Submissions

Submissions for the 2009 Festival are now closed.  Thank you for your interest in the Alexandria Film Festival!

2009 Call for Film Entries
Official Submission Guidelines

The Alexandria Commission for the Arts and the Office of the Arts present the 3rd annual ALEXANDRIA FILM FESTIVAL on September 24 – 27, 2009. The Festival brings high-quality independent short and feature length films, documentaries, filmmaker panels, and arts presentations to Alexandria, Virginia.

THE ALEXANDRIA FILM FESTIVAL is an intimate four-day celebration joining art and film in historic Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. Held at the George Washington Masonic Memorial, the Festival highlights the talents of local, national, and international independent filmmakers. Offering a diverse program, the Festival fosters public awareness of independent cinema as a cultural and educational asset. Alexandria is also home to film producers and enthusiasts, arts patrons, members of Congress and their staff, corporate executives, and other influential groups. The city attracts many visitors and residents of the Washington metropolitan area who value its history and arts community.

THE ALEXANDRIA FILM FESTIVAL aims to promote and support the artistry of independent cinema from filmmakers of all genres. The Festival seeks films that are engaging and innovative, reflecting a distinctive vision and independent spirit. Films that feature subjects related to the arts, that illuminate the artistic process, or that emphasize the art of film are encouraged.

Film Types

  • Short (TRT between 5 and 59 minutes)
  • Narrative Feature (TRT 60+ minutes),
  • Documentary – Narrative that is a factual and accurate approach to its subject.
  • Experimental – An approach that is neither fiction nor nonfiction.
  • Animated – All genres – drawn, digital, and claymation – are acceptable.

Format and Documentation
Along with the completed entry and release forms, please include the following:

  • Two (2) DVD or DVD-R screeners or preview copies of film.
  • A CD with digital stills from the film (both B&W and color)
  • Press reviews or interviews (if available) about the principal cast and/or filmmakers.
  • A full list of production credits.

Entry Fees and Deadlines
Entry fees are $30 for feature films and $15 for short film entries (59 minutes or less). There is no entry fee for films by student filmmakers aged 18 and younger. Entry fees are nonrefundable.

  • Early Bird Deadline: June 1, 2009, midnight. Filmmakers can save $10 on feature film entries and $5 on short film entries. For Early Bird applications, send $20 for features and $10 for short film entries.
  • Deadline: June 22, 2009, midnight.
  • Late Entries: Accepted until June 29, 2009, midnight. Late entries must include an additional $10 late fee.

For multiple entries, submit a separate entry form, entry fee and submission copy for each. Include check, International Money Order, or bank draft (US dollars only) made payable to the Alexandria Commission for the Arts. Do not send cash.

Selection of Winners and Prizes
Films will be selected by a jury. Selected films will be eligible for the Jury Prize and the Audience Award. A $500 cash prize will be presented to the winners of each at the Film Festival’s Award Ceremony on September 27, 2009.

Rights
The City of Alexandria and the Alexandria Commission for the Arts will not be held responsible if copyrighted materials or unauthorized materials are included in the film. It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to secure proper permission from the copyright holder of music, stock footage, or any other material which could violate another entity’s copyright or exclusive use of the material.

Please Note

  • Films must have been made within the last five years (January 2004 or later).
  • Any submission longer than 60 minutes will be considered a Feature.
  • If your film is selected for the Film Festival, you must provide a high-quality DVD.
  • All non-English films should be submitted with English subtitles.
  • Include an SASE if you would like your DVD returned after the Festival.
  • Do not send original material.
  • No cuts or changes will be made in films by the Film Festival for any reason.
  • The Alexandria Film Festival is open to the public.
  • The Film Festival reserves the right to invite films for the program.
  • Submission of film represents agreement to the policies set forth in the Release Form and the Submission Guidelines.

Mission
A yearly tribute to independent cinema, the Alexandria Film Festival offers a diverse program of features, documentaries, shorts, animation, and experimental work by emerging and established filmmakers for an engaged audience seeking new, rarely seen, or non-studio films.