By Nick Smith
Paintings need to be looked at. Books need to be read. Movies need to be seen. But for independent filmmakers, reaching viewers isn’t always easy. Big studios like Disney and Paramount dominate the multiplexes. A handful of homegrown projects make it to movie theaters but they don’t stay long, removed to make way for the next superhero blockbuster. The reason is economical – big movies with a universal appeal are more likely to make their money back than little niche titles.
Short films – with a running time of less than 45 minutes – have it even harder. No one wants to pay a full ticket price to see a ten-minute movie. Shorts shown before features, once a staple part of a night at the cinema, are now a rarity. So why do filmmakers spend their time making shorts that might not be seen by a wide audience?
Before embarking on a feature-length project of 90 minutes or more, it makes sense for a new filmmaker to try their hand at a short. They can learn camera techniques, work with actors, tell a story with a beginning, middle and end, all without breaking the bank. Northwest Florida is a hotbed of new talent, working with veterans to show what they can do. That’s another good reason to make short films – they’re a low-cost calling card for locals who want to break into the industry.
On March 25th 2020, the International Film festival will give some of these shorts by new and veteran directors a chance to be seen. There is so much skill and passion for production in this area, showcased by the excellent Kite Film Festival in Destin, FL and the Pensacon Short Film Festival in Pensacola. There’s room for more, however, and that’s where the International Film festival comes in. It’s part of Emerald Coast International Week and will strive to connect filmmakers, and show the sheer breadth of their different voices. We are currently seeking sponsors and film submissions. There is no entry fee. For further information, contact us at [email protected].
Feature films can take us on an epic journey. Shorts offer more of a glimpse – offering a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it escape to another place, another world, another way of life, another viewpoint. We hope you will join us for these glimpses at the International Film festival.
