Visit These Amazing Southern Film Festivals in 2016

vintage video cameraIf you’ve never attended or submitted your work to a film festival, there’s no time like the present. The benefits are plentiful, and in one place, you get a chance to see brand new movies, possibly present your own projects, meet fellow industry professionals and build contacts with groups of people with incredible resources. The cities and organizations which host them, as well, see an influx of revenue from tourism and general popularity. Yet many of the more renowned fests are not in the southern part of the United States. That is not say they are not excellent–they absolutely are, and quite a few of those listed below are popular within the industry. However none were included among the four stateside festivals listed on Indiewire’s ranking of the best in the world. Still, it’s important to recognize and build on the local art in our southern communities, and to draw attention the wealth of great talent showcased here.

SPRING
Atlanta Film Festival
Location: Atlanta, GA
Dates: April 1-10, 2016

For almost 40 years, this festival has attracted some of the industry’s top talent and consistently brings an international spotlight to work in the south. The festival is one of only three in southeast of the United States whose submissions qualify for an Academy Award. Here, you will undoubtedly see a number of unique and wholly creative projects.

Submission Deadline: During the fall of the year prior

Full Frame Documentary Film Festival
Location: Durham, NC
Dates: April 7-10, 2016

For non-fiction lovers, this festival is a haven of sorts. Every year, Full Frame introduces to the world some of the most riveting documentaries from around the world. Its style and objective is to continue to introduce modern pieces from burgeoning filmmakers. In doing so, the festival attracts some of the more creative features in the industry.

Submission Deadline: During the fall of the year prior

Nashville Film Festival
Location: Nashville, TN
Dates: April 14-23, 2016

This Nashville is the oldest running festival in the south, and provides a home to different types of film across all genres. One of the more remarkable things about the Nashville Film Festival is its year round programming and affiliation with the area’s high schools and universities. The festival’s prizes also include a number of lists.

Submission Deadline: The beginning of the year; passed for 2016

SUMMER
Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival
Location: Birmingham, AL
Dates: August 26-28, 2016

Sidewalk is known for its affordability and relaxed, unpretentious style. The festival has also been lauded by audience members and filmmakers for the remarkable creativity of its selections and the unmatched southern hospitality of everyone in the town and a part of the organization.

Submission Deadline: March 6 (Late), April 1(Extended)

FALL
Louisiana Film Prize
Location: Shreveport, LA

Dates: September 30-October 2, 2016
This zany, wildly creative festival is all about the short. Artists in the area converge to create an incomparable experience for filmmakers and festival goers. Of the 20 films that are selected, one goes home with a cash prize of $50,000, making it one of the biggest prizes on the circuit. With just 4 years under its belt, it has already made a name for itself and hopes to continue doing so.

Submission Deadline: July 12