Download 2009 Filmmaker Application

Hayti Heritage Film Festival
(Formally Black Diaspora Film Festival)
2009 Filmmaker Guidelines and Application
February 20-22, 2009
About Hayti Heritage Film Festival (HHFF):
Formerly known as the Black Diaspora Film Festival, the Hayti Heritage Film Festival is
proud to be celebrating its 15th year by showcasing the diverse works of and about people
of African descent. In honoring this 15 year legacy, HHFF will expand into new territory
this year. In addition to adding competition categories, the festival is stepping up efforts
to recognize and hone the talents of established and up and coming filmmakers by adding
competitive awards, a financial short film challenge, and an all day student workshop,
celebrity panel discussions and much more.
Filmmaker Eligibility:
The Hayti Heritage Film Festival is currently accepting applications and submissions for
films and videos, both short and long form. Films can be of any genre including drama,
comedy, horror, adventure, animation, romance, experimental and science fiction. These
works must be made by and/or about people of African descent and includes domestic
and international films. (African Descent is inclusive of all people who are or whose
ancestors are from Africa (i.e. African America, Latino, African, Caribbean, etc). Films
can be turned in separately from the film application if they are works in progress.
Applications for the Festival must be postmarked by January 15th, 2009. Please include a
50 work synopsis, photo stills, and biographies. A work in progress film must be
completed and received (not postmarked) by February 2nd, 2009. Notification of
acceptance will be determined within 10 days of the completed film submission
(application and film). Films must have been completed and copyrighted no earlier than
2007. You may also apply on https://www.withoutabox.com.
Student Eligibility
There are two categories of student submission, the general submission and the Financial
Short Film Challenge. You may also apply on https://www.withoutabox.com.
Student General Submission Category:
Students who have completed films within the last two years (January 2007) are
encouraged to submit. Former student filmmakers who are not currently in school
but were students during the completion of the film are also eligible to participate.
As stated above, films can be short or long form and can be of any genre.
Students may submit films individually or in teams. The general student
competition is open to those who are not of African Descent as long as at least
three of the following key roles are filled by people of African Descent: Director,
Producer, Screenwriter, Director of Photography, Lead Actor, Lead Actress.
Student Financial Short Film Challenge:
The Financial Short Film Challenge promotes a creative way to address a topic
that impacts each of us individually and collectively throughout our lives – Our
Financial Well-being. This Challenge aims to encourage rigor and quick decision
making skills in the very same way that a 48-hour film challenge would. The
financial short film challenge is open to all current students. Students are
encouraged to work in teams from November ‘08 – January ‘09 to create a 90
second to 5 minute film that follows the rules listed in the following material.
The Financial Short Film Challenge is open to those who are not of African
Descent as long as at least three of the following key roles are filled by people of
African Descent: Director, Producer, Screenwriter, Director of Photography, Lead
Actor, Lead Actress.
The winner of the competition will have their film screened as part of the closing
awards ceremony at the festival. Students must submit the “Letter of Intent” by
December 31st, 2008 for the Financial Short Film Challenge. This letter can be
mailed, emailed or faxed. Deadline for Application is January 15th, 2009 and
films must be received by February 2nd, 2009.
Competition:
All films submitted and accepted to the festival are eligible for the competition
categories. Films requested for special screenings are not eligible for competition. The
competition categories are as follows: Best Long Form (narrative/documentary), Best
Short Film (narrative/documentary), Best Acting Ensemble, Audience Choice Award,
Best Student Film – General Submission, and Best Student Film – Financial Film
Challenge. With the exception of the Audience Choice Award, all films will be judged
by an independent jury panel.
General Guidelines
Submission Procedure:
 The preferred format for submission is DVD, however Digi-Beta Video, Beta SP
will also be accepted.
 There is a $25 filmmaker fee submission/application fee for the 2009 Hayti
Heritage Film Festival. This fee is waived for students. Please make checks
payable to St. Joseph Historic Foundation.
 Films for the competition must have been completed after January 1st, 2007.
 Long Form Submission - Films 45 minutes and longer.
 Short Film Submission - Films 44 minutes or less.
 For General Film Submission, the films/videos must be made by and/or about
people of African descent. The filmmaker does not have to be of African descent
if the subject matter is about people of African descent. Also, if the filmmaker is
of African descent, the subject matter can be inclusive of all subjects, topics, or
audiences.
 The 3 out of 6 rule applies to student film categories only. Three of the following
six key roles in the project must be of African descent: Director, Producer,
Screenwriter, Director of Photography, Lead Actor, Lead Actress.
 Filmmaker accepted into the Festival will receive two festival passes which
includes access to all films, panels, access to the filmmaker lounge, opening and
closing receptions, and awards ceremonies.
 Please send a stamped self-addressed postcard with your application if you would
like to receive notification that we received your entry and film.
 Please include a stamped self-address envelope with your application if you
would like to have your film returned.
All Films and Applications must be submitted to
Hayti Heritage Film Festival
804 Old Fayetteville Road
Durham, NC 27702
Important Dates
December 31st, 2008 Letter of Intent due for the students participating in the Financial
Film Challenge must be submitted to the Film Festival.
January 15th, 2009
Final date to submit Filmmaker Application form by Professional
Filmmakers and students. If film is completed, please submit Film
with the application. Filmmakers will be notified of acceptance
within 10 days of film submission and completed application.
February 2nd, 2009
Last day to submit films that were previously a work in progress.
Last day to submit Financial Short Film Challenge films via
electronic format (i.e YouTube, Quicktime file) or snail mail.
February 9th, 2009
Students will be informed of selection of films for both
competitions.
February 19th-22nd, 2009
Hayti Heritage Film Festival