***Back and in a new city***
Film Strip Fest has relocated from Atlanta, GA to Buffalo, NY.

Dates/Location: March 5 + 6, 2027 at Revolution Gallery in Buffalo, NY.

FILM STRIP FEST 2027
Friday, March 5 (Evening) + Saturday, March 6 (Afternoon & Evening)

FILM STRIP FEST is a two-day short film and burlesque mini-festival celebrating the art of storytelling and the love of movies — where cinema and live performance collide in bold, playful, and unexpected ways.

This immersive festival centers the intersection of burlesque and film, spotlighting creators who blur genres, bend form, and bring storytelling to life both on screen and on stage.

Friday, March 5 – Red Carpet Opening Night (Evening)
An elevated kickoff event for the creative community featuring a Red Carpet Mixer, welcome toast and brief remarks from key collaborators, a curated selection of short films, featured live burlesque performances, and networking for filmmakers, performers, and arts supporters.

Saturday, March 6 – Education + Immersive Performance

Afternoon Programming
Workshops and/or panels focused on storytelling, filmmaking, performance craft, burlesque and creative collaboration. Community conversation and artist dialogue.

Evening Show
An immersive burlesque + film showcase where short films are presented, select films are paired with performers who create inspired routines, experimental cinema and live burlesque share the stage, and performances may include both live acts and burlesque via film.

CALL FOR SHORT FILMS
Films must be 15 minutes or less. Selected films may be paired with performers who will create acts inspired by the work. Experimental films and music videos are welcome.

Genres encouraged include comedy, drama, horror, western, romcom, noir, experimental, campy, weird, and real stories you’ve got.

Priority consideration will be given to filmmakers from marginalized communities, including BIPOC, disabled, trans/non-binary, and neurodivergent creators.

Presented by Shellie Schmals, Past producing collaborations include:
- Middle Age Cabaret (2018-2024) in Atlanta, GA
- Women in Film + Television Atlanta, Short Film Showcase (2017 - 2023)
- Women in Production Summit (2022-2023)
- Roxie Roz Burlesque (2015-2021)
- Philadelphia Jewish Film & Media Festival (2021) virtual collaboration
- Bump’n’Grind Film Festival (2020) virtual collaboration
- Cinebash, honoring graphic designer + filmmaker Saul Bass (2018)
- Minette Magnifique Burlesque (2010-2013)

Awards & Prizes

One film screened will receive $100 Jury Prize.
One artist performing will receive $100 Jury Prize.
One film screened will receive exclusive "Official Winner" laurels.
One artist performing will receive exclusive "Official Winner" laurels.
Each film screened will receive exclusive "Official Selection" laurels.
Each artist performing will receive exclusive "Official Selection" laurels.

Rules & Terms

Films must be submitted through our FilmFreeway page and conform to all rules and guidelines set out by FilmFreeway. Once a submission fee has been paid it will not be refunded.

* The lineup for each screening will be publicly announced one month prior to the show.

A film may be withdrawn from consideration at any time for any reason until it has been selected for screening. No refunds will be given for withdrawals. Once a film has been selected for screening and the entrant notified of the selection, the film may not be withdrawn for any reason.

By submitting, the entrant agrees that all content in the film is their original work and/or they have obtained all necessary rights and permissions to screen the project as well as any copyrighted, trademarked, or proprietary material contained within.

Entrants may be asked to show proof that they have permission to elements of the work that fall into question. Any work found to violate copyright laws will be immediately disqualified without refund. Entrant assumes any and all responsibility for any legal issues arising from the screening of the work they submit.

Films in a language other than English must be subtitled.
5 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Eva Zurian

    Communication with the festival was really good, that festival is one of my favorite now. The organizers are very pleasant and responsible
    Thanks for choosing "YOU ARE NOT HERE" film, best wishes from film crew❤️️

    January 2022
    Helpful
  • Madhu R

    Our film "Death Offers Life - last moments of Vincent Van Gogh" was Semi Finalist which is a great encouragement for us.

    January 2021
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  • Graziano Quaglini

    Thanks ! it's nice to see a Festival that takes care of every entry for the next future

    January 2021
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  • Jim Zounis

    It was a great honor to have our Short Film selected as a Semi-finalist and to be exhibited at the "Roxie Roz Burleque" event! Thank you all!

    January 2021
    Helpful
  • Nora Geist

    Brilliant—thank you for including me!

    January 2021
    Helpful