Sundance No-Budget Films

Sundance, Robert Redford's now iconic film festival has announced the launch of a new section called "Next," which will focus on six to eight innovative and original low- and no-budget films.



The idea behind "Next" is to discover and promote new filmmakers whose vision is hemmed in only by available funding. THAT MEANS YOU, PORT ELIZABETH!!!!!

Programmers hope to introduce these directors, previously known to the devotees of the mumble core and dogma movements, to the wealth of viewers, talent and media at Sundance.

If you're a no-budget filmmaker and want to get in on "Next," submissions are still being accepted for 2010. Get more info here.

Rooftop Films

This is an interesting Film-Music hybrid - a NYC film festival with various rooftop venues where they show music, some scored with live music, all around the city.

For more, visit the Rooftop Films site

Cape Winelands Film Festival Call for Entires

Since the first edition the Cape Winelands Film Festival (CWFF) has significantly grown in size and international participation. More than 70 features, documentaries and short films from over 35 countries were in competition during 2009. More than130 productions formed part of the festival programme, in total 62 featues, 27 documentaries and 44 shorts from more than 35 countries. The 2nd edition of the festival had 32 international guests. The festival had more than 300 screenings in March 2009.



Now the 3rd edition of what's become one of South Africa's largest film festivals has announced its call for entries. Entry forms are available on the official website of the festival: http://films-for-africa.co.za/ The festival will take place from 17 - 27 March 2010 in Cape Town and Stellenbosch.

And incidentally, if you want to see Facebook in action as a marketing and promotional tool, then join the festival's Facebook group; these guys are really leading the way in profiling their films and their festival using this totally free medium.

International Black DocuFest 2009

Saturday 25th July is the last day for submissions to the International Black DocuFest (IBDF)in Atlanta, Georgia.



IBDF's mission is to showcase the most innovative and compelling documentary films on the lives of people of African descent. Through a series of screenings, workshops and facilitated panel discussions, the International Black DocuFest explores the creative ways in which documentaries capture and chronicle the diverse experiences of black life from around the globe.

In other words, they want YOUR stories. The 3rd annual International Black DocuFest ™ will be hosted at Atlanta’s celebrated High Museum of Art on September 17 th – 19th, 2009. So jump to it.

IndieVillage SA Short Film Competition

Independent filmmakers from across South Africa are invited to submit their work for entry into The IndieVillage South African Short Film Competition.



The goal of this festival is to support independent South African filmmakers by bringing their names, faces and artistic works to new audiences.

Films announced as part of the finals will be selected by panel and screened at the IndieVillage South African Film Festival scheduled to take place 27th May to 30th May 2010 in Toronto. All finalists will also become eligible to win one of the following prizes:

Grand Prize- R 10 000
1st Runner Up- R 3 000
2nd Runner Up- R2 000

So what can I say? This is a festival about you, and for you. Best you get applying. For more information and submission requirements, click here

PLURAL+ Festival Call for Entries

In collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and other international partners, the UN Alliance Of Civilizations is launching a youth video festival exploring themes related to migration and diversity.

PLURAL+ is aimed at involving youth in addressing the key issues in their community related to migrant integration, inclusiveness, identity, diversity, human rights and social cohesiveness.



The project invites anyone aged 9-25 to submit short videos on their thoughts, experiences, opinions, questions and suggestions on how to promote harmonious yet diverse societies.

Submissions will be accepted from 1 June-30 September 2009. A prestigious international jury will announce the winners at an awards ceremony at New York's Paley Center for Media on 18 December 2009, coinciding with International Migrants Day. More from the NFVF