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!

33 Reviews
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  • Janet Lees

    This is a great festival, meticulously organised and hosted. I've only been able to attend the online part of the festival so far, but the Zoom cafes are fabulous, great to be able to watch a series of films and then talk with the makers straight afterwards.

    April 2024
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  • Kamari Bright

    Although I was unable to attend the in-person activities, I really enjoyed the virtual festival. The platform was fairly easy to use and the virtual cafes where artists and attendees could talk after a screening were wonderful. It was a pleasure to share space with creators whose work I admire and learn about new ones as well. I would recommend this festival, especially for any videopoets looking to gain new insights and make connections.

    April 2024
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  • Peter Whittenberger

    REELpoetry is such a wonderful festival. I had such a great experience with the diverse programing and welcoming nature of the festival organizers. My favorite part was the REEL Cafe where you were able to meet and chat with other festival participants. As someone who is new to the genre, the generosity of the other artists was energizing. Thank you so very much for including my work.

    April 2024
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  • Désirée Jung

    Great event as always! Thank you!

    April 2024
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  • Sami Miranda

    Honored to have our film Hiding Place included in this festival that brought so many wonderful poetry films and filmmakers into conversation.

    April 2024
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