ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

Welcome to the Neo-South Independent Film Festival, where independent filmmaking takes centre stage.

We are committed to showcasing up-and-coming talent and creating a welcoming environment for independent filmmakers as a local production company run by a group of filmmakers.

The Neo-South Independent Film Festival is a celebration of friendship and collaboration.

Its purpose is to bring to exposure and attract attention to high-quality works in order to nurture cinematic abilities and inspire the filmmaker's continuous improvement in a specific genre and visual narrative known as Neo-Noir.

Come join us for two nights of inventive and diverse storytelling on October every year

Be a part of the revolution by submitting your movie.

Awards & Prizes

The goal of the Neo-South Independent Film Festival (Neo-South) is to present the best in independent filmmaking.

A high-resolution.png image of our festival honors will be provided to any movie chosen as a "Official Selection" for use in marketing and promotional materials.

A group of judges will choose the best movie in each category from the official selections as well as a set number of Special Mentions for both the feature and short film categories.

For their own promotional purposes, winning filmmakers will receive a high-resolution.png image of our festival honors bearing the "Winner" or "Special Mention" title.

DESTAR AWARD (Asian & International Independent Feature / Shorties)
Best Picture

NEOSOUTH AWARD (Asian & International Independent Feature)
Best Director
Best Cinematography
Best Production Design
Best Original Score
Best Film Editing

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FILMUDA AWARD (Asian Independent Shorties)

Best Shorties
Best Director (Shorties)
Best Cinematography (Shorties)

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ROGUE & REBEL AWARD (First Time Malaysian Filmmaker)

This special award is meant for first time Malaysian Filmmakers who are trained in a special program 12-Week Filmmaking’.

During the first 4 weeks of the program, 50 filmmakers are expected to undergo all the basic requirements in filmmaking. Then, only 5 filmmakers are chosen to produce their own film.

Rules & Terms

SUBMISSIONS

Eligibility:
All entries must be independent productions and have not been previously released theatrically or broadcast on television and to qualify for nomination for best picture, each production must be released in 2022. films released in the previous year or in 2023 are not eligible to compete for best picture.

Submission Deadline:
Entries must be received by August 16, 2023.

Format:
Entries must be submitted in digital format via a private online streaming platform (such as Vimeo or YouTube) or be upload to the FilmFreeway screener.

Language:
All entries must have English subtitles or be in English language.

Selection Process:
A panel of local and international jury will select the finalist and judges will select the films to be awarded in the festival program.

Notification:
Selected filmmakers will be notified by September 16, 2023.

*Screening Materials:
Selected filmmakers (All Semi-finalists) must provide a screening copy of the film to be download by organiser in full HD /2K / 4k digital format by 1 October 2023 for physical screening at the venue.

Acceptance of Rules:
By submitting your film, you confirm that you have read and accept these rules and regulations.

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ENTRY LIABILITY

By submitting your movie to the Neo-South Independent Film Festival, you attest that you have all the legal authority to show, share, and otherwise make money off of the movie.

Additionally, you attest that the movie is not involved in any legal proceedings, disputes, or claims, and that the festival will not be held responsible for any claims or losses resulting from the movie's showing.

Additionally, you undertake to defend and keep the festival blameless from any and all obligations that may result from the submission of your film, including claims, demands, losses, damages, costs, and expenditures.

Please be aware that all movies were nominated in every category. Not all of the nominated movies will be shown.

Email notifications will be sent to those whose films were chosen for showing. If you get an email for nomination but not one for official selection, your movie is still up for consideration in its category even though it won't be viewed.

The Nominations are used to determine the Award Winners (which includes the Official Selection).

4 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Yurugu Matsumoto

    Thank you for awarding my movie!
    I'll be back!

    October 2022
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    Response from festival:

    Welcome Mr. Yurugu. We love your style.

  • Matthew Rubino

    This was a great experience and organized very well.

    November 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks Mr. Matthew for the review. Hope to see your movie next year.

  • Rozinor Razali

    Thanks for the opportunity an awarding my movie. This is the best niche concept that focus on neo-noir. A very weel organised and curated film festival.

    All the best for the next film festival.

    October 2021
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    Response from festival:

    We are inspired by your movies. The Jury and Judges loves it more. All the best for your future works.

  • Asparuh Frangov

    A well-organized and curated festival with a promising future.

    Unfortunately, attendance last year was not possible due to COVID restrictions, but nevertheless, the festival team did everything in their power to connect to filmmakers and make things feel right - including live Q&A panels, screenings and excellent communication from the start. It was exciting to see a festival devoted to Neo-Noir and other niche genres, and such an honor to have my film there - among a marvelous selection of independent works from Malaysia and around the world. I look forward to participating again in future iterations - as a filmmaker and as part of the audience (hopefully, some day in person!).

    Highest recommendation for any independent artist to submit their work. Neo-South festival is certain to gain more and more prominence in the years ahead.

    August 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks Sir. Hopefully to see your next project.