Call for Submissions
Located in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains of Western Maryland, "Mountain Maryland," as it is known, has become a hot spot for the arts, bringing an eclectic mix of visual artists, musicians, performers and filmmakers to our community. The rural community boasts world-class recreation, nature, and routinely wins awards for many of its amenities, attractions and events.
Our goal in establishing the Mountain Maryland Film Festival is to increase awareness of filmmaking in our community, introduce Mountain Maryland to talented makers who are looking for great places to explore, and to tell stories through the power of film, ones that provoke thought, express joy, experience loss, and challenge us.
Prizes
The Mountain Maryland Film Festival will offer the following prizes:
Best Short: $500
2nd Place Short: $250
3rd Place Short: $100
Audience Favorite: $250
The Mountain Maryland Film Festival is open to all independent filmmakers, including college and graduate-level film students, as well as professionals in the field. The organizer does not pay screening fees for short films.
The festival organizers have selected the theme of “music” for this year’s inaugural festival in a nod to the community’s interest in establishing itself as a regional music destination. In addition to the shorts competition, the festival will also screen multiple well-known commercial films in the musical genre. All shorts entries must have some connection to music.
Eligible films must also adhere to the following criteria:
- Films must have been completed in 2020 or later
- Foreign language films must have English subtitles
- Length: Fifteen (15) minutes or less
- Single episodes of web series ARE eligible
- Films that are available online ARE eligible (must meet above criteria)
- Films must have some connection to, be about, or explore a musical theme.
Entry Fee & Form
Entrants may submit more than one film. Each entry requires a $25.00 fee and separate submission information which can be included in the description area of the online form. Entries received without this information will be disqualified, and no entry fees, once received, will be returned for any reason:
- Film Synopsis (50 word maximum)
- Country of Origin
- Languages Spoken in Film Dialogue
- Length of Film
- Prior Festival Screenings and Broadcast History
- Honors and Awards
- Filmmaker Contact Information
- Short Director’s Bio (100 word maximum)
- Short Personal Statement (100 word maximum)
The event organizers reserve the right to close the submission period at any time if sufficient entries are received.
Entry Format
Please submit online via FilmFreeway. Vimeo links are strongly preferred.
Terms and Conditions
The Mountain Maryland Film Festival is not responsible for late, lost, damaged or ineligible entries. Entrants will retain all ownership rights to their submitted films. By submitting to this festival, the entrant certifies that they have the legal right to submit and exhibit the film. The applicant is responsible and liable for any breach of rights or the law in the submission and exhibition process. By submitting your film, you give the Allegany Arts Council the right to exhibit your film at the Mountain Maryland Film Festival. Entrants may be required to sign an affidavit confirming that their film is original and that he/she holds all rights. All federal, state, and local taxes, and customs fees, when applicable, are the sole responsibility of the entrant. The undersigned assumes responsibility to ensure the submission payment information is complete and correct and agrees to reimburse the Allegany Arts Council and Mountain Maryland Film Festival for any additional fees incurred by incorrect submission payments, submission disputes, and credit card chargebacks. The undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless the Allegany Arts Council for any and all fees, claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving submission payment disputes, copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the content submitted and/or screened. By entering the festival, the entrant grants the right to publish or transmit portions of the film for the purpose of press or promotion, unless otherwise noted. Additionally, entry constitutes permission to use winners’ name, likeness, and voice for advertising and publicity purposes without additional compensation. Void where prohibited.
# of Projects Selected: 8
Entry Deadlines
Entry Deadline: September 19, 2024
Notifications: October 11, 2024
Mountain Maryland Film Festival: November 8-9, 2024