REELpoetry/HoustonTX 2024 is an international, curated, hybrid poetry film festival taking place online APRIL 1-4 and in person APRIL 5-7, 2024. We explore the intersection of poetry and film or video with artists working solo or collaboratively, on a cell phone or in a studio, with new or remixed or previously created work. Everyone worldwide is invited to submit their best work, created in the past or the present, up to a maximum of 6 minutes

In addition to open submissions, the festival includes a series of 40 minute themed curated programs, premieres, commissioned collaborations, deaf slam, live readings, craft workshops, poet+filmmaker talks, deaf+hearing panels and networking cafés. Screenings stream on-demand three more weeks.

REEL's on the radar of curators and presenters and festival directors from Australia to Canada, from Ireland to Mexico, and you can connect with them at parties and premieres in person or at REELcafes in real-time online.

We'll be screening juried open submissions in two unthemed categories -- one being poetry films or videos under 4 minutes, and the second 4 to 6 minutes in length.

NEW! NEW! This year there's a themed submission category for work inspired by the concept of "Juxtaposing Reality." Think about elements, events, ideas, people, places that belong together--or don't---now, in the past, and/or in the future.

We're excited to see your work, and it'll be great to see you online or in person at REEL 2024! REELpoetry/HoustonTX is a project of Public Poetry (publicpoetry.net).

Awards & Prizes

Prizes in cash will be awarded in four categories: poetry film/ videos under 4 minutes; poetry film/ video 4 to 6 minutes, responses to our theme and Audience Choice.

Official Selection REELpoetry laurels look great added to any poetry video or film!

Rules & Terms

1. All entries must be 6 minutes or less, including credits. No exceptions.

2. You can submit in any language, but an English translation must be included.

3. For screenings to be accessible to the deaf, ALL submissions MUST show the poem either on-screen as embedded text or with captioning.

4. We accept both new and pre-existing work or a repurposed combination of both.

5. Filmmakers may use footage in the public domain from sites like Creative Commons (creativecommons.org)

6. All types of poetry are acceptable. It can be your own, or a collaboration with a poet, or used by permission of the poet (or poets’ estate), or that is no longer subject to copyright.

7. You can submit in one category or in multiple categories as often as you like, but each entry must be submitted separately.
NOTE: Monthly members get a 20% discount on the submission fee and discounts on festival tickets. Monthly memberships start at $6/mo. To submit as a member, go to: https://www.publicpoetry.net/reelpoetry-membership/

By submitting to REELpoetry/Houston TX you acknowledge that work is yours, and that you have obtained permission(s) where required. We may request your permission to include your work in a curated program that may travel nationally and/or internationally.

At least three people who have curated or presented programs at our past festivals will be judging the submissions. You can see those folks by clicking on REELpoetry's web pages at https://publicpoetry.net/REELpoetry2024. They'd love to see your work!

25 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Fiona Tinwei Lam

    Thank you for organizing an accessible and diverse poetry film festival! Fascinating range of poetry videos from many different places, with good themes and good filmmakers.

    March 2023
    Helpful
  • Jelle Meys

    Thanks a lot for showing my animation 'La luna asoma' at the festival. Super happy that it was selected as a finalist! Great communication with the participants. Video poetry lives!

    March 2023
    Helpful
  • Pat Boran

    Very much appreciate the support and encouragement. Well done on keep the flag of poetry flying high

    March 2023
    Helpful
  • Kathryn Darnell

    A great festival reflecting a diversity of poetic and film styles. Distance requires that I "attend" online instead of live in Houston but the online programming is good and very accessible. I was honored to have my film "Grace" be a part of this festival.

    March 2023
    Helpful
  • Marcelese Cooper

    A fantastic festival that was wonderfully accessible!

    March 2023
    Helpful