As an emerging filmmaker, having access to top-of-the-line, impressive gear is the key to shooting a great film, right? Um, nope.
With the rise of smartphone technology, that little device you’re using to text, tweet and play Candy Crush is now one of the greatest tools for low-to-no budget filmmakers.
Consider the breakout Sundance hit Tangerine. The film was shot entirely on three iPhone 5s and blew the door off of mobile filmmaking. Suddenly, the format has gained legitimacy and smart filmmakers are taking note.
So, if you’re one of the savvy filmmakers who’s already joined the smartphone revolution and have a completed project, your next step will be to get your film seen. Being accepted into a top-tier festival like Sundance is a long-shot but there are a number of terrific niche festivals that should definitely not be overlooked by filmmakers and film lovers alike.
Smartphone film festivals are bringing great new talent to audiences worldwide. They are a great launching point and you can apply for each festival from their online address. So check out these four outstanding fests. :
Toronto Smartphone Film Festival (TSFF)
TSFF is probably the fastest-growing festival on this list. This festival has been running smoothly since 2012 and over the past couple years has been gaining steam as well as a few high-profile sponsors (TD Bank, Samsung and Entertainment One). Now in its 6th year, TSFF has grown to a submission field of over 600 films from 50 countries around the world.
The TSFF mission statement makes it clear that this organization is committed to both amateur and professional filmmakers who want to develop the vast potential of mobile filmmaking. Emerging filmmakers, don’t miss the opportunity to submit your project to TSFF – it’s an excellent showcase for promoting your mobile talents.
Raindance is once again proud to sponsor the Emerging Filmmaker Award at this year’s TSFF.
Toronto Smartphone Film Festival
Mobile Motion Film Festival (MOMO)
With an emphasis on compelling stories that aren’t distracted by overblown production values, MOMO is a brand new festival based in Zurich, Switzerland.
Born of a Kickstarter campaign, MOMO is now making its way to the forefront of tablet and GoPro filmmaking. With low entry fees and the promise of a haven for filmmakers to showcase their finest mobile work, MOMO is a festival for filmmakers of all backgrounds and skill levels. With a little more time and community support MOMO, may very well grow into the festival it promises to be.
Mobile Film Festival (MFF)
With over 21,000 followers on Facebook, MFF is a huge festival in terms of mobile filmmaking. The primarily French festival is hosted online and is a completely international event and promotes filmmakers from all over the world.
Votes for the festival contestants are tallied online based on number of views. This allows for films to be seen by potentially thousands of people even if they don’t end up winning any awards. If you think you have the skills to promote an online film as well as craft a truly memorable story, check out MFF as soon as you can.
Smartphone Flick Fest (SF3)
The Smartphone Flick Fest (SF3) is sponsored by Film Festivals Australia, a not-for profit that specializes in supporting niche Australian film festivals. Out of all films submitted 10 are selected to be shown in Sydney and compete for a jury award. The festival is completely international and accepts global entries. The 10 films selected are also featured for free through Film Festivals Australia and compete online for the SF3 People’s Choice awards.
Fade Out
With this collection of terrific smartphone festivals, it’s never been easier to get your films the attention they deserve. Although this list focuses on some of the best festivals around the globe, don’t forget about your local festivals. Being involved in your local cinema community will help you grow as a filmmaker and develop your own network of fans.
Did You Know?
- Raindance Film Festival is considered one of the top fifteen film festivals in the world?
- Raindance has a Higher Education programme offering HND, BA and MA in Filmmaking and Screenwriting?
- Raindance members support indie film, and enjoy a range of benefits
- Let Raindance guide you on your filmmaking pathway. call +44 (0) 207 930 3412 or email filmschool@raindance.ac.uk
