival - Short Films Deadline
2023-11-15 | N/A
ABOUT THE BERLIN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
The Berlin International Film Festival is a unique place of artistic exploration and entertainment. It is one of the largest public film festivals in the world, attracting tens of thousands of visitors from around the globe each year. For the film industry and the media, the eleven days in February are also one of the most important events in the annual calendar and an indispensable trading forum.
The Berlin International Film Festival enjoys an eventful history. The festival was created for the Berlin public in 1951, at the beginning of the Cold War, as a “showcase of the free world”. Shaped by the turbulent post-war period and the unique situation of a divided city, the Berlinale has developed into a place of intercultural exchange and a platform for the critical cinematic exploration of social issues. To this day it is considered the most political of all the major film festivals.
The Berlinale brings the big stars of international cinema to Berlin and discovers new talents. It accompanies filmmakers of all disciplines on their paths into the spotlight and supports careers, projects, dreams and visions.
Thanks to its numerous industry initiatives, the Berlinale is a significant driver of innovation and an important economic factor internationally as well as for companies in Germany and Berlin.
The Programme: Diverse, Independent and Daring
Every year, around 400 films of all genres, lengths and formats are shown in the various sections and special presentations of the Berlinale. Across the spectrum from feature films to documentary forms and artistic experiments, the audience is invited to encounter highly contrasting milieus, ways of life and attitudes, to put their own judgements and prejudices to the test and to reinvigorate their experience of seeing and perceiving in the realm between classic narrative forms and extraordinary aesthetics. The programme also thrives on an intense dialogue with its audiences. A rich array of spoken-word events, audience discussions and expert panels facilitate an active participation in the festival.

DEADLINES & FEES
Online submission for 2024 will be activated in mid-September.
Event Date
February 15 - 25, 2024

Official Deadline

Feature Films
Nov. 1, 2023: €175

Short Films
Nov. 15, 2023: €75

Visit the Berlin International Film Festival website for more information.

Berlin International Film Festival - Feature Films Deadline
2023-11-01 | N/A

Sundance Film Festival - Feature Films Late Deadline
2023-09-25 | N/A
ABOUT THE SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL
Founded by Robert Redford in 1981 with the mission of fostering new voices in American storytelling, the nonprofit Sundance Institute is a champion and curator of stories for the stage and screen. Today, our staff of 180 employees works year-round to offer 25 residential labs, grants exceeding $3 million, and ongoing mentorships that support more than 900 artists each year. Each January, the Sundance Film Festival brings artists and audiences together for the premieres of groundbreaking work, and year-round, the Institute hosts a variety of public programs to amplify original voices, inspire new ideas, and rally our community in support of independent storytelling.
The Sundance Film Festival is the ultimate gathering of original storytellers and audiences seeking new voices and fresh perspectives. Our annual program includes dramatic and documentary features and short films; series and episodic content; and New Frontier, showcasing emerging media in the form of multimedia installations, performances, and films. We also host daily filmmaker conversations, panel discussions, and other events. Since 1985, hundreds of films launched at the Festival have gone on to gain critical acclaim and reach new audiences worldwide.

DEADLINES & FEES
Opening Date
May 11, 2023
Event Date
January 18-28, 2024

Early
Official
Late

Feature Films
Aug 11, 2023: $70
Sept 4, 2023: $90
Sept 25, 2023: $115

Short Films
July 31, 2023: $45
Aug 18, 2023: $65
Sept 4, 2023: $85

New Frontier Projects
Aug 4, 2023: FREE
Aug 21, 2023: FREE
Sept 1, 2023: FREE

Episodic Content
Aug 7, 2023 : $45
Sept 1, 2023: $65
Sept 18, 2023: $85

Visit the Sundance Film Festival website for more information.

Sundance Film Festival - Episodic Content Late Deadline
2023-09-18 | N/A

Sundance Film Festival - Feature Films Official Deadline
2023-09-04 | N/A

Sundance Film Festival - Short Films Late Deadline
2023-09-04 | N/A

Sundance Film Festival - Episodic Content Official Deadline
2023-09-01 | N/A

Sundance Film Festival - New Frontier Projects Late Deadline
2023-09-01 | N/A

Sundance Film Festival - New Frontier Projects Official Deadline
2023-08-21 | N/A

Sundance Film Festival - Short Films Official Deadline
2023-08-18 | N/A

Sundance Film Festival - Feature Films Early Deadline
2023-08-11 | N/A

Sundance Film Festival - Episodic Content Early Deadline
2023-08-07 | N/A

Sundance Film Festival - New Frontier Projects Early Deadline
2023-08-04 | N/A

Sundance Film Festival - Short Films Early Deadline
2023-07-31 | N/A

Sundance Film Festival - Open For Submissions
2023-05-11 | N/A
ABOUT THE SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL
Founded by Robert Redford in 1981 with the mission of fostering new voices in American storytelling, the nonprofit Sundance Institute is a champion and curator of stories for the stage and screen. Today, our staff of 180 employees works year-round to offer 25 residential labs, grants exceeding $3 million, and ongoing mentorships that support more than 900 artists each year. Each January, the Sundance Film Festival brings artists and audiences together for the premieres of groundbreaking work, and year-round, the Institute hosts a variety of public programs to amplify original voices, inspire new ideas, and rally our community in support of independent storytelling.
The Sundance Film Festival is the ultimate gathering of original storytellers and audiences seeking new voices and fresh perspectives. Our annual program includes dramatic and documentary features and short films; series and episodic content; and New Frontier, showcasing emerging media in the form of multimedia installations, performances, and films. We also host daily filmmaker conversations, panel discussions, and other events. Since 1985, hundreds of films launched at the Festival have gone on to gain critical acclaim and reach new audiences worldwide.

DEADLINES & FEES
Opening Submission Date
May 11, 2023
Event Date
January 22 - February 1, 2026

Early
Official
Late

Feature Films
Aug 11, 2023: $70
Sept 4, 2023: $90
Sept 25, 2023: $115

Short Films
July 31, 2023: $45
Aug 18, 2023: $65
Sept 4, 2023: $85

New Frontier Projects
Aug 4, 2023: FREE
Aug 21, 2023: FREE
Sept 1, 2023: FREE

Episodic Content
Aug 7, 2023 : $45
Sept 1, 2023: $65
Sept 18, 2023: $85

Visit the Sundance Film Festival website for more information.

ScreenCraft Cinematic Book Writing Competition - Early Deadline
2022-09-30 | N/A
ABOUT THE SCREENCRAFT CINEMATIC BOOK WRITING COMPETITION
Hollywood has a long history of creating film and television from books. Does your book have cinematic potential? Our judges are looking for great stories with potential to be adapted for the screen. We’re looking for novels, novellas, true stories and biographies. Submit your work for consideration today!
