There are 6 submission categories this year, adding new films categories for LGBTQ+ films and music videos, as well as a writing category:
1. Local Films
Filmmakers within an approximate 90 mile radius of Pottstown PA are eligible to participate in our popular local film block. The most well attended and popular segment of the inaugural festival, the Local Film Showcase is a way to share the great talent of the greater Philly area and beyond. Features, shorts, music videos, and any type of film project is eligible for this category, so long as you're local.
Films submitted in this block may also be considered for the general short film and features categories during the jurying process, as well. However, we ask that all local films, regardless of length, be submitted as local films, as we want to offer our local filmmakers the best submission rate and consider supporting our local artists something that is at the very heart of the festival.
2. Short Films
Short films from all over the world (or even further, if you're somehow reading this from another world or dimensions) are accepted in this category. While traditional length short films ranging from 3 minutes to 30 minutes are what we're most looking for, we can accept anything under 45 minutes in length for the short film category. Anything 45 minutes in length or up will need to be submitted under the feature submission category. Music videos are no longer part of this category.
Our short film selections will primarily be played as accompanying pieces to the features we select for the festival, however may also be selected as part of a short film block, dependent on the final schedule for the festival.
3. Feature Films
Just like the short film category above, features are welcome from anywhere and everywhere. Unique, fun, and quirky films that are crowdpleasers are what we're most looking for. We'll be programing several features, alongside our local block, a retro screening, and several other events.
Any films that are 45 minutes or longer must be submitted in the feature category, unless the film fits the local film criteria.
4. Music Videos
Music videos are a separate category this season. While we may possibly include some in other areas of the festival, there will be some time dedicated specifically to music videos. All music videos are eligible, but preference will certainly be given to music videos that fall most directly into the horror and genre theme of the festival. Music videos that include a roller rink or roller sports will most certainly be considered heavily, as well.
5. LGBTQ+ Films
This year, we are debuting an LGBTQ+ block. The criteria for these films is simply that they involved LGBTQ+ cast and/or crew, with an emphasis on films that deal with LGBTQ+ issues. While the vision for this block is primarily to be a collection of short films, we do not have a restriction on length and will most certainly consider features, as well. While the film festival is in October and have a horror/genre/Halloween vibe, the films in this category can certainly be of any genre, as highlighting great LGBTQ+ filmmakers and films is something we are really excited to focus on this year.
In addition to these 5 film categories, the 6th category is for screenwriting and short stories. Entries in this category should be genre fiction either written for screen (or stage) or written with the intent of eventually making the jump onto stage/screen in the future.
*FOR ALL FILM SUBMISSIONS*
Keep in mind that this is genre festival, so standard drama isn't necessarily what we're looking for here. Horror, sci-fi, action, and all of the other types of films that typically fall into the widely cast "genre film" net are more our speed. Films with roller skating related plots and spooky season type submissions will get some priority in the programming decisions based on the festival being a Halloween season festival at a roller rink, but anything that feels like it would play well to a genre festival crowd is encouraged.
NO X-RATED MATERIAL is able to be screened at the festival at this time, but generally anything that would receive an R or MA rating is acceptable, likely most films that would receive an NC-17 rating would be, as well.
Any questions about your submissions or the festival in general can be sent through here or to skateordiefestival@gmail.com. You can also contact the festival director, Justin Harlan, at justincharlesharlan@gmail.com.
