Calling all NC, US, and international independent filmmakers! Sonorous Road, a local Raleigh theatre, film, and arts education studio is hosting Screenings at Sonorous, a fun evening for filmmakers to show off their work and interact with a live audience.

We're looking for short films, documentaries, and experimental video projects to screen in our 99-seat black box theatre near NC State University and downtown Raleigh. Filmmakers in the Triangle and North Carolina are especially encouraged to submit, but we're also looking for some of the best regional, national, and international short films.

The 2+-hour event will include a red carpet with photo booth, over 100 minutes of select short films/documentaries, an intermission, a Q&A session with filmmakers who are able to attend, and a short awards presentation.

Admission will be $5 per person and concessions will be available for sale in the lobby. All proceeds from the event will be used to benefit Sonorous Road Film & Theatre Studio as we move to a new venue this summer. Learn more about Sonorous Road and our shows and educational programs at https://www.sonorousroad.com.

Awards & Prizes

Awards will be announced at the conclusion of the evening. Awards are subject to change based on the quality and quantity of submissions, but usually include Best Overall, Best Actor, Best Actress, best Cinematography, and Best Sound Design.

The winner in each category will receive 2 tickets to any Sonorous Road main stage theatre show or other Sonorous Road official event. Based on availability & restrictions apply.

Rules & Terms

==GENERAL RULES==

1. Films must have been completed on or after January 1st, 2015.
2. Entrant confirms he/she has full legal authority to submit the project to the festival and, if accepted, grants Sonorous the full legal right to screen the work.
3. Films may not exceed 20 minutes.
4. Films NOT in English must have English subtitles.
5. No "X-rated" or pornographic material of any kind will be accepted.
6. Non-public films will be given priority, but premiere status and online availability do not affect eligibility.
7. Entrants may submit no more than 2 projects.
8. Films previously submitted are eligible as long as they meet other requirements.
9. Films directed or produced by students may submit for free or at a reduced rate (dependent upon NC residence). Proof of student eligibility may be required (school ID, recent transcript, etc.).
10. Works "in-progress" may not be submitted.
11. Refunds are not given for any reason unless the screening is cancelled. If the screening is cancelled it will either be rescheduled or the selected films will be issued a refund.
12. Projects may not be withdrawn once accepted.
13. The judges' selections are final.
14. Sonorous Road reserves to right to modify these rules at any time.

==NC MADE==

1. Films with a "NC connection" may submit at a reduced rate in the "NC Made" category.
2. NC students may submit for free. Proof of student eligibility may be required.
3. To be eligible, at least one key cast or crew (writer, producer, director, DP, editor) member must be a NC native or resident and/or a significant part of the film must have been shot in NC.

==OUT OF STATE==

1. Films produced outside of North Carolina with no connection to the state may be submitted in the "Out of State" category.
2. Non-NC Students may submit for a reduced rate. Proof of student eligibility may be required.

==UPON ACCEPTANCE==

1. Entrant agrees that posters, stills, clips, trailers, and other promotional materials from the project may be used by Sonorous Road to promote the screening.
2. A download link to a Mac-friendly file must be made available to the organizers within a week of notification of acceptance.
3. For each accepted film the creative team will receive 2 free tickets to the screening.
4. Any creative member involved with a selected short is encouraged (though not required) to participate in a Q&A panel.
5. Official selection laurels will be given to selected films within 3 days of notification of acceptance. Likewise, if applicable, award laurels will be sent out within 3 days of the screening.
6. Failure to comply with any of the above rules may result in cancellation of your film's screening.
3 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jon Fortenbury

    I had an excellent experience showing my film "Alone Together" at this festival. They gave plenty of notice about submission status, allowing me to come out there to attend. I met some excellent filmmakers who I'm still in touch with. The festival organizers were very friendly and encouraging. And it's tight-knit enough that it felt like a family. I highly recommend submitting and attending this festival.

    October 2017
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  • Thomas Moore

    Screenings at Sonorous is the perfect "little-venue" film festival! I loved the 100 minute aspect of it, drove 6 hours in and glad I did, met some great artists and enjoyed the atmosphere! I hope this festival grows and will definitely submit again in hopes to return!

    August 2017
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  • Andy Brewster

    A terrific new a even and I hope it becomes a regular part of the Raleigh arts scene! My film did win so I may be a bit biased, but it was a great start to Sonorous Road's screening series. Audience was very receptive and engaged and other filmmakers came from out of state (TX and TN) to represent their work.

    August 2017
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