Blog: Film festivals

International film festival of entertaining, fantastic and arthouse free genre films.

The Obscura Filmfest was founded by David Ghane in 2016 and has been run by him alone ever since. He is a passionate genre film fan since 1996, attends several film festivals per year since 2004, sometimes helps out there, acts as an extra in horror films and is an extreme film collector.

The Obscura Filmfest specialises in entertaining and fantastic B-movies, films that are rarely shown in cinemas. They show mostly big blockbusters or arthouse films that can be found at most other ordinary film festivals. Even comparable festivals are expanding their programmes to include more and more arthouse. Those who instead like entertaining, smaller and special independent films, but can also imagine bigger productions from far away countries, will find what they are looking for at the Obscura Filmfest: Films that are fun with rough edges, raw and uncompromising; from nasty little horror films to Asian battle epics, there is something for every fan, just no boredom.

It started with small, offbeat, trashy and depraved underground grindhouse films, meanwhile the Obscura also screens commercial, mid-sized films that are traded on the big film markets.

Highlights of the previous festival editions included the German premieres of the Argentinian fantasy sci fi cyberpunk action film "Daemonium", the Ukrainian thriller "Egregor", the Filipino zombie shocker "Day Zero", the Danish horror film "Finale", the ghost comedy "Deadtectives" and the two Backwoods films "What the Waters Left Behind" and its sequel "Scars" 5 years later.

The European premieres of the Indonesian comic superhero film "Valentine" and the Backwoods film "Drifter" were also screened.

Another highlight was the crazy Japanese splatterfest "Kodoku - Meatball Machine" which can look back on a long festival history including the biggest festivals of its kind, as well as the Universal/Blumhouse production "The Hunt".

With "Redbad" and "The Great Battle", two big battle epics were also screened at the Obscura.

The German premiere of the hard-hitting exploitation film "Trauma" in Hanover was even attended by visitors from the Ruhr area.
After its international premiere at the Obscura, the cowboy backwoods film "Lasso" was shown a few months later at the famous british Frightfest.

In 2022, the Obscura had its first two feature-length film world premieres with "All through the Hall" and "Hidden in the Woods II".

At each Obscura there were film guests who introduced their film in person and were available for a Q&A. They came from Ireland, UK, Belgium, Finland, Denmark, Spain, Greece, Hungary, USA, Argentina, Mexico and of course Germany.

More information incl. an archive on the new and old websites:
https://www.obscurafilmfest.com
https://dvdscot.wixsite.com/obscura

Media affirmation association “MAT” (in further text: The Association) is non-governmental and non-profit voluntary association, founded for an indefinite period of time due to media affirmation of all social segments via audio-video material making, press articles and web presentation making. One of the aims of the Association is the organization of festivals which, due to their content, contribute the development of culture. From 2016. one of the organized festivals is International festival of short movies and photography, called “Short cut”.

The Association for Media Affirmation "Mat" from Indjija, has announced a competition for the ninth edition of the International Short Film and photographs Festival "Short cut" Indjija 2024. Short feature, documentary and animated films are shown at the festival. The festival is open to films by domestic authors, as well as to authors from all over the world. The topics of the films should be in the field of: ecology, tourism and life. The public call for authors of short films lasts from May 17 to 31, 2024. Received films are reviewed by a selection committee that will not consider films that contain offensive or aggressive messages or content.

The International Short Film and Photography Festival "Short cut" Indjija will be held on August 30, 2024. The festival screens short feature, documentary and animated films on the theme of ecology, tourism and life. The festival is open not only for the movies made by native authors, but also for the authors from all over the world. The following program consists of the photography exhibition (the theme is “Objective(s)”),which is a competitive nature too, and will be realized from August 30 to September 5, 2024.


COMPETITION FOR PHOTOGRAPHY
The Short Cut Festival organizers organize an exhibition of photographs titled “Objective(s)” in the accompanying program, inviting all interested people to participate in the exhibition, photographs with personal information and contact send on shortcutfest @ gmail.com with an indication for a photo contest “Short cut”, from 17 to 31 May 2024. Photo authors for the competition can send a maximum of 10 photos, the size of the longer page of acceptable digital photos cannot be less than 3,000 pixels, the file type can only be jpg, ie. jpeg and the maximum file size must not exceed 20MB.

An exhibition of selected photographs for the competition will be held from August 30. to September 5., 2024.

The LA MIRADA TABÚ film festival wants to motivate artists and creators to show their view of the “taboo” concept, which is broad and diverse, encompassing from the dreams, the unconscious, the mental worlds and the ghosts that populate them , the mystery, the magic, even the untold reality, the unsaid, "the clothes hanging", in the workplace, emotional, family, vital ... from a vision as polyhedral as human thought is: casual, humorous, dramatic, dreamlike ... always from respect for all ways of thinking and from creativity.

LA MIRADA TABÚ launches an invitation to bring to light the personal and non-transferable world of each creator, which, as we have been able to verify throughout the history of art and cinema, through great names in world cinematography, connects with the deepest, unknown and elusive imaginary of the spectators

All those who wish to participate in the II International Short Film and Art Festival FICAR ENTRIMO 2024 will be able to participate, regardless of their age and/or nationality, whether they are professionals or amateurs.
The short films submitted must be related to the purpose of the contest, and may be silent or with incorporated sound. The language used in the short films may be Galician, Spanish or, failing that, any other language subtitled in Galician or Spanish. Exclusively fiction films, not documentaries.
Each author or entity may submit a maximum of 2 short films, accompanied by the corresponding title and, optionally, a short text that explains said audiovisual project (will be valued).

In no case will short films that do not respect human rights, democratic values and equality, or that contain offensive or disrespectful content towards individuals or groups will be accepted for competition.

GIJÓN/XIXÓN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (FICX) aims to showcase a wide and varied selection of auteur cinema currently being produced worldwide and especially focused on innovative films and emerging filmmakers. High quality, personal, young in its shape, edgy and independent cinema at a creative level. During its selection process, the Festival will prioritise those works of interest that have their World, International, European or Spanish premiere at FICX as well as those that do not have commercial distribution agreements in the Spanish territory.

Acknowledged as “Specialized Festival” by the FIAPF (International Federation of Film Producers Association)

The Independent Film Festival of Sogamoso - FECISO, celebrates its eighth version from November 1st to November 7th of 2024, "CINEMA FOR PEACE AND THE TERRITORY", a space for the different regional views of the national cinematographic context. The festival will be held in several towns of the Sugamuxi Province such as: Sogamoso, Tibasosa, Firavitoba, Iza and Nobsa, which will allow the development and creation of new audiences and the impact on communities with difficult access to the seventh art. Cinema with an environmental and peace focus is the bet for the eighth edition of FECISO. Therefore, the curatorial line is focused on highlighting the best works that deal with environmental issues and armed conflict in the territories.

CutreCon, Madrid International Cutre Film Festival.

The worst movies in the world on the big screen, where nonsense and bad taste are the protagonists.

People Versus TV (PVTV) invites filmmakers, video artists, and creators of all stripes to submit their films for our upcoming Fringe Flicks event series. We are on the lookout for unconventional work and love anything that’s subversive, absurd, and surreal.

We welcome submissions that are weird, anarchic, fun, absurdist, surreal, experimental, parody, and satire that punches up. We encourage submissions from artists at any stage of their career.

Why Submit to Fringe Flicks?
Fringe Flicks is more than just a screening; it’s a celebration of avant-garde and boundary-pushing work in the moving image in all its forms. By participating, your work will be showcased alongside like-minded creators, and reach an audience eager for unique and challenging content.

Screening Details:
Selected films and videos will be showcased at our Fringe Flicks events in Liverpool, with a mix of short and longer films at each. The events are every two months. The next confirmed dates are:

2nd Aug 2024 (programme full)
18th Oct 2024 (programme full)
6th Dec 2024 (programme open)
Selected films will be shown at one of our events from December onwards.

Submissions are through FestHome.

Event Structure:
Fringe Flicks is designed to provide a platform for unconventional, experimental, and boundary-pushing films. Each event is divided into two halves with an intermission:

- First Half: This segment showcases shorter films, including micro-shorts and impactful pieces under half an hour.
- Intermission: A break where attendees can mingle, discuss the films, and enjoy refreshments and popcorn from the bar.
- Second Half: The spotlight shifts to longer films or a feature presentation, offering a deeper dive into narrative and experimental storytelling.

The bar will remain open after the screenings, providing an excellent opportunity for filmmakers and audience members to engage in discussions, network, and share their thoughts on the films.

Future Opportunities:
If we haven’t selected your work for one of our listed events, we may still be interested in showing it in the future. We will contact you first for permission if this is the case.

Quality & Experience:
Imagination and creativity are more important for shorter works than technical ability. We welcome submissions from artists at any stage in their career, whether they are newcomers or experienced filmmakers. However, longer works should be high quality, though we’re more concerned with the quality of scriptwriting, dialogue, and storytelling than technical video production quality.

How to Submit:
Platform: Submit your work via Festhome.

Important Dates:
Submission Deadline: Friday, May 31st, 2024
First Event Date: Friday, June 7th, 2024

Contact Information:
For any questions, feel free to contact us at peopleversustv@gmail.com.

Busan Inter-City Film Festival started from the 1st UNESCO Busan City Film Festival in 2017, and it introduces local films from domestic and international cities in exchange with the Busan Independent Film Association, as well as films from UNESCO-designated Film Creative Cities. Witness the vibrancy of local films and encounter films from various unique cities worldwide. Under the name of film, it will serve as an opportunity to share warmth of friendship beyond cultures, languages, customs, and religions, expanding the scope of creative networks.

The Xilitla International Film Fest aims to promote nationally and internationally the cinema of the fantastic genre.

The most surreal site in Mexico proudly presents the second edition of its International Film Festival of Xilitla, also known as Xilitla Film Fest.

Located in the magical town of the Sierra Madre Occidental, with its lush tropical forest, this place captivated Edward James, who built his surrealistic garden here, a monument to boundless imagination.

In 2024, this festival dedicated to the fantastic genre—fantasy, horror, magical realism, science fiction, experimental, and its derivatives—will be held once again.

The festival is organized by the James Center, James Brewery, and the Edward James Museum, with the support of the Arts Center S.LP, the Municipality of Xilitla, and the State Tourism Secretariat of San Luis Potosí; in partnership with the Ibero-American Festival Network. As part of the festival, there will be competition screenings, showcases, tributes, professional training workshops, and holistic activities.

The call for submissions will be open from May 15th to September 30th, 2024.
The festival will take place from November 27th to December 1st, 2024, and will feature two sections: showcase and competition, as well as workshops, lectures, and tributes aimed at fostering the film industry.

Film Festival framed within the Atlantic Arch of Xixón.

ONLY FOR SPANISH AND PORTUGUESE PRODUCTIONS

New York Arts & Entertainment Film Festival (formerly NYC Popup Film Festival) celebrates quality independent films. Our goal is to bring quality short films to an audience and offer independent filmmakers a place to showcase their work. We also work to create network opportunities for future work to be created.

Short films of all genres are considered for Festival Screening.

The Ayerbe Film Festival Association launches this second stage of the "Villa de Ayerbe International Short Film Festival".

Since this 17th edition, with new members in the organization, we want to give a great boost to the festival. In addition to the international competition, we have created a new section dedicated to Science and Research to give greater visibility to the event and from this edition onwards, the awards are now called "CAJAL Awards".

We want to continue with the idea of ​​collaboration with neighboring towns.

This collaboration is carried out in this way: All the selected short films may be screened locally collaborator simultaneously with the development of the Festival and their votes will serve to award the public prize.

Considering the need to promote the city of São Paulo as a space dedicated to fantasy, science fiction and horror, the Festival Boca do Inferno (FBI) comes up with the proposal to exhibit short/feature films, as well as the possibility to present lectures, discussion tables, workshops, exhibition of products of the genre, book launch and musical presentations.

Otras Miradas, was born with the commitment to be a screen that makes social reality visible.

Likewise, we support the different social groups, so that they show their audiovisual works and in this way their projects can be known by the general public.

In addition, we believe in cinema as an educational tool to raise awareness about current social realities, reflected in the works presented to Otras Miradas.

Open call for filmmakers!

Be part of the 3rd edition of Breaking Walls Dance Films and submit your film now.

Breaking Walls Dance Films (BWDF) is the first Dance Film Festival in Egypt and the Region.

BWDF is an international event showcasing the best in dance film from around the world, which will take place in Cairo, in December 2023. We will host a special program of dance films alongside the festival's various programs of workshops and live performances.

Knowing that the application will be no later than November 5, 2023.


ON THE SIDELINES OF THE FESTIVAL:

- We welcome documentaries and feature films to be shown on the sidelines of the festival, provided that these films are dance-related.

- If the film includes non-English narration, English subtitles are required. English scripts are required for all films.

FESTIVAL INTERNACIONAL DE CORTOMETRAJES
5ª edición del SEX EDUCATION FILM FESTIVAL, festival internacional de cortometrajes de educación sexual.

El Sex Education Film Festival nace en una época de controversia. En la que en las escuelas y en la sociedad en general se debate sobre si se debe recibir o no una educación sexual. El Sex Education Film Festival se compromete con la educación y tiene dos selecciones oficiales una para adultos y otra para jóvenes y así mostrada en centros escolares de secundaria.

En su quinta edición, el Festival hará hincapié en la creación de material didáctico tanto para el público escolar como para el adulto.

The Esseoesse Cultural Association announces the competition "CortoDino Film Festival Dino De Laurentiis 2024 - XIV Edition", a competition that stems from desire to remember and celebrate, in his native land and in commemorative and propositive terms, the figure and work of Dino De Laurentis. The Metropolitan city of Naples, Vesuvian areas, “Giorgio De Chirico’s Secondary School of Art and Communication”, the others secondary schools of the area and the main cultural associations of the Vesuvian and Campanian areas will collaborate in the event.

So, the main aim of the initiative is to create an opportunity for meeting, confrontation and knowledge of young filmmakers who enter the cinematographic sector, in which the influence left by the illustrious “Torrese” has certainly been significant, promoting cinematographic culture through the inclusion of disadvantaged people and the research and promotion of works by talents from Campania, and also national and international.

The presence of the world of solidarity, cultural associations and of school is the clearest sign of the purpose of connecting in particular with the world of young people.
Cortodino Film Festival XIV edition will take place in November 2024. Cities, places and days of the event will be subsequently communicated.

Only for Spanish film-makers