The One Take Film Festival celebrates and promotes the art of documentary and non-fiction filmmaking. Over the course of four days, the festival stimulates public understanding and appreciation of the art of documentary filmmaking in its many forms. We seek films that inspire, surprise, challenge, enlighten, and entertain us. Now entering its fourth year, this Rochester, NY film festival has grown out the Little Theatre's highly successful "One Take" monthly documentary series that began in 2012.
For 2021, this festival format will be a hybrid: including both virtual and in-person screenings.
Public submissions are for short-form documentaries from Western New York (WNY), national and international short documentaries, and national and international feature-length documentaries.
WNY Shorts: must be non-fiction, and must either be produced in the greater WNY region, from a filmmaker with roots or formerly from WNY, or a film about WNY. We define the greater WNY region as Buffalo, Syracuse, Rochester, Ithaca, and everything in between. Short films must be 30 minutes or less. Student, amateur, and professional filmmakers are all encouraged to apply. Please use the "Cover Letter" field to mention your WNY relationship.
National & International: Films must be non-fiction. Short films are defined as films 30 minutes or less. Student, amateur, and professional filmmakers are all encouraged to apply.
Discounts and waivers are available for BIPOC filmmakers of all experience, in all categories. Please email hello@otff.org for details.