Submissions for the third year of the growing Chattanooga Film Festival are now open. To submit for CFF 2016, set for March 31-April 3, filmmakers should head to FilmFreeway via the official CFF website at www.ChattanoogaFilmFest.com.
All submissions should be received by Jan. 1. There is an early bird deadline of Dec. 4, and for all of the procrastinators out there, CFF offers an extended deadline of Jan. 29. Special discounts are being offered for student filmmakers, and as per the last two years, the festival will highlight local and regional filmmakers with its yearly Tennessee Filmmaker Showcase.
Up for grabs are awards in three categories: Best Feature, Best Short and an Audience Award. Best Feature winners will go home with $1,000 and receive 5.1 theatrical sound mixing for the film (or the filmmaker’s next project), donated by Awen Audio Design. The winners of Best Short with be awarded $500. All winners will walk away with trophies from local Chattanooga artist Matt Dutton.
Festival Executive Director and lead film programmer Chris Dortch II said, “As a lifelong cinephile the start of CFF submissions is truly one of the highlights of my year. Heading into our third year, the festival has grown, along with the number of submissions we’re receiving. The incredible talent from around the region, and the world, that is starting to discover CFF clearly illustrates that Chattanooga is on the path towards becoming a signature city for filmmaking and film appreciation in the Southeast. As we prepare for a third year that will melt the faces off of all who gaze upon it, Raiders of the Lost Ark style, it’s very encouraging to get a sense of just how much talent there is out there."
CFF badges will go on sale Sept. 15. Patrons will be able to purchase either a VIP badge, which grants first in line access to every film, panel, party and workshop, or a simple Day pass which gives you unlimited access to events on the day you select. Individual film and event tickets will also be available closer to the festival.