While in Los Angeles, I attended the LA Film Festival a handful of years. During that time, I hit a couple of Sundance/Slamdance Fests as well. ‘Tis true, June in LA is easier than January in Park City, but the mist of inspiration infuses the air regardless of season. I would LOVE to be in LA right now, immersed in the experience that is the LAFF, if I didn’t have matters here.
I’d be blogging away I assure you. I love the panel discussions, the Q&A’s and feeling a part of films I wouldn’t otherwise see (homegrown Swedish Auto being one). Chatting with filmmakers about their work is a thrill for me. I am a vigilant viewer with things to learn and to share, and I seize every chance. While I really enjoyed Swedish Auto, I remember being most captivated by Josh Robertson‘s score, and telling him so. I felt his music, not only elucidated the emotion, but elevated this honestly told and worthwhile film. If you haven’t yet seen it, you should. Goes to show: a spirit of cooperative collaboration is key.
The Virginia Film Festival will be here before you know it. With so much local talent to celebrate, we could not, and would not, ignore this special call to VA filmmakers to submit your work for free. We’re blessed the fest’s on our home turf. It’s truly not to be missed.
Submit! Volunteer! Attend!
We’ll see you there.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: John Kelly
John Kelly PR
434-296-5577 (office)
434-987-6513 (mobile)
CALL FOR ENTRIES ANNOUNCED FOR 2010 VIRGINIA FILM FESTIVAL
Filmmakers Invited To Submit Features, Documentaries and Shorts
23rd Annual Festival Set for November 4-7 in Charlottesville
Charlottesville, VA – June 15, 2010 – The Virginia Film Festival has announced the launch of its call for entries, inviting filmmakers from the state, region and the world to submit features, documentaries and short films for consideration for the 2010 festival.
The 23rd annual Virginia Film Festival is scheduled for November 4-7 in Charlottesville.
“Last year we were delighted with both the number and the quality of features and documentaries we received,” said Virginia Film Festival Director Jody Kielbasa, who is heading into his second year at the festival’s helm. “One of the most exciting things about attending a film festival is the opportunity to be among the first to discover new filmmakers, and our call for entries is a perfect way to do that. Last year’s record attendance of more than 19,000 is evidence that this is a festival on the rise, and I hope our continued growth will allow us to continually expand our pool of filmmakers as we move forward.”
All submissions will be considered as long as they are received by September 8th. All entries must be submitted through Withoutabox (www.withoutabox.com). Rates for film submissions will be $45 for the general public and $40 for Withoutabox members. Submissions are FREE for Virginia residents, including students. Submissions for out-of-state students are $10.
Kielbasa said the call for entries has allowed for many exciting discoveries from the festival’s home base. “Last year we launched a Virginia Filmmakers Showcase, which I plan on making an annual tradition at the festival. The film scene here is growing and vibrant and we want to make sure the festival always provides a platform for these filmmakers.”
The Virginia Film Festival, presented by the University of Virginia’s College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, is a four-day celebration of cinema’s unique power to inspire, enlighten and entertain. It’s a chance to see first-run-features and revisit timeless classics. It’s a chance to discover new films and filmmakers, a place to hear from high-profile industry insiders and up-and-coming stars, and a forum for talented filmmakers from around the world and throughout Virginia. It’s an opportunity to hear cultural experts lead fascinating lectures and discussions that illuminate the films and themes in the context of the world in which we live today. And to top it all off, the festival features a series of special events that invite the entire community to come together and revel in the magic of the movies.
The Virginia Film Festival will announce its program for the 2010 festival in early October. For more information on the 2010 Virginia Film Festival call for entries or to keep up with the latest news on the upcoming Festival, visit us online at www.vafilm.com.
All those interested in volunteering for this year’s Virginia Film Festival can learn more by contacting David Hopper at 434-982-5560 or emailing him at dlh2v@virginia.edu.
