Amy McKeever gives us the scoop on the many alternative film festivals taking place in the coming months.
The Cannes Film Festival, which just wrapped up, is renowned for its star-studded red carpets and its glitzy Palme d'Or. But for those of us not fortunate enough to score tickets to this fest in the south of France, there are plenty of lesser-known film festivals throughout North America worth checking out. Here's a round-up of five of the most intriguing small American film festivals.
Disposable Film Festival -- San Francisco, California
San Francisco's Disposable Film Festival is the ultimate exercise in filmmaking democracy - this festival, started in 2007, allows anyone with a cell phone, PDA or web cam to make and submit short films to be judged. Even better, the festival charges a very affordable submission fee of $.99. Although the festival premieres in late January, film buffs can also catch screenings of the films throughout the year (the latest is taking place June 12-14 in Paris at the Forum Des Images). Organizers even hosted a free bike-in screening in San Francisco this month which, like DFF itself, is a refreshingly updated version of an old concept.
Moondance International Film Festival - Boulder, Colorado
Some film festivals strive to do more than simply entertain audiences and honor filmmakers. Festivals such as Boulder's Moondance also aim to improve their community. Through its Columbine Award, this festival emphasizes non-violent conflict resolution and peace-building. The films screened at Moondance relate human experiences and struggles - from racism to body-image issues - in hopes of sparking dialogue and understanding. Moondance also offers workshops, pitch panels and even a Native American blessing ceremony at sunset. The festival runs from September 15-27.
The Cannes Film Festival, which just wrapped up, is renowned for its star-studded red carpets and its glitzy Palme d'Or. But for those of us not fortunate enough to score tickets to this fest in the south of France, there are plenty of lesser-known film festivals throughout North America worth checking out. Here's a round-up of five of the most intriguing small American film festivals.Disposable Film Festival -- San Francisco, California
San Francisco's Disposable Film Festival is the ultimate exercise in filmmaking democracy - this festival, started in 2007, allows anyone with a cell phone, PDA or web cam to make and submit short films to be judged. Even better, the festival charges a very affordable submission fee of $.99. Although the festival premieres in late January, film buffs can also catch screenings of the films throughout the year (the latest is taking place June 12-14 in Paris at the Forum Des Images). Organizers even hosted a free bike-in screening in San Francisco this month which, like DFF itself, is a refreshingly updated version of an old concept.
Moondance International Film Festival - Boulder, Colorado
Some film festivals strive to do more than simply entertain audiences and honor filmmakers. Festivals such as Boulder's Moondance also aim to improve their community. Through its Columbine Award, this festival emphasizes non-violent conflict resolution and peace-building. The films screened at Moondance relate human experiences and struggles - from racism to body-image issues - in hopes of sparking dialogue and understanding. Moondance also offers workshops, pitch panels and even a Native American blessing ceremony at sunset. The festival runs from September 15-27.
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