The AFI DALLAS International Film Festival presented by Target with founding sponsor Victory Park will make its debut on March 22, 2007. Spanning 10 days and 11 nights with 150 feature films and shorts, its more than 200 screenings make it one of the largest film festivals in Texas and the Southwest. For more than 80 years, Texas has enjoyed a healthy film production business. However in recent years the state has lost opportunities to competing neighbors, namely Louisiana and New Mexico. Texas’ incentive program, which was designed to attract and encourage film production in the state, has weakened. This change has forced production companies to take their filming elsewhere. In June of 2006 the Texas Motion Picture Alliance (TXMPA) was established to combat this trend. The TXMPA exists as an advocate for film, video, interactive and digital media production in the Lone Star State. Working towards finding attractive and sizable incentives, the Alliance hopes to restore the state’s production and filming environment to its former robust levels. The AFI DALLAS International Film Festival is equally committed to making a positive impact on the Texas film landscape. In an effort to grow the category, the festival has pledged a $20 contribution to TXMPA for every film submitted by a TXMPA member in the “Texas” category.
“This is a win-win for each of our organizations,” remarked Michael Cain, AFI DALLAS International Film Festival, artistic director. “Our festival has a vested interest in making Texas great for films and filmmakers. I am proud of our contributions to TXMPA and I encourage all TXMPA filmmakers to get on board. This is a critical step and an excellent opportunity for improving our industry and our state.”
AFI Dallas International Film Festival Film submissions will be collected on http://www.afidallas.com/SubmitFilms.php. Two DVD or VHS screener copies are requested for all submissions. Films may not have had a major theatrical release or U.S. broadcast airing prior to the festival. Premiere status is taken into consideration for every submission with priority given to Dallas Premieres, Southwest Premieres, U.S. Premieres, North American Premieres and World Premieres. The following awards will be given:
Target Filmmaker Award – $25,000 each in two categories
1. Best Narrative
2. Best Documentary HDNet Award – $10,000 for best High-Definition film
Competitive Categories
Narrative Feature – Run time minimum of 60 minutes
Late deadline fee $70
Films may have distribution
Target Filmmaker Award — $25,000
Documentary Feature – Run time minimum of 30 minutes (documentaries under 30 minutes submit as short)
Late deadline fee $70
Target Filmmaker Award — $25,000
Short Run time maximum of 30 minutes (includes documentaries under 30 minutes)
Late deadline fee $50
Special Jury Award
Student Shorts – Run time maximum of 30 minutes
Features – Run time minimum of 60 minutes
Late deadline fee $50
Special Jury Award – AFI Dallas International Film Festival
Texas Shorts – Run time maximum of 30 minutes
Features – Run time minimum of 60 minutes
Late deadline fee $60
Films must be made in the state of Texas
Special Jury Award
AFI DALLAS will make a $20 contribution to TXMPA for every film submitted by a TXMPA member. Membership must be noted in the cover letter.
Animation
Shorts – Run time maximum of 30 minutes
Features – Run time minimum of 60 minutes
Late deadline fee $60
Special Jury Award sponsored by ReelFX. The festival will be punctuated with red-carpet galas, receptions and special screenings accessible through family-friendly outdoor viewings. In record time the AFI DALLAS International Film Festival has raised $3.5 million in cash and in-kind gifts from sponsors and Dallas philanthropists. In addition to Target as presenting sponsor and Victory Park as founding sponsor, American Airlines, AT&T, Blockbuster, Lexus , Temerlin Consulting, W Hotel, Chili’s, DG FastChannel, Jones Day, Neiman Marcus, Anheuser-Bush, Aquafina, Bank of America, Central Market, HDNet, Post Asylum, Reel FX, The Richards Group, t:m interactive, One Arts Plaza, Premiere Magazine, D Magazine, and KERA have all made important contributions. For more festival information, please visit www.AFIDALLAS.com.
