***** There will be no event for 2025 due to renovation of our venue. *****
***** Please check back for the 2026 event! ******

Riverdale Park Arts is proud to present the RPA Film + Music Competition, designed to showcase emerging filmmakers in collaboration with accomplished musicians.
Filmmakers will create new films inspired by short classical pieces and the winning entries will be screened with the music performed live, inside a beautiful historic mansion.

Music and film have a unique relationship, with music added later playing an important role in the mood, emotional feel, and stylistic drive of a film. We are flipping that relationship, and are starting with dynamic short pieces of classical music and asking artists to let the music guide their visualization. The finished films in turn will inspire the musicians in their performance.

We are looking for the best film for each of the following 3 pieces of music, which can be downloaded here: https://tinyurl.com/competition-music

1 - John Heinz - Capriccio For Clarinet, Saxophone and Piano
2 - Jeffrey Chappell - Aphrodite In Alba
3 - Eugène Bozza - Trois Pièces Pour Une Musique de Nuit

The competition will culminate in a live music performance and screening at the historic Riversdale House Museum in Riverdale, MD. on April 7, 2024. Prizes and awards will be given at the event, with the opportunity for the filmmakers to speak about their film and the process.

Awards & Prizes

The best entry for each piece of music will be screened at the festival with the music performed live. First place winner receives a $300 cash prize, second place $200, and third place $100.

Rules & Terms

***IMPORTANT***
To avoid disqualification, please read the entire Rules Section. This is a competition for a film set to one of 3 specific pieces of music. It is meant to be inspired by the music and shown with the music performed live. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us.

We are looking for the best film for each of the following 3 pieces of music, which can be downloaded here: https://tinyurl.com/competition-music

1 - John Heinz - Capriccio For Clarinet, Saxophone and Piano
2 - Jeffrey Chappell - Aphrodite In Alba
3 - Eugène Bozza - Trois Pièces Pour Une Musique de Nuit

Filmmakers can fit that music to any visualization they choose, as long as they don't alter the music in any way. The total length of the film must be the length of the music.

*The film must be made to fit the music and be the exact length of the music. The music cannot be altered in any way and the only soundtrack needs to be the music. This way it can be performed live by the ensembles. There can be text, but it must be in English.*

Every type of format and genre is welcome, as well as any production method. Whether it's experimental, shot on a cell phone, or animation; if you can dream it, we want to see it.

To be able to use the music for the visualization free of charge, both the composer and musicians/ensemble have to be listed in the film credits in accordance with Creative Commons (CC-BY-NC-ND).

We strongly encourage winners to attend the event, this is a collaboration of musicians and filmmakers and we want everyone there.

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  • Vittorio Caratozzolo

    What a lovely surprise, to get the official selection and then a honorable mention for my funny little «Three Kings Cake»! Thanks a lot for your Jury's consideration.

    April 2024
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  • Jose Carvalho

    A great film festival, with people who are exceptional in their human and professional attitudes. It was an honour and an extraordinary moment in my life to have taken part in this Film Festival. My greatest thanks and consideration to all the people who make this beautiful artistic event a reality.

    April 2024
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