Since the race for space began in the 1950s and ‘60s, astronauts have been turning their eyes and cameras back on the Earth. Perhaps the most famous look back was the photograph dubbed “Earthrise,” taken by the Apollo 8 astronauts on their way to the Moon in 1968.

Seeing the Earth from space is an identity-and perspective-shifting experience. The planet, when viewed from orbit or the Moon, appears as a thing of beauty, a dynamic and borderless oasis, alive with myriad swirling colors and textures beneath its bright blue ribbon of atmosphere -- a spaceship on a four-billion-year cosmic journey. To see it is to be suddenly conscious of the unity and oneness of all life… without borders, boundaries, enemies, or strangers.

In 1987, space philosopher Frank White captured the imaginations of many both within the space community and the public at large when he coined the term the “Overview Effect” to describe the cognitive shift astronauts experience when viewing the Earth from orbit or on a lunar mission and documented it in his seminal book, “The Overview Effect: Space Exploration and Human Evolution.”

As the interest in space exploration has grown so has space-related media, which has coincided with a global movement to “bring the Overview Effect down to Earth” for millions of people around the world. Of course, most of us will never leave the planet to experience the Overview Effect firsthand.

The Overview Effect Film Festival (OEFF) aims to provide the next best thing; to screen compelling international films and media projects that feature The Overview Effect by recognized and emerging filmmakers from across the globe.

This year we will select theatrical and documentary films, feature films, shorts, and other media (both traditional and immersive) representing different genres and styles that convey the impact and experience of the Overview Effect as it relates to human space exploration, how we perceive ourselves and life on Earth, and our collective future on this planet or in space.

INFO ABOUT PANELS
All panels will have a moderator and special guests, including: filmmakers, screenwriters, musicians, producers, directors, astronauts, scientists, space entrepreneurs, and more. Most panels will be combined with a film/media screening whenever possible Current panels include: The Essential Overview Effect w. Frank White; Star Trek and the Overview Effect 60 Years Later, Why Space Entrepreneurship?, Space Tourism, Making Movies on the Intl Space Station; The Impact of OE On Earth and In Space, Pop-Culture, Youth, and OE, and more.

Sponsors:
Brodeur Space Group
Celestis
Kepler Space Institute
Multiverse Media
National Space Society
Seldor Capital
Space Tourism Society
Filmocracy

Rules & Terms

Films must relate to the Overview Effect as an experience, its impact on Planet Earth, or as a symbol of our collective future, e.g: human space exploration, humanity, society, and the mystery of space. All genres are welcome.

Please submit a synopsis and film poster or stills. We hold the right to reject films that don't have a basic press kits after being selected.

All submissions material must have updated contact information.

Only completed films may be submitted. No rough cuts.

Foreign language films must be made available with English subtitles or dubbed.

Please only submit an online copy. Send password if needed.

If your film is selected please provide a downloadable copy.

If your film is selected please make sure an online copy of your film is still available until the festival is over for the jury.

Filmmakers attending the festival are responsible for travel, lodging, and all other expenses.

No feedback on submissions can be given.

There is a non-refundable processing fee for all film & script entries.

Terms and Conditions

By submitting your film for consideration to the Overview Effect Film Festival (Overview Productions), you are telling us that you have full authority to do so, that the film is cleared for potential festival exhibition, and that you accept full legal responsibility. Overview Productions is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at the festival for promotional purposes only. You shall also indemnify and hold harmless Overview Productions from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving the copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening films entered.