About RBIAFF: The Russo Brothers Italian American Filmmaker Forum provides an incredible opportunity for inspired and creative artists to craft films that explore the Italian American experience. In conjunction with the AGBO Foundation and the Italian Sons and Daughters of America, we invite you to explore the present, past, and future of Italian American cultural expression and identity.
 
RBIAFF Application: A sizzle reel no longer than 3 minutes that effectively conveys the applicant’s ideas and skill to later create a film exploring the Italian American experience.
 
RBIAFF Prompt: RBIAFF accepts applicants who seek to develop and create stories for the screen that illuminate aspects of the Italian American experience -- whether that be to elevate and educate about Italian American culture, language, history, land, or people through the art of film. The RBIAFF application accepts documentary, narrative, fiction, and nonfiction formats of submissions, and applicants of all nationalities and backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
  
RBIAFF Judges: Leading Executives at AGBO and National Leadership of ISDA.

Awards & Prizes

$10,000 grant to the Top 5 applications. Admittance to the AGBO Storytellers Collective and an additional $10,000 for the Top Winner selected by the judges which are comprised of Leading Executives at AGBO and National Leadership of ISDA.

Rules & Terms

SUBMISSION CHECKLIST:
1. An original sizzle reel or Pitch Video (the “Sizzle Reel/Pitch Video”), which may be no more than three (3) minutes in length and effectively conveys Participant’s ideas and skills. The Sizzle Reel/Pitch Video should explore the story of the Italian American experience, whether it is about the people, language, land, culture, or history. The Sizzle Reel/Pitch Video can be in a documentary, narrative, fiction, or nonfiction format. Animation entries will be accepted.

2. Participants Biography (Directors Bio) (submitted in the section provided in the FilmFreeway Application)

3. The Participant’s Headshot (submitted in the section provided in the FilmFreeway Application)

4. Participants Resume (submitted in a document uploaded to the FilmFreeway Application)

5. Personal Statement - A statement from the Participant, no longer than 500 words, detailing how the Participant’s personal experience and/or connection to the Italian American culture has influenced the conception of their idea. This statement should illustrate Participant’s personal inspiration, the importance of depicting the proposed narrative on screen, Participant’s passion for Italian American storytelling, and motivation for participating in the Russo Brothers Italian American Filmmaker Forum. (submitted in the section provided in the FilmFreeway Application)

6. Longline for the Sizzle Reel/Pitch Video, written in 50 words or less (submitted in the section provided in the FilmFreeway Application)

7. Synopsis of the Sizzle Reel/Pitch Video, written in 250 words or less (submitted in the section provided in the FilmFreeway Application)

8. A completed questionnaire providing the following information:
* Credits for the Sizzle Reel/Pitch Video
* Project type
* Genre
* Proposed budget for a Short Film
* Participant’s country of origin
* Participant’s location in the United States
* Whether the Participant is a first-time filmmaker
* How the Participant heard about this Competition

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Void outside the 50 U.S./D.C. and where prohibited. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S./D.C., age 18+ (19+ in AL/ NE, 21+ in MS) who have not earned more than $25K as a screenwriter or director. To enter, submit an original sizzle reel of 3 minutes or less presenting your story of the Italian American Experience, between 2/1/24 at 12:00 AM Pacific Standard Time (“PST”) and 2/29/24 at 12:00 PM PST. Top 5 Sizzle Reels Submissions after judging will each receive $10,000 Grants to create a short film by 11/1/24. One (1) winner will win $10,000 and admittance into the AGBO Storyteller’s Collective. Visit www.agbo.com/community/the-russo-brothers-italian-american-filmmaker-forum for full eligibility and entry requirements, timelines, judging criteria, and other details. Limit: One entry per person. Sponsor: AGBO Films LLC, PO Box 13564, Los Angeles, CA 90013.