Call for entries in Elgin Short Film Festival
You are invited to take part in the eighth annual Elgin Short Film Festival Saturday, Sept. 24. The festival has drawn film entries from around the world, making this an impressive event that has entertained film lovers since 2009. They are currently inviting filmmakers to submit their short films, 20 minutes in length, for competition in the festival.
The Elgin Short Film Festival is the only short film festival of its kind in the area. Entries in the festival can only be up to 20 minutes long, including credits. This competition will allow any filmmaker to submit work, even if it has been entered into other festival competitions.
They encourage submitting films in every genre and subject matter as long as they are within the scope of the official rules.
The ESFF is excited to be working with Film Freeway again this year. They are thrilled to be a member of a growing community of festival organizers who have brought artists together through thousands of events all around the world. Filmmakers can submit their films via Filmfreeway.com.
There are two categories for films to be entered. The Elgin Short Film Festival will feature a Live Action category and an Animation category.
New for 2016, Next In Finalists: The top two selected films in each category, as voted on by the Selection Committee, will automatically make the finals. The next three selected films in each category will be screened as part of the Elgin Fringe Festival, Sept. 15-18. The film in each category receiving the most audience votes will be included for festival presentation.
The top finalist filmmakers will be treated to a red carpet arrival the night of the festival and will have their entry shown in the 1,200-seat theater of The Hemmens Cultural Center. In addition to trophies, first prize is $1,000, second prize is $500 and third prize is $300.
The trophies awarded are made by R.S. Owens, the same company that makes the Oscars for the Academy Awards. Mike Toomey, comedian and integral part of the WGN morning show, returns to MC the event.
The entry fee for films submitted by July 29 is $40. Films submitted after Aug. 1 will have a $50 fee. The deadline to submit your film is Aug. 26.
For a complete list of rules and regulations, and to download an application, go to filmfreeway.com/festival/ElginShortFilmFestival, www.hemmens.org/annualfilmfestival, or www.facebook.com/elginshortfilm.