MISSION

Housed at the Edgemar Center for the Arts, nestled in the Frank Gehry designed complex on bustling Main Street in the beach town of Santa Monica, California, the Cinema at the Edge Independent Film Festival presents films of all genres that feature a distinct vision, a unique voice or a challenge to what is expected and accepted in the medium. The larger film festivals all too often rally around a small group of films in a given season, and many high quality projects that don’t immediately catch fire fall through the cracks. Cinema at the Edge will give these films another chance to connect with audiences and to gain exposure and additional opportunities for global distribution.

MORE INFO

The Edgemar Center for the Arts is well known on the west side of Los Angeles as a venue where up and coming talent share quality work, and Artistic Director Michelle Danner is thrilled to now invite the global independent film community to experience this vibrant, beachside community. Previous iterations of the festival have welcomed Brett Ratner as an Honorary Chair of the festival, as well as a celebrity jury that included film veterans such as Susan Sarandon and John Singleton. Cinema At the Edge will also feature opening and closing night parties, an award ceremony, and a series of panels with an emphasis on the filmmaking process. Previous panels featured Directors David Anspaugh (“Hoosiers”, “Rudy”) and the late George Hickenlooper (“Casino Jack”, “Factory Girl”).

We want our filmmakers to have the all-important instant feedback that the theatrical experience permits. Each screening at the festival is followed by a Q&A, even if it has to take place over Skype from countries away. 

In 2013 Cinema at the Edge will present narrative feature, documentary and short film programs. Jury and audience awards will be given in each category. While the programmers are thrilled to give independent filmmakers a vehicle of expression, an additional commitment is to see that the standout titles at the festival have an opportunity to screen for distributors. Therefore the winners of the jury and audience awards in each category will be viewed by industry professionals working in international film distribution and considered for acquisition.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Cinema at the Edge is open to independent film of all genres that feature a distinct vision, a unique voice or a challenge to what is expected and accepted in the medium. Each year we select and exhibit narrative features, documentary, and short films. Films previously submitted (and not selected) may be reentered if there has been significant change to the edit. You must complete an entry form for each film submitted.

DEADLINES

*Early Deadline: February 4, 2013 (postmarked by) – Entry Fee: Features $45 (WOB Discount $40), Shorts $30 (WOB Discount $25)

*Regular Deadline: March 18, 2013 (postmarked by) – Entry Fee; Features $55 (WOB Discount $50), Shorts $35 (WOB Discount $30)

*Late Deadline: April 15, 2013 (postmarked by)- Entry Fee: Features $65 (WOB Discount $60), Shorts $45 (WOB Discount $40)

*WOB Extended Deadline: April 25, 2013 – Entry Fee: Features $70 (WOB Discount $65), Shorts $50 (WOB Discount $45)

Entries must be submitted by NTSC DVD or through a secure online screener (Withoutabox, Vimeo, etc.). Region free NTSC DVD's are preferred for screening purposes. We do not accept VHS or video data files for screening purposes. Foreign language work must be dubbed or subtitled in English. Please do not send elaborate presentation materials, press kits, binders, etc. with your entry. All that is necessary to send is a clearly identified DVD. If your film is selected for the festival we will contact you about images and press kits.

DVD SCREENING:

DVD's and cases must be labeled (preferably using permanent marker/ink) with film title, filmmaker name, phone, email and WAB tracking ID number. Please place DVD's in a DVD sleeve, no hard plastic cases of any kind.

INTERNET LINKS (URL)

If you have a link (ie., Vimeo) you must submit via Withoutabox and send an email to CinemaSubmissions@edgemar.org with the link, title of film, director, and Withoutabox tracking number.

SECURE ONLINE SCREENING

This option is available for all categories.

ENTRY FEES

Entry fees must be in U.S. funds only paid through Withoutabox. Entry fees are per film entered, and must accompany the entry form for confirmation. Entry fees are nonrefundable. 

SHIPPING

Cost of shipping exhibition prints to the festival is the responsibility of the entrant. Exhibition copies must be sent to the festival prepaid.

NOTIFICATION

The festival selection committee makes all programming decisions. If accepted we will notify filmmakers by email and phone. Films not selected will receive notification by email. If accepted the DVD or BlueRay of your film will need to be in our office by March 18, 2013. Be sure to indicate aspect ratio of your film as well as any other special screening/presentation information we might need to know.

CATEGORIES

Please select only ONE category for your entry when completing your entry form. For our purposes 'feature' refers to films 60 minutes and over. We reserve the right to recategorize submissions as we deem appropriate.

AWARDS

Jury and audience awards will be given in each category. While the programmers are thrilled to give independent filmmakers a vehicle of expression, an additional commitment is to see that the standout titles at the festival have an opportunity to screen for distributors. Therefore the winners of the jury and audience awards in each category will be viewed by industry professionals working in international film distribution and considered for acquisition.

RETURN OF SUBMISSIONS/SCREENERS

Due to the large number of entries received submission materials and videos will not be returned.

HOW TO CONTACT US

For more information email us at CinemaInfo@edgemar.org or visit the official webpage at CinemaattheEdge.com