Cultural Arts Division Announces Call for Short Films for “Faces of Austin” Program
Selected Films to Premiere at 2017 SXSW Film Conference
AUSTIN, TX—November 22, 2016—The City of Austin’s Cultural Arts Division, part of the Economic Development Department, is seeking submissions of short films for its 2017 Faces of Austin program. Established in 2005, Faces of Austin showcases shorts by local filmmakers that reflect the diverse faces, voices, and experiences of our City. Selected films will be premiered at a screening during the SXSW Film Conference in March and will also be shown on the City of Austin’s channel, ATXN, and via the City’s website. One film will also receive a “Judge’s Choice” designation from a special guest judge. New for Faces of Austin 2017 is a cash honorarium of $500 for each selected short film and $1000 for the Judge’s Choice.
Submissions are due no later than Jan 23, 2017.
“Faces of Austin has enabled us to spotlight the vast array of talent within our local filmmaking community,” remarked Cultural Arts Division Manager Meghan Wells. “From light-hearted profiles of Austin locales to moving tributes of individuals who have shaped the fabric of our city, this program serves as an important outlet for Austin’s creative community. We look forward to sharing a new selection of compelling shorts soon.”
Faces of Austin submissions must meet these criteria:
10 minute maximum length
By an Austin-area filmmaker or commissioned through an Austin organization
Original non-fiction or fiction work no older than 3 years old
Filmed in Austin or highlights Austin-area topics or organizations
Does not violate copyright law by using copy written work, including music, without permission
Does not solicit funds or a particular political call to action
Must be appropriate to show in a public setting to an audience of all ages
May not be also selected by SXSW as part of its other Short Film Exhibitions
Preference will be given to films that are about Austin’s artists and Austin’s creative community.
Applicants must be 18 and older
Selection Process:
A selection panel comprising project advisors, media experts, and City staff will review each artist’s materials submitted by the project deadline. Selected submissions must meet all of the requirements and demonstrate a high quality. The City of Austin reserves the right to disqualify materials deemed offensive or inappropriate to show in a public setting. The “Judge’s Choice” will be selected from among the selection panel’s top 5 rated submissions. Preference will be given to films that are about Austin’s artists and Austin’s creative community.
Schedule
Nov. 22, 2016: Call for Entries Issued
Jan. 23, 2017, (5 pm): Entries Due
Feb. 2017: Selection and notification of films selected March 2017: Public screening during SXSW Film Conference
March 2017 ‐ March 2018
Films to be shown on ATXN and via City’s web site
For complete guidelines and to download an application, visit www.austintexas.gov/facesofaustin
For additional information please contact:
Laura Odegaard at 512-974-6345 or laura.odegaard@austintexas.gov
City of Austin Cultural Arts Division
The Cultural Arts Division of the Economic Development Department provides leadership and management for the City’s cultural arts programs and for the development of arts and cultural industries. The Cultural Arts Division is responsible for the Cultural Arts Funding Programs, Art in Public Places Program, community-based arts development, and programs to assist the development of film and creative industries in Austin. For more information, visit www.austincreates.com