Cinema Talks is a young, innovative film festival which has been held annually since September 2019. National and international short films are presented - wrapped in four categories: Social, Extraordinary, Entertainment and Inspiration. Whether it's introductory poetry slams that bring the theme of the film block closer, or an art exhibition showcasing mainly young artists: Cinema Talks combines several art forms and thus creates a unique festival experience. Through interactive voting and Q&As, the audience is actively involved. The emerging conversations between the filmmakers, the artists and the audience redefine the experience in the cinema.

The festival offers a unique opportunity to newcomers and freelance filmmakers to introduce themselves and their project, regardless of their salary class. The festival intends to guarantee a platform for new ideas of creative minds and film enthusiasts.

The festival will take place in spring 2022 and is based on the current Corona regulations in Austria. If it comes to the fact that it can not take place as an event, we will postpone or take place online. More information will be exchanged when the time comes.

In the categories there is prize money of 4x500€.
At the Movieslam you can get 2 x 300€.

FOR THE VIEWING ALL MOVIES HAVE TO BE IN GERMAN OR ENGLISH OR WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES.
FOR THE FINAL SCREENING FILE ALL MOVIES HAVE TO BE IN ENGLISH OR HAVE ENGLISH SUBTITLES. (Except for the Movieslam: Films have to be in German or have german subtitles)

0. Cinema Talks is allowed to screen the film online, password protected, for 4 weeks during spring 2024 (final date will be announced soon).
1. Generally
1.1. Registration for Cinema Talks Film Festival requires full acceptance of these Terms and Conditions and all of its regulations.
1.2.All types of short films are admitted to the competition if they have been produced independently by a client and meet the other conditions of participation.
1.3.The film must not exceed a total length (with end credits) of 35 minutes.
1.4.For the viewing the movie must be in english or german or have english or german subtitles. For the final Screening file the film must have branded subtitles in english. (Exception Movieslam: German or german subtitles are required)
1.5. The film must have been completed after 01.01.2020.

2. Submission
2.1.Deadline Cinema Talks all Categories: 17th December 2023 (23:59).
2.2.Submission can only be considered if all required documents (Viewing link + submission form) arrive on time (17th December 2023 (23:59)). The submission is made via online form via https://filmfreeway.com/CinemaTalks.
2.3.Unfortunately, no submissions that reach us via the postal service can be considered. We only accept online submissions and only these will be considered.
2.4.Any erroneous registration (incomplete, incorrect, etc.), any submission that violates public policy or morality or arrives after the submission deadline will not be considered. Wrong or incomplete information leads to the immediate exclusion of the submission.
2.5.The Cinema Talks program selection notice will be received by 29th of february at the latest.
2.6.If the film is selected for the festival, it must be sent to the organizers in DCP and mp4/mov format till the 31.03.2024.

3. Categories
3.1.Categorie entertainment
Films in this category should catch the viewers’ attention with good stories and strong emotions. Comedies as well as thrillers and action films can be submitted in this category.
3.2.Category Extraordinary:
In this category, films that dare to experiment can be submitted. Films in this category should convey new ideas and try experimental implementations.
3.3.Category Inspiration:
Films that motivate and have a lasting impact can be submitted in this category. Films in this category should fascinate and inspire. It’s suitable for everyone who is open for new inspiring thoughts.
3.4.Category Social:
In this category, films that highlight social problems and challenges can be submitted. Films in this category should reflect today’s society and encourage a critical discourse.
3.5.Category Movie-Slam
In the movie-slam category films can be submitted that are not longer than 15 minutes. Also one of the filmmakers has to be present at the screening in Graz, Austria.

4. Rights of usage
4.1.The submitter expressly agrees that excerpts from his / her film as well as the additional and pictorial materials for the promotion of the film or festival may be used by the organizers and submitted online via various platforms (Website , Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, etc.) may be published.
4.2.Cinema Talks does not pay any screening fees. The submitter refrains from withdrawing the submission of his / her film.
4.3.The Submitter agrees to archive the preview copies of Cinema Talks (however, commercial use by the Performers is not intended or permitted outside the Festival).
4.4.The submitter declares to be authorized to exercise all rights to the submitted film through the rights granted to the work, or by the authors and beneficiaries involved in the film or whose works are used in the film and to transfer these to third parties and are responsible to the organizer for these rights. Should third-party rights be violated as a result of the public performance of the submitted entry, the submitter shall release the organizer from all third-party claims and any claims for damages asserted against the organizer will be accepted by the submitters.

5. Other rights
5.1.The organizers reserve the right to enter the competition or the festival to circumcise, extend, amend or cancel, if circumstances require or force majeure. It can not be held responsible.
5.2.The organisers reserve the right to disqualify the movie from the programm, if filmmakers violate the rules & terms and do not react to a warning via email.
5.3.Additions to these Terms of Use shall be in writing and may be agreed between the organizers and the submitters throughout the course of Cinema Talks.

6. Data protection
6.1.By participating, I acknowledge that the name and personal details of the submitter (s) are captured digitally for internal communication purposes and are transmitted via e.g. Mail server may be processed. Furthermore, the director / director agrees that her photo may be published to promote the festival (program, website, ...). This consent may be revoked at any time for any use from that date onwards.

7. Contact
Natalie Pinter
E-Mail: contact@cinema-talks.com

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Malwina Postaremczak

    Great festival, great people, great comunication, beautifull films.

    June 2023
  • Kevin Koch

    Cinema Talks is a really nice festival in Graz. We enjoyed our time there a lot. Everything was very well organized, the staff is great and also the films we saw were amazing.

    May 2023
  • Danielle Bouteille

    This is a really fine film festival!

    November 2019