Movie News: Julien Dubuque International Film Festival Announces Open Call For Early Submissions

We’ve noticed a change in films and film making with more and more independent films emerging gaining strong momentum through film festivals. No matter how big or small the film festival, the core mission remains the same – bring light to independent films and showcase the hard work and dedication that goes in to making films. Every well known filmmaker started off small – even Spielberg.

In a press release:

JULIEN DUBUQUE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES OPEN CALL FOR EARLY SUBMISSIONS

The Festival Announces Exciting New Changes to the Four-Day Festival to Take Place in Downtown Dubuque, Iowa April 24 – 27, 2014

Los Angeles, CA (August 22, 2013) – Entering into its third year, the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival (JDIFF) is officially open for early submissions. The early submission deadline is October 31, 2013. Filmmakers can submit their films through www.withoutabox.com or through the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival at www.julienfilmfest.com.

Along with officially opening for submissions, JDIFF also announces some exciting new changes to the Festival in 2014. JDIFF is increasing both the cash prize amounts and categories for winning films. Taking place in Dubuque, Iowa April 24 – 27, 2014, the Festival will award a total of $30,000 in cash prizes over six categories that include: Grand Jury ($10,000), Best Director ($5,000), Best Actor ($2,000), Best Actress ($2,000), Best Use of Music in a Film ($3,000), and Best Documentary ($8,000). Additionally, the Festival will honor one film with the Best In Iowa award, for the first time decided by audience vote.

Also new to the 2014 Festival, JDIFF is proud to announce that a jury panel of film professionals will screen and decide all cash prize category nominees. The Jury will include directors, producers, critics, music supervisors, writers, and cinematographers, presided over by a Jury President. Jury members and the president will be announced in the coming months. As in previous years, the Festival will soon announce the annual Honorary Chair, whose contributions in film and philanthropy will be honored within the opening night program and with a substantial donation to the charity of their choice. Previous JDIFF Honorary Chairs have been Kate Mulgrew (2012) and Gary Busey (2013).

An additional and unique change in 2014 submissions, the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival is announcing a partial submission fee reimbursement for those films that become Official Selections. No more than 50 films will be selected in either competitive categories or as non-competitive selections for screening. Each of the films selected as an Official Selection will receive a partial reimbursement of $30.00 from their submission fee. This innovative decision on behalf of the Festival organizers recognizes the significant financial sacrifices independent filmmakers make in order to get their films screened and their work in front of audiences and distributors. “All of the changes to the 2014 Festival – the increase in cash prizes, the addition of a jury panel and the partial submission fee reimbursement – are to encourage emerging filmmakers from all over the world to excel,” says Executive Director Michael Coty. Another benefit for filmmakers, the Festival will pay travel and expenses to the festival for one person to represent each of the three finalists in each competing category.

With the majority of events located on Main Street downtown Dubuque, the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival attracts filmmakers, distributors, attendees and special guests to attend screenings, special events and network over the four-day festival. Filmmaker Magazine’s Brandon Harris says, “The festival is smartly situated downtown, with an assortment of handsome venues all within walking distance” from the Festival Headquarters, located in the grand Hotel Julien. The presenting sponsor of the 2014 Festival is MOmentum Productions and additional sponsors include Runde Auto Group, Hotel Julien, Telegraph Herald and Radio Dubuque.

Submissions Deadlines:

Early Deadline: October 31, 2013

Regular Deadline: December 12, 2013

Late Deadline: January 31, 2014

About the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival:
The Julien Dubuque International Film Festival (JDIFF) is a four‐day celebration of independent film and through screenings and special events fosters connections and exposure to yield substantial results for the independent filmmaker. The JDIFF acknowledges emerging filmmakers from around the world, with a strong emphasis on discovering and encouraging new talent, supporting cause‐related films and bringing together all elements of filmmaking. Lives unfold when Stories are told…