Wanna be the next Errol Morris? Think you’d like to be a (less obnoxious, please) new generation’s Michael Moore? Opportunity is knocking: The Canton Film Festival has issued a call for submissions for their 2011 event, to be held October 13-15 at the Canton Palace Theatre.
The festival will screen short films from independent directors across the country in addition to hosting several guests.
Filmmaker Bill Schotten, whose Hubbard, Ohio-based production company was responsible for indie horror flicks like “Bloodlock” and “Silver Cell,” will screen one of his screamers; Megan Areford of the SyFy Network’s reality show “Face Off” will host a special-effects makeup workshop; and Drew Daywalt, an Emmy-nominated writer and director (and KSU alum) will be the featured director, showing popular shorts and clips from his work on MTV’s “Death Valley.”
To join this bill of illustrious names, submit your own film to be shown and then assessed by a panel of judges. An awards ceremony will honor the top films in each category, with winners receiving a trophy and a cash prize. (The prize will be between $250 and $500, depending on the number of submissions.)
Additional prizes may be awarded for deserving candidates.
Films may fall into one of seven categories: sports documentaries; documentaries on green or ecologically conscious initiatives; Stark County-based documentaries; music videos; horror films; general narratives; or animated films. All must be 15 minutes long or less except for green documentaries, which may be between 15 and 30 minutes, and music videos, which must be less than 10. Music videos must feature original music or tracks you have otherwise been granted permission to use.
For a full list of rules and to download an application form, visit cantonfilm.com, and send all submissions on DVD to 605 Market Ave. N, Canton, OH 44702. The deadline for early submissions is August 1, and the entry fee is $20 per submission. After August 1, the per-entry fee rises to $25, and the final deadline for all entries is September 1.
