LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION: SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN FOR 2017 EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
In preparation for its 70th Anniversary year, the prestigious Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) is delighted to open submissions for its 2017 programme. Continuing in its reputation for showcasing the brightest and best of UK and international cinema, EIFF is looking for the most talented, innovative filmmakers working today to apply for inclusion in its 2017 programme.
Running from 21 June to 2 July, 2017, the 71st EIFF will shine a light on artistic exploration in narrative, documentary, experimental and animated film, with all films submitted required to be no more than 12 months old by June 2017. All Feature films and International Short films must be UK premieres in order to be valid for inclusion.
In an exciting move for UK filmmakers, all 2017 UK Short fiction, documentary and experimental film submissions will be required to be a Scottish premiere at EIFF, rather than a UK premiere – providing filmmakers with a wider opportunity to showcase their short films in their launch year. UK Short animation film submissions do not require a premiere status.
EIFF Deputy Artistic Director Diane Henderson commented “Our submissions process marks the start of our annual search for the best in UK and international cinema. Each year we find some true gems through the submissions process and our programmers are already looking forward to viewing the most recent crop of work from around the world.”
This year’s entrants can also look forward to a simplified submission process, with the 2017 festival accepting Secure Online Screeners via their submission partner website Withoutabox.com (WAB). This more environmentally-friendly process will see filmmakers invited to submit their films by uploading screeners to WAB’s secure viewing platform. Those wanting to post DVD screeners, can still do so by downloading a postal form on the EIFF website.
The Festival has announced Poland as its country focus for this special anniversary edition and invites Polish filmmakers to submit their work for potential inclusion. The Polish focus will comprise a programme of Polish fiction, documentary and shorts alongside tailored industry activity and networking opportunities.
EIFF is also pleased to confirm its popular UK Works in Progress section which will return for the second year as part of the Festival’s industry offering. Applications are now open for film projects at production or post-production stage. Continuing EIFF’s commitment to developing and enhancing the UK film industry, an invited audience of sales agents, financiers, festival programmers and distributors will be offered this exclusive advance look at upcoming British feature films.
EIFF Works in Progress will run alongside the existing industry events programme, talent development programmes and networking events. Last year’s attendees included representatives from Protagonist, Carnaby, Stray Dogs, Film4, StudioCanal, Lionsgate, Soda and Creative England. Filmmakers interested in submitting their projects for consideration can visit HERE.
