Hyannis Film Festival, which launched last year, is moving ahead by showcasing the creative spirits of young filmmakers located on Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard. According to a press release, the festival was scheduled for this coming fall, but due to restrictions may be a virtual shorts festival.
The video shorts competition, Clamdance, is open for young filmmakers to focus on Cape Cod and the Islands, with a sense of the area’s history, environment, and diverse residents. Among several awards in the competition, a “new normal” category encourages short films that help navigate these challenging times during social distancing, whether the viewpoint is lighthearted or with a serious outlook, the release says. The competition is divided into two age groups, 18 and under, and 19 to 25 years old, for young filmmakers who are residents of Cape Cod or the Islands.
Other awards include best in each age group, and an audience favorite in each age group. The Casey Sherman Award, named for the prominent Hyannis author whose books have been the basis for several movies, will recognize an entry in each age group that best tells a narrative story. One member from a high school class of 2020 will receive a scholarship of $300 to continue his or her studies related to filmmaking. Otherwise, entrants are not required to be enrolled students.
Videos must be 2 to 10 minutes long, and submitted electronically as a digital file through Film Freeway, which accepts all major video formats in full-quality HD, up to 10 GB. More technical details are provided after entrants register at filmfreeway.com/hyannisfilmfestivalshorts. Submissions are due by midnight Monday, Sept. 21. Films cannot be made as a commercial promotion. Films cannot be a music video, although movie musicals are welcomed, with the requirement that all music must have music rights properly cleared.
During the coronavirus pandemic, Hyannis Film Festival encourages the filmmakers to observe current directives and guidelines for the health and safety of themselves and others, including recommended social distancing and hygiene practices.
Clamdance entrants will be notified of their status by Oct. 15, 2020. Visit the Hyannis Film Festival website or Facebook page for updated information. Email questions to hyannisfilmfestival@gmail.com, or call executive director Bill Ferrall at 508-228-8535.