The DC Shorts Film Festival (September 6-16, 2012) and Screenplay Competition (october 13) calling now

The DC  Shorts Film Festival (September 6-16, 2012) showcases the largest audience-driven collection of short films in the USA.  Now in our 9th year, we expect hundreds of filmmakers and thousands of audience members mix, mingle and explore the world of short cinema.  DC Shorts is unique among film festivals -- all entries receive feedback and scores from the judging panels - a point which impressed MovieMaker Magazine to name us as "one of 20 festivals worth an entry fee," and "one of the leading film festivals" in the country - year after year!
--->  FINAL DEADLINE: APRIL 20
http://dcshorts.com/the-films

DC Shorts is open to filmmakers around the world. In 2011, we have received entries from: Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, India, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, USA, United Kingdom.

We review films under 20 minutes in ALL genres, styles and themes, and program screenings which allow audiences to watch as many different types of films as possible. Last year, we received hundreds of submissions from 42 nations and showcased 145 films from 23 countries in 17 unique showcases to a combined audience of over 7,200 people.

HIGHLIGHTS: 
           

• We encourage submitting films in every genre, focusing on all subject matters. In addition to our general screenings, there are special family-friendly and late-nightadult screenings, so films which can be screened for these programs are very welcome.

• Films must be under :20. We program films in 90-minute blocks, with the goal of showing between 8-10 films. Long-format shorts are difficult to program in thisscenario. If you wish to discuss a special case, please contact the Festival Director.

• DC Shorts has been consistently named as "one of 25 festivals worth the entry fee" by MovieMaker Magazine for our unique feedback system in which EVERYfilmmaker is able to review their scores and receive judges' comments.

• Do you have a FOOD-THEMED FILM? Through a special partnership with Whole Foods, we are actively seeking films with strong food-related themes. All filmsproperly entered under this category will receive a special gift from Whole Foods.

AWARDS:
           

• Outstanding First-Time Director

                        Winner is presented with a custom-made trophy and $250 cash award
           

• Filmmakers' Choice (chosen by filmmakers in attendance)

                        Winner is presented with a custom-made trophy and $250 cash award
           

• Festival Director's Choice (chosen by the Festival Director)

                        Winner is presented with a custom-made trophy and $250 cash award
           

• Outstanding Local Film, presented by KVM Rentals

                        Winner is presented with a $1000 equipment rental package
           

• Outstanding Use of Food, presented by Whole Foods Market.

                        Winner is presented with a Whole Foods gift are of $500. Film must be a US-based production.
           

• Outstanding Cinematography

                        Winner is presented with a substantial amount of film stock. Film must be a US-based production.
           

• Audience Favorite Awards

                        Selected for each screening which consist of a framed certificate and no cash award.

DC Shorts is proud to present a different kind of screenwriting competition. A panel of judges consisting of filmmakers, screenwriters, and critics will review and provide condensed coverage (feedback) for scripts of 15 pages or less. A set of finalists (5-7) will be selected to be featured during ScriptDC - a weekend of screenwriting events and classes for DC regional writers and filmmakers.

Finalists are invited to attend ScriptDC (all registration fees are waived) and, with the assistance of local directors and agents, cast a live table reading of the script from a bank of actors. Finalists will have ample time to rehearse their table reading with optional guidance from a theater director. The readings will be performed in front of an audience, who will vote on their favorites. These votes, along with the scores of the judges, will determine a competition winner.
--->  REGULAR DEADLINE: April 30
http://dcshorts.com/the-scripts                                 

Link to the website:  http://dcshorts.com/
Direct link to film submissions: http://www.dcshorts.com/the-films/
Direct link to script submissions: http://www.dcshorts.com/the-scripts/

HIGHLIGHTS
           

• The DC Shorts Screenplay Competition awards up to $2,000 to a winning script, and guaranteed acceptance into the 2013 DC Shorts Film Festival.

• We consider screenplays in every genre and subject matter. However, because the finalists are read in front of a live audience, the judging committee looks formaterial which can be successfully conveyed to a general audience in a table reading.

• Scripts must be under 15 pages (not including a cover page).

• Scripts must not be in production. The purpose of the competition and award money is to foster the creation and successful completion of an independent short film.All film/video shooting must take place after the award presentation in October 2012.

• DC Shorts has been named by MovieMaker Magazine year after year as one of 25 festivals worth the entry fee for our unique feedback system in which EVERYwriter is able to review their scores and receive judges' comments.

AWARDS
One script will receive $1,000 up front, plus a $1,000 upon completion of the final film. The final film is also guaranteed entry into DC Shorts 2013.