****Please note: The Provincetown International Film Festival is actively planning for a VIRTUAL festival in June 2021 with potential limited safe and distanced in-person screenings if permitted by local guidelines. We will post updates here and on our website.
*** NEW THIS YEAR! INTRODUCING THE ASH CHRISTIAN SHORTS FILMMAKING PROGRAM. DEADLINE IS MARCH 20, 2021
The 2021 Ash Christian Shorts Filmmaking Program supports the next generation of young LGBTQ creatives whose original voices and ideas may be best articulated through the medium of film. The program honors the distinguished career and legacy of Producer and Advisory Board member Ash Christian who dedicated his life’s work to mentoring young filmmakers and giving voice to the underserved. (see description below)
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The Provincetown International Film Festival (PIFF) is dedicated to showcasing new achievements in independent film and honoring the work of emerging as well as acclaimed directors, producers and actors. Now in its 23rd year, PIFF has established itself as the largest cultural event in lower Cape Cod and Provincetown's premier cultural event, attracting 10,000 plus film-goers, movie buffs, and arts patrons. This festival showcases over 100 US and international independent narrative, documentary and animated features and shorts as well as panel discussions and special events.
Occurring in mid-June, PIFF takes place during one of the most beautiful times of year in this coastal seaside town when businesses, inns, shops, restaurants and galleries are all fully operational. Drawn to the Festival’s hotly anticipated programming, innovative marketing, and strategic partnerships, PIFF welcomes audiences and supporters, new and seasoned, young and old, to a quality showcase of emerging films, enticing events, informative panels, special programs, and exuberant celebrations.
The festival's umbrella organization is the Provincetown Film Society (PFS), a non-profit dedicated to continuing the founding mission of the Provincetown Art Colony – to provide a welcoming, nurturing and inspiring environment for boundless and authentic creative exploration – in film.
From the time it was founded in 1998 the Society has been committed to serving its communities who are often outside of the mainstream, in the margins, or otherwise underserved – but have a voice critical to the evolution of artistic expression. It has also been dedicated to the celebration of Provincetown – an American treasure nestled amongst spectacular National Seashore beaches, and a shining example of diversity and inclusion.
Through the Provincetown International Film Festival (PIFF), Waters Edge Art House Cinema (WE) and Gabriele Hanna Provincetown Film Institute (PFS), including our annual Women’s Media Summit for Gender and Racial Diversity in U.S. Entertainment Media, the Provincetown Film Society endeavors to provide year-round programming to promote the cultural and economic vitality of Provincetown, to support aspiring, up-and-coming and established filmmakers connecting them with curious and engaged audiences globally, and to endorse gender, racial, and sexual diversity in U.S. entertainment media.
***THE ASH CHRISTIAN SHORTS FILMMAKING PROGRAM FOR LBGTQ YOUTH
The program is a three-month online initiative for emerging young LGBTQ creatives (ages 16 – 20). Applicants submit a short film script or treatment that addresses the themes of ‘not fitting in, standing out, being yourself’ and demonstrate an ability to work with a team of experienced professionals in order to produce a short film.
Given Covid-19, the program will take place primarily online via Zoom and require a time commitment of at least two hours per week prior to production. Production time will vary depending on the scope of the project. Selected filmmakers will work with a producing mentor to determine the needs of the project and to help access other mentors (casting directors, cinematographers, production designers, etc.) who will provide support throughout the process. Currently, we have 100 mentors who have committed to the project.
Production funds of up to $1,000+ per project along with a travel stipend, equipment and other support will be provided. Projects will be completed by June 12th, 2021, and will screen at the Provincetown Film Festival and on the virtual cinema platform.
Core Program Elements
• Articulating and realizing creative vision
• Building and collaborating with a creative team
• Managing resources
• Developing marketing strategies
• Executing production and content delivery
For questions or scholarship information, contact glyne@ptownfilm.org.
***SEE RULES AND TERMS BELOW
All accepted films are eligible for the HBO Audience Awards (presented to Best Narrative Feature and Best Documentary Feature). Other award categories include the John Schlesinger Award (presented to a first-time narrative and documentary feature filmmaker), HBO Short Documentary Award, Here Media Award (Best Queer Short Film), Jury Awards for Narrative Short, Animated Short, New England Short and Student Short (as well as Honorable Mentions bestowed at the discretion of PIFF staff/jury). Trophies are awarded at a ceremony at our Closing Night party.
Other honorary awards include the Filmmaker on the Edge Award to a film artist whose outstanding achievement, innovation and vision continue to push the boundaries of the medium throughout their body of work. Past honorees include: John Cameron Mitchell, Sean Baker, Sofia Coppola, Ang Lee, David Cronenberg, Darren Aronofsky, Guy Maddin, Quentin Tarantino, Todd Solondz, Gregg Araki, Mary Harron, Jim Jarmusch, Todd Haynes, Gus Van Sant, Christine Vachon and John Waters; Excellence In Acting Award recipients include: Judith Light, Molly Shannon, Chloë Sevigny, Gael Garcia Bernal, Alan Cumming, Vera Farmiga, Patricia Clarkson, and Tilda Swinton; and our newest Next Wave Award honoring Chloë Grace Moretz, Jillian Bell, Aubrey Plaza and Mya Taylor.