The CineOdyssey ANIMATION Festival showcases diverse, contemporary films from around the world, featuring cutting edge works by filmmakers of color from the African, Caribbean, Latino, Asian, and Native American diasporas, as well as the U.S.

The festival's purpose and mission:

*To celebrate and promote the creative works of filmmakers of color in the field of animation.
*Importance of diversity and representation in animation.
*Emphasis on providing a platform for underrepresented voices and stories.

The festival's theme is : "Unveiling Narratives"

*Exploration of diverse cultural backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives through animation.
*Encouragement of innovative storytelling techniques that highlight unique cultural narratives.

Who is the intended audience for this program?

*The intended audience for this program will likely be very diverse, but primarily will consist of the following:

*Communities of Color: The festival aims to celebrate and showcase the creative talents of filmmakers who belong to marginalized communities, particularly those of color. This will include individuals who identify with these communities or those who are interested in supporting and promoting diversity in the film industry.

*Educational Institutions: Schools, colleges, and universities with programs related to animation, filmmaking, or cultural studies may be interested in attending to expose their students to a diverse range of voices and styles in animation.

*Film Enthusiasts and Industry Professionals: This includes people who are passionate about animation, whether as viewers, creators, or industry professionals. They may be interested in exploring different styles, techniques, and storytelling approaches within animation.

*Advocates for Diversity and Inclusion: Individuals and organizations committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the arts and sciences.

*Film Industry Professionals and Decision-Makers: Representatives from production companies, distribution companies, studios, and other industry players whose mission is to discover new talent or projects that align with their interests or business goals.

*General Audiences: While the festival has a focus on filmmakers of color, it won't exclude anyone based on their background. Anyone who enjoys animation, appreciates different storytelling perspectives, or wants to support underrepresented voices in film will find the festival engaging.

Finally, CineOdyssey serves to bring together diverse audiences, bridge cultural understanding, and encourage the artistic development of aspiring filmmakers. Through workshops, panel discussions, celebrated guest speakers, and educational programming, the festival's intent is to entertain, enlighten, empower, and engage. The impressive lineup of films boldly address the multicultural issues of today, which meet at the intersection of race, class, and gender, as well as celebrating the creative craft of the art form.

Best Feature Film
Best Short Film
Best Student Film
Best Regional Film (North Carolina or South Carolina, short or feature)
Audience Choice Award

ELIGIBILITY: PLEASE READ REQUIREMENTS IN DETAIL

• Films produced, directed, and starring a person who is of African, Caribbean, Latino, Asian, Native American, or African American descent. If producer or director is not a person of color, the film must at least star or prominently feature an actor/actress of the above ethnicities.

Preference will be given to films that have a "Charlotte, North Carolina Premier" status with the CineOdyssey Animation Festival

• Films will NOT be accepted if...
- produced prior to June 1, 2021.
- screening on any digital platform (i.e., Vimeo, YouTube, websites, etc.) during the duration of the 2024 CineOdyssey Animation Festival.

FORMATS:
• DCP or Digital File

RULES & TERMS:
• Total running time for short films must not exceed 30 minutes, features, 120 minutes.

• English subtitles must be included in foreign language films.

• Students must be at least a high school senior. Proof of enrollment with either a school photo I.D. or a letter from a school official at an accredited high school or college is required.

• Film submissions are FREE until the deadlines listed below. Afterwards there are submission fees which must be paid in USD and are nonrefundable.
- FREE until April 29, 2024 (EARLY DEADLINE)
- VARIOUS TIER SUBMISSION FEES based on genre/format until June 1, 2024 (FINAL DEADLINE)
- Event is June 27-29, 2024

• All submissions must include a trailer and promotional materials (i.e., photo stills, poster, one-sheets), authorized for CineOdyssey Film Festival to use for publicity purposes.

• CineOdyssey Animation Festival will not be responsible for lost, misdirected, or damaged submissions.

• If film is officially selected, filmmakers must provide and festival acceptance/release paperwork, electronic press kit materials, and checklist completed and submitted NO LATER THAN June 17, 2024. We generally do not provide screening fees. Please do not accept an invitation to screen at our festival, and then make the acceptance contingent on us paying a screening fee.

Any additional queries should be sent to info@cineodysseyfest.org.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Janet Marrett

    An excellent festival that took place at several prominent venues in Charlotte NC. Great coordination! We were delighted to have our short film ASUNDER screened as part of CineOdyssey Film Festival 2021 and further thrilled that it was streamed on @kweliTV.

    January 2022
  • Michael Kehoe

    The quality of films and the support of filmmakers and cinema is what drew me to this festival.

    November 2021
  • An honor, a thrill, and a blast to have my film “grist” screen as the #openingnightshort prior to beautiful #openingnightfeature “Queen of Glory” at this year’s festival! Tremendous thanks in general to Tre' and his team for a warm, supportive, edifying, and fun festival experience.

    November 2021
  • Despite the pandemic, CineOdyssey organized an amazing hybrid festival featuring incredible films from around the world — we were honored to be a part of it!

    November 2020
  • Luchina Fisher

    Tre' always comes through with his festival, even during a pandemic. He has so much good will among donors, volunteers, media, the community and filmmakers because he truly loves film and is driven by the mission of bringing diverse voices to audiences.

    November 2020