Embark on a Cinematic Journey at ONSET Educational Film Fest 2024!

Dive into the world of creativity, innovation, and inspiration at the ONSET Educational Film Fest (formerly Persia Educational Film Festival), where the spotlight is on the next generation of storytellers. Set against the eclectic backdrop of Camden's Etcetera Theatre, ONSET invites you to witness the magic of student filmmaking that pushes boundaries, challenges norms, and sparks thought-provoking conversations.

What Awaits You:
🎥 Student Showcases: Immerse yourself in a captivating selection of films crafted by emerging talents from diverse backgrounds and disciplines.

🌐 Cultural Kaleidoscope: Explore a rich tapestry of storytelling from around the globe, as ONSET celebrates the power of film to transcend borders and connect us all.

🚀 Emerging Filmmakers: Be the first to discover the trailblazers of tomorrow, as ONSET introduces you to the freshest voices and visions in the world of cinema.

🤝 Networking Extravaganza: Connect with fellow film enthusiasts, industry professionals, and the brilliant minds behind the films. Forge connections that could redefine the trajectory of your cinematic journey.

🌟 Awards and Accolades: Celebrate excellence in student filmmaking as we honor outstanding achievements with prestigious awards, recognizing creativity, vision, and storytelling prowess.

🎬 Educational Insights: Elevate your understanding of the craft with engaging workshops, insightful panel discussions, and Q&A sessions featuring industry experts and seasoned filmmakers.

Join us at ONSET, where the magic of storytelling meets the vibrancy of Camden. It's more than a film festival; it's an immersive experience that ignites passion, fosters collaboration, and celebrates the boundless potential of cinematic expression. Mark your calendars, secure your seats, and get ready for an unforgettable cinematic adventure!

Review: Etcetera Theatre, Camden

Nestled in the heart of Camden, the Etcetera Theatre stands as a gem among London's diverse cultural venues. My recent visit to this intimate space left me thoroughly impressed with its unique charm and commitment to fostering a rich artistic atmosphere.

Atmosphere:
The moment you step through the doors of the Etcetera Theatre, you are greeted by an intimate and welcoming ambiance. The cozy seating arrangement and dim lighting create an immersive experience, making it an ideal setting for a variety of performances, from plays to comedy shows.

Versatility:
What struck me most about the Etcetera Theatre is its versatility. Despite its size, the venue effortlessly transforms to accommodate a range of artistic expressions. From thought-provoking plays to experimental performances, the Etcetera Theatre proves that dynamism knows no bounds.

Community Hub:
It's evident that the Etcetera Theatre plays a vital role in fostering a sense of community. Local artists and emerging talents find a platform here to showcase their work, contributing to the vibrant cultural scene of Camden. The theatre's commitment to supporting new and independent voices is truly commendable.

Staff and Service:
The staff at the Etcetera Theatre are not only professional but also genuinely passionate about the arts. Their dedication to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for both performers and audience members adds a personal touch to the overall visit.

Location:
Situated in the eclectic neighborhood of Camden, the theatre benefits from its prime location. With its proximity to vibrant markets, eclectic shops, and diverse eateries, attendees can easily make a day or evening out of their visit to the Etcetera Theatre.

Conclusion:
In a city renowned for its cultural offerings, the Etcetera Theatre stands out as a hidden gem in Camden. Whether you're a theater enthusiast seeking innovative performances or a visitor looking to immerse yourself in the local arts scene, the Etcetera Theatre is a must-visit destination that encapsulates the spirit of London's creative landscape.

THE FIRST-EVER FESTIVAL OF SHORT FILMS DIRECTED BY IRANIAN WOMEN WAS HELD IN LONDON ON FRIDAY JUNE 23. HOSTED BY THE PERSIA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION, THE EVENT WAS SOLD OUT, AND A GREAT SUCCESS.

The festival opened with a screening of 10 short films on Friday, 23 June, at the Curzon Cinema in London’s Victoria, followed by a VIP reception for guests including the Iranian-German actress Nicole Ansari Cox. Ms. Ansari was joined by Festival director Jesse Cooper, Persia Educational Foundation’s Executive Team, dozens of VIP guests and a prominent group of artists, fans, diplomats, academics, civil society actors, business leaders and changemakers.

The reception was also attended by independent journalists and media personalities from Kayhan Life, The Independent, and BBC. Featured as ‘the top event of the week’ by fashion and culture magazine Hunger, it was opened with welcoming remarks by Persia Educational Foundation co-founder Nazenin Ansari. Festival Director Jesse Cooper then gave a brief history of this powerful new initiative. Persia Trustee Dori Dana-Haeri welcomed special guest Nicole Ansari Cox, who remarked on the high degree of creativity and talent demonstrated by female Iranian filmmakers. She also said she hoped to continue her collaboration with the festival in the near future to spotlight the short films, but also help raise more funds through Persia’s scholarships for Iranian students studying at UK universities.

Given the films’ focus on the challenges faced by women in Iran – which have led many to join the Woman Life Freedom movement, or to flee to the West — the second day of the festival welcomed newly arrived refugees and asylum seekers who were filmmakers.

To continue to donate to the Mahsa Jina Amini drive for Persia scholarships, which support Iranian-descent students at UK and internationally recognized universities, please see: www.persia.education/support

Awards & Prizes

Certificates of Excellence + scholarships in the form of cash or in-kind mentoring, will be awarded for the following categories:

Best Film
Best Actress
Best Director
Best Screenplay
Best Original Music
Best Cinematography
Best Animation
Best Design
Best Editing

Rules & Terms

GENERAL RULES

1. ONSET assumes no propriety of the films selected to the festival. Applicants are free to apply and share their films anywhere at their pleasure.
All entries should be sent via FilmFreeway with a secure online screener.

2. Upon selection, applicants grant ONSET and FILM BUZZ the right to share limited excerpts and screen captures from their film, including on the public internet, and on platforms such as Youtube and Instagram, in the interest of mutual promotion of the festival and its participants.

3. By submitting to the festival you confirm that you own the rights of the film, including the rights to the music in the film.

4. Films that have had public or private screenings are eligible for submission to ONSET.

5. Films that have been previously submitted can be re-submitted.

6. Filmmakers may submit multiple entries as long as each film is submitted with its own Entry Form, online screener and paid Entry Fee.

7. All applicants must complete the official festival submission form located on FilmFreeway.

8. ONSET reserves the right to disqualify any film submitted through these websites without refund of any application fees.

9. The applicant holds the sole responsibility of copyright clearance of any copyrighted material in the film. Films including unauthorised copyrighted material are ineligible.

10. Films not in English must be subtitled in English unless dialogue is minimal and not necessary for the comprehension of the Film.

11. All genres are welcome (narrative, animated, experimental, documentary or music video).

12. There is no minimum running time

TERMS

1. Multiple versions of the same film will not be considered. Only the first submitted version of a film will be considered for ONSET.

2. ONSET is granted the right to share details of the films, proprietors and signatories, with its sister festivals FILM BUZZ, including contact details shared via FilmFreeway.

3. If the submitted film does not play ONSET staff will make an attempt to contact the applicant based on the contact information supplied at the time of submission in order to obtain a replacement. If a replacement is not available, ONSET reserves the right to disqualify the film without refunding the submission fees.

4. ONSET will attempt, but is under no obligation, to view a submission that arrives after the designated deadline without refund of the submission fee.

5. Submitted films that qualify based on the regulations and eligibility requirements stated here will be seen by ONSET programming staff and be considered equally with all other submissions.

6. ONSET reserves the right to disqualify any film for non-payment of the submission fee. ONSET will attempt to contact the applicant based on the contact information supplied at the time of submission in order to resolve non-payment status.

7. Applicants acknowledge that ONSET reserves the right to change the nature of screenings and events due to circumstances related to public health and welfare or at the direction of local or federal authorities. In such cases no submission refunds shall be issued.

8. ONSET is under no obligation to provide comments regarding submitted films to any applicant. The festival is not responsible for any internal comments obtained by the applicant regarding their film.

8 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Blak Magick

    very beautiful and genuine festival.

    September 2024
    Helpful
  • Peyman Shahmohamadi Movie Distribution

    I am very happy that our short film(BAND) was the focus of the festival last year and the charitable goals of the festival for the benefit of Iranian female artists were admirable for us. I hope this festival will always move in the direction of the growth of culture and art. I just wanted to request that the festival pay attention to our requests for the cooperation of us producers and filmmakers who are partners in these goals of the festival. The requests we have sent to the festival via email have not yet been answered. Please do not fail to respond to our emails and producers' requests. Thanks a lot.

    February 2024
    Helpful
  • Bleu Cactus

    I'm honored to be accepted at this festival

    December 2023
    Helpful
  • nima gholizadegan

    it's like a slavery. as soon as I decided not to give permission to my film to be on their platform for free, they withdrawn the film.

    December 2023
    Helpful
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Sorry you were disappointed. The films which were streamed for charity all had permission from their producers.

  • shahin aghazadeh

    it was an honor for me , Thanks.

    December 2023
    Helpful