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Short Film Screening Series


The short film
is able to
focus on difficult topics
full-length
films usually
avoid.

Its filmmakers
benefit from
larger
freedoms
and can take
higher risks
with their films.

from: AMPS definition of Short Films.
































































































































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The 2nd Annual Big Sur
International Short Film Screening Series

1st Annual Program Here

Showcasing the best of short films from all over the world we are interested in films that are bold and uncensored, films that invite us into your world, that will shock us, madden us, make us cry and laugh, films with moments that are serendipitous, interesting, candid or moving. There is no particular theme. We like pop-culture, erotica, ecology, and enjoy brilliantly crafted stories. We are not interested in work that is clever at the expense of substance.

We're looking for films in the drama, comedy and documentary genres. The screenings are presented outdoors using a digital projector and DVD/VHS player. We are not boasting about "industry professionals" in our festival staff or huge audiences with whom to network and establish connections for future production $$'s.

We are boasting about one of the most beautiful places in the world to enjoy film (and some "industry professionals" living in the neighborhood), state of the art digital equipment (both image and sound), the never ending source of inspiration provided by Henry Miller's work, and the worldwide attention we are receiving despite being a relatively small non-profit.

While we enjoy a wide variety of film, the work should be entertaining and engaging; we are not putting together an audience endurance test. Very short pieces are welcome, as are fresh faces and first-time filmmakers.

Thank You!

Eric Perley and Magnus Toren
Screening Series Directors


Table of contents with links:

Call for short films

Attending and supporting the Screening Series

Related opportunities for Filmmakers

Selection process and awards

Submission Guidelines and Deadlines

Entry Forms

Suggested Donation

Check List/Bottom Line/Mail To Address

Questions

Short Film defined



The road up to Henry Miller's house on Partington Ridge. Photo: Magnus Toren

Call for short films

The Big Sur Short Film Screening Series showcases the best of short films from all over the world.  We are interested in films that are bold and uncensored, films that invite us into your world, that will shock us, madden us, make us cry and laugh, films with moments that are especially lovely, serendipitous, interesting, candid or moving. There is no particular theme, but we are looking for very evolved relationships with the camera, moments of dependency, love, and naturalness. We like pop-culture, erotica, ecology, and enjoy brilliantly crafted stories. We are not interested in work that is clever at the expense of substance. (Please don’t send us your “early experimental” work  – you know the films we mean). We are particularly interested in work with a global/ecological perspective, although we welcome regionalism with a global awareness.

The Big Sur Short Film Screening Series is produced by the Henry Miller Memorial Library and since both Henry Miller and Anaïs Nin worked with erotic and sexual subjects, our series welcomes the presentation of frank sexuality as long as it is intrinsic to a film/story. While we enjoy a wide variety of film, the work should be entertaining and engaging; we are not putting together an audience endurance test. Very short pieces are welcome, as are fresh faces and first-time filmmakers.

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 Attending & Supporting The Screening Series

The 2007 year screenings takes place every Thursday night starting in June (exact date TBA). The films are screened outdoors under the redwoods at the venerable and inspiring Henry Miller Memorial Library. Screenings start at 9 pm in June-July and at 8 PM in August-September (We like it dark; but moon and stars are OK).

Admission is always FREE and we will serve tea and coffee, and on occasion wine from Bargetto Winery.

It is easy to support the festival either as an advertising sponsor or with personal donations. (upper right corner on this page)

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Related Opportunities for Film Makers

The goal of this screening series is primarily to get a chance to view good film in a great environment. We also hope to help form a network of filmmakers to ease the curation of future screening series. To that end, even if you do not submit this year, please e-mail to Magnus Toren and/or Eric Perley and let us know what kind of work you do.

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Selection Process and Awards

The Big Sur Short Film Series is curated by Library Director, Magnus Toren, and writer, poet and film enthusiast, Eric Perley. A festival programming committee will select and invite films at its discretion. Those selected will be contacted via email or telephone before or around May 15, 2007.  Audience choice awards will be awarded at the conclusion of the series in three categories: Drama, Comedy and Documentary.

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Submission Guidelines and Deadlines

Film must be postmarked by April 20, 2007
Please read the submission requirements carefully before you complete the entry form.

All non-English films must have English sub-titles.

Films must be submitted on DVD or VHS tape (NTSC/PAL, Region 1 or 2).

DVD or cassettes should be labeled with the title, running-time, and contact information (name, address email and phone number).

Publicity stills (optional), B&W or Color, digital files OK.

All films selected for the screening series gives us the rights to use DVD/videotape and press materials from the film for promotional purposes.

If you would like your VHS tape or DVD returned please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

Please indicate if we will be permitted to retain videotape or DVD copies of your film as part of our film library and for educational use.

Films must be received by:

For 2007 screenings: April 20, 2007

Films should be under 40 minutes in lenghth

Film selection will be made by the "Miller Shorts" Committee.
The entrant will be responsible for ALL SHIPPING FEES.
All filmmakers will be notified via email when submission is received.

The Henry Miller Library cannot be held liable for print/video materials which may be lost or damaged.

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Entry Forms: pdf page 1 & pdf page 2 (note that there are two pages)

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Suggested Donation

$10 suggested donation for films under 30 minutes

$15 suggested donation for films over 30 minutes
(in no way is this a requirement, nor are we influenced by size or kind of contribution)

Make checks or money orders payable in US dollars to:
Henry Miller Memorial Library/Shorts
Or use the PayPal link “Make a Donation” upper right on this page.

Your donation is greatly appreciated. We are a not-for-profit arts organization, and your donation will go toward covering administrative costs, publicizing the series and promoting the short film as a medium.

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Photo: Magnus Toren

Check List/Bottom Line/Mailing Address

We need the following:

• 
Your film labeled with the title, director’s name, running time, and contact number
Completed Submission form filled in and signed and included in envelope/package.
Donation (optional).
If you would like your VHS tape or DVD returned please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

Please mail the above materials to:

Magnus Toren, Director
Henry Miller Library
POB 25, Big Sur, CA 93920

Please mark : Big Sur Shorts

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Questions
If you have any questions regarding the submission process or the series, please email:
Magnus Toren and/or Eric Perley

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Definition of a short film:

The short-form film is to the full length film what the short story is to a full-fledged novel. The short film is usually shown prior to the feature in a theatrical environment, it is usually less complex and covers only one main or a limited number of narrative arcs and threads. Most films of this genre focus on one character or show one special incident. The structure often resembles that of a joke or stories usually told by word of mouth. The short film is able to focus on difficult topics full-length films usually avoid. Its filmmakers benefit from larger freedoms and can take higher risks with their films.

A short film is defined as a motion picture that is not more than 40 minutes in running time (including all credits).
(This info from AMPAS, http://www.oscars.org/ ) 


Photo/Logo: Magnus Toren


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develop this.
Donate to the Shorts!


"With the widespread availability of digital equipment and editing software, filmmaking is more accessible now than it has ever been."

The LA Shorts Fest is offering workshops in various US cities.

Filmmaking 101.
For info mail to: info@lashortsfest.com

Note: There is no official relationship between us and LA Shorts Fest, we just thought this might interest some of you..
© 2006 Henry Miller Library Inc.