Film Festivals

Its colorful festivals are among the finest attractions in Europe. Here's a shortlist of
European festivals in December:


Festival of Lights in France

December is probably the best month to fly all the way to France. This is when the
Festival of Lights is held in the city of Lyon. The festival illuminates the whole city,
emphasizing the best landmarks in France through its creative displays. The entire place
becomes magical with its creative illumination, from bridges with light beams to glimmering
local hotspots .

Les Arcs European Film Festival

Aside from the French Alps and the famous ski holiday, there's one more reason to go visit
Les Arcs this December-- the Les Arcs European Film Festival. It is the first European
film festival whose aim is to introduce new European talents and showcase the developments
in the European film-making industry.

Snow and Ice Sculpture Festival (Bruges)

The winter season in Bruges, Belgium marks one of the most exciting events of the year--
the Snow and Ice Sculpture Festival. See the masterpiece of professional ice sculptors
dotting the train station square in Bruges. The event features the "ICE FANTASY" made by
artists out of clear ice and fresh snow. This is staged at a temperature-controlled hall.

With these festivals, planning a European tour or holiday in December seems like a good
idea to explore and discover the nest of European art, be it in film-making or the frosty
art.

1991 was the year that gave birth to the Cascade Festival of African Films. Spearheaded by 4 faculty members of Portland Community College, namely Linda Elegant, Mary Holmstrom, Michael Dembrow, and Joseph Smith-Buani, the festival was established geared with a purpose of informing people about the land of Africa via African movies. During the maiden celebration of the festival, the format was a four-film program. The program was managed by volunteered organizers, and they offered the program to the public, students, educators, and staff without charge.

During the first celebration of the festival in 1991, about 400 participants witnessed and enjoyed the film festival. And for several years, approximately 4,000 people enjoy the annual affair for free. The four founders are still active in organizing the festival since it was established. Also, 30 volunteer members have contributed their time, effort, and dedication to achieve the success of the yearly film festival.

Several activities are included in the program of the festival, including the Opening Night Gala, Family Film Day, Women Filmmakers Week, among others. Prominent movie directors and other film professionals have joined in the festival over the years. And still, the festival is one of the most much-awaited events in Portland and its surrounding cities.

Cinema followers and film producers are excited about the annual occasion for world-class produced films. Since 1954, Sydney has been celebrating one of the most distinguished film festivals in the globe; it's the Sydney Film Festival. This annual occasion has been one the favorite events of film lovers from Australia and other parts of the globe. It celebrates hottest movies from the country and from other nations. The festival cradles over 133,000 movie enthusiasts every year. Included in the highlights are presentation of more than two hundred films and the much-awaited awards night. Both film makers and artists are greatly honored on this annual occasion, because audience give unwavering appreciation to the masterpieces of the globe's best filmmakers.

The event celebrates excellent films, including features, high-quality short films, world-class animations, outstanding documentaries, and retrospectives. Also, the festival's program includes forums and informative lectures provided by the industry's local and international professionals. The magnificent State Theatre embraces the occasion since 1974. The place is recognized as one of the finest venues for festival, like this brilliant film fest. More so, the Dendy Opera Quays in Sydney Harbour, and the George Street Cinema, located at the center of Sydney, are also the venues of film screening.

Recognizing the efforts of our great art enthusiasts is meaningful and significant. They have enormous contributions to the colorful life of people through music, arts, literature, and movies. And their legacies and contributions are celebrated through different festivals. In most countries, music festivals, art festivals, and film festivals are celebrated every year to honor the exemplary works of dedicated individuals. And in Los Angeles, short filmmakers and film lovers are always excited about the Los Angeles International Short Film Festival.

The exciting annual celebration of LA Shorts Fest is for the honor and development of short films. With different yearlong short film-related activities, the festival actually provides education, entertainment and recognition for people who have talent and passion for field. Known as the world's largest and most popular short film fest, the LA Short Film Fest is also accepted by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences for short films. Every year, thousands of movie enthusiasts, film producers, directors, actors, and executives gathered to witness this popular festival. Through films viewings and discussions, film producers have a chance to meet their associates and peers. More so, LA Shorts Fest highlights the past legends of the industry in this annual celebration.

If you fond of watching or creating a horror film, then you should not miss the event that is celebrated specifically for horror enthusiasts. Unlike other film award giving bodies, the horror film festival highlights the creations of best horror film makers in America. Called as the New York City Horror Film Festival, it is the most recognized genre film festival in the US.

The NYCHFF is being held annually at the famous Tribeca Cinemas, in New York City. It is attended by several famous film personalities, press people, and thriller film lovers. The awarding for different categories is the highlight of this festival. You will be amazed to see the efforts of film producers, including actors, directors, and writers, in creating quality and international-standard horror films. This yearly affair is celebrated during the month of October.

So if you enjoy watching scary movies, like I do, you can also enjoy this horror film festival in New York. In their every occasion, they prepare exciting surprises and prizes for guests and participants. You can look forward for awesome sci-fi horror films and have fun watching those absolutely hair-raising film screenings.

Films or movies have been parts of many cultures and societies. Most film lovers find the movie as the cheapest medium of entertainment. Actually, film makers have done significant contribution to humankind through filming several aspects of man's life. This is perhaps the reason why almost all countries give relevant celebration to honor film producers and artists through different film festivals.

Irish people are celebrating their annual film festival, too. The Cork Film Festival is one of the highlights in Ireland's rich cultural affairs. Started in 1965, the festival is enjoyed by reputable people from film industry, and media. Indeed, the this fil festival has called a significant number of audience; from ordinary people to famous film producers.

The Cork Film Festival is celebrated to recognize films made by local, national, world-class film makers and artists. In fact, Cork Film Festival is included in the list of important event in Ireland's yearly social as well as cultural events. This festival is participated by high-budgeted movies, world-class films, and other independent productions, and documentaries from some parts of the world. Actually, the Cork Film Festival is the pride of Irish movie productions.

The success of the Japanese film, "Rashomon", which bagged the Best Picture Award in the 1951 Venice International Film Festival, opened the door for the yearly Asia-Pacific Film Festival. The victory called for movie producers from different countries to establish an alliance that would promote the produced Asian films, especially in the eastern region.

The vision aims to attract the country members to exchange and share their respective cultures through film productions. The Philippines hosted the first conference of the Federation of Motion Picture Producers in Asia in 1953. The said meeting was attended by delegates from 7 Asian countries, such as Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Taiwan and Thailand. They agreed to have a health film competition among the members. And so, in 1954, the first Asian Film Festival was born, and Japan became its first host.

After the success of the said project, more countries from Pacific and other parts of Asia were encouraged to join. Thus, the call for the federation was changed to Federation of Motion Picture Producers in Asia-Pacific, and the festival named as the Asia-Pacific Film Festival. Now, the federation has 14 members, and each country has the opportunity to host the event.

The film industry is undoubtedly an invention of Western civilization. The pioneering technological advancements in photography and moving pictures were invented in the European continent and American continent. Furthermore, the film industry itself first prospered in the West. The East of Asia simply copied and improved the techniques that were developed by the West. However, the trend of Asians copying from the Westerners is gradually reversing. Now, Western movie makers, particularly the American movie makers, are adapting ideas from Asians. The Grudge and The Ring are the two specific examples of movies that were adapted for the American cinema.

Asian film festivals, like the Bangkok International Film Festival, are growing in worldwide acceptance and prestige. Hollywood filmmakers are even planning to remake some Thai movies, particularly movies under the horror movie genre. Indeed, Asians have succeeded in making spine-tingling films. The Bangkok International Film Festival is only on its third year, but it has excitement and growing energy. The festival is under the direction of the tourism Authority of Thailand and is being managed by L.A.-based Film Festival Management. The main intention of this festival is to turn Bangkok into a major global movie center.

I love to watch movies. I actually spend hundred of bucks to watch new movies in a week. In fact, I have watched Lord of the Rings parts 1, 2, 3, several times. I also buy movie CDs of block-buster movies of all times. Even old pictures are treasured in my heart. I love to watch "Somewhere in Time". Movies like "Schindler's List," and "The Piano" were also wonderful classic films for. That's how I like films.

That is why, whenever I hear a film festival, I always see to it that I'll watch that. I will even buy tickets to make sure that I can get a seat for the actual affair. I love film making because I am so amazed with all the staff and producers of movie industries. They have artistic hearts and I truly appreciate it.

Almost all countries are celebrating film festivals. It is because they value the efforts and mind of people behind each film. I really salute those people who give time to educate and entertain the public through the film arts. So, if ever I have another chance, I will write a movie script for street children of the Africa.

The Cannes Film Festival is predominantly an event for film industry professionals and the press. The Cannes Film Festival exists as an indirect result of the rise of the fascist regimes in picturesque wonderful Europe during the 1930s. The event's roots date back to 1932 when the first competitive international film festival was held in Venice.

In those days, the festival and its awards were as much about the national prestige of the participating countries as it was about the films. In last year's festival, The Holy Grail is of the Palme d'Or (Golden Palm) for best picture, one of the most prestigious awards a film can receive anywhere. The 59th Cannes Film Festival will take place on May 17-28 2006.The line up for the 2006 festival has yet to be announced. Cannes is a city and commune in southern France, located on the Riviera.

The best of Hollywood and the world's film industry will come up to Aspen Colorado to entertain celebrities and multi-billionaires while they wait for their sprains to heal. This year will be the fifteenth time, Aspen will host the event. The timing is one fit for billionaires, since not only is the powder ideal this holiday season, Hollywood has gotten into the habit of releasing its best offerings during the month of December.

Screening begins on the 19th and ends on January 1. Even if you get tickets, you may have to cue as all films will be shown at the Harris Concert Hall beside the Benedict Music Tent.

The whole world is your stage and that nifty camcorder cradled in your palms is just waiting for you to film it. Gone are the days of the sharp distinction between a few god-like filmmakers and plain passive audience. Now, anyone with an eye for good shots can be a filmmaker, what with technology coming up with newer and cleverer gadgets faster than you can cough up the bucks. Of course, that shouldn't stop the average family from documenting little Danny's christening or Grandma's leg cast being taken off. For that matter, only a dead battery should stop them.

Yes, life is there for you to film, so don't be shy now. A bit of education here though: as early as the 1930's, Walter Benjamin, in his essay The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction (weighty read, I tell you), noted the innate desire of any level-headed person for his life to be filmed. Hell, who wants to be a passer-by extra forever anyway? But who cares really?, you need no big academic guy backing you up here. Go ahead and take a shot at the upcoming New York International Independent Film and Video Festival now accepting entries for Los Angeles and New York, on March and May respectively next year.

Make Grandma proud.

From December 11th to 17th, Dubai will host the 2nd Dubai International Film Festival. This film festival will feature some 80-90+ films from all around the globe, and is definitely a larger one, both in scope and space, than last year's.

Created with the aim of bridging the Arab and non-Arab worlds in a celebration of peace, diversity and tolerance, the 2005 Dubai International Film Fest attracts the finest and the best full-length film, documentary and short film makers from all around the world.

Mainly held at the newly-completed resort of Madinat Jumeirah, but also having some screenings at many other locations around Dubai, the Dubai International Film Fest is a celebration of the cultures of not only Dubai, but of other nations as well.

Many film festivals honor and give recognition for achievement in film, which is all well and good, but aside from getting your name in the paper and maybe getting a trophy, there's little else that a win at a film festival can give you directly in terms of helping you fund your next project.

It's this problem about funding that makes the Boston Motion Picture Awards so different. Held in Boston on December 5 of this year, the Boston Motion Picture Awards not only gives the winner of the short film competition a trophy and recognition, but funding for the winner's next film, a prize markedly different and practical compared to other film festivals.

Head on out to Boston and find out who definitely will make another movie from the funding the Boston Motion Picture Awards will give.

For 15 years running, the Rio De Janeiro International Short Film Festival has been showcasing local and international short films, exhibiting them to the public and giving these aspiring movie makers the exposure they need to further improve their craft.

Held from Dec.1st to 11th of this year, the Rio De Janeiro International Short Film Festival shows a great selection of visual media, be it from the competitive selections or the special screening selections. There will also be activities dealing with many aspects of film making, from film workshops, talks and a special digital film seminar.

The Rio De Janeiro International Short Film Festival proves that Rio isn't just a great place to travel, but a fine place for culture, as well.

This film festival, held from November 21st - 30th, 2005, offers the student and professional documentary maker a chance for their works to be showcased in front of the public and other film makers.

Held in Amsterdam, in the Netherlands, the Shadow Documentary Film Festival will also feature, in addition to the public screenings, various workshops and lectures discussing the various aspects of documentary film making. The festival will also host internet and interactive discussions.

The Shadow Documentary Film Festival is an annual event that is getting bigger and better every year, with more and more participants, coverage and audience members coming to view and enjoy the fruits of the film makers' labors.

In the first Asian Festival of First Films, the organizers had a brainstorm, one that would eventually lead to the unique criterion for this film fest: Only first-time films will be accepted from directors, producers, cinematographers, etc. of Asian descent.

This resulted in a film submission frenzy as over 200 films from all over the world requested to be part of the festival, which opened on Nov. 23, 2005, running through Nov.30, 2005. The festival is being held at various Golden Village cineplexes throughout Singapore.

If you're interested in seeing how these filmmakers lose their cherries, then check out the Asian Festival of First Films, and make your own decisions about how good their first times were.

In Europe, Asian films are treated with a curiosity and fascination Europeans don't treat their own local works. Some are hailed as visionary, groundbreaking and innovative. What they might not be aware of is that their local works, when transported across the seas, are also treated with the same reverence.

This is the case with the 11th Osaka European Film Festival. Held from November 5th to the 28th of this year, the festival showcases some of the more outstanding works of European film makers and gives them a reception that mirrors that of Asian films in Europe. Started in 1994, the festival aims to widen the local perspective when it comes to art and film.

The 11th Osaka European Film Festival shows that when it comes to appreciating art, borders are non-existent.

It is said that one only needs to look at the art of an era to discern its character. If it is true, then for our times, it is the short film that will define us. With the advent of the personal video camera, almost anyone with a working knowledge of camera use can make their own film. They can make terrible or awe inspiring art, all it takes is skill, talent and maybe a bit of luck.

The participants of the Euroshorts 2005 film festival, which will be held in Warsaw, Poland on November 18 - 21, 2005 will get the chance to showcase their skills and talents, and, if they're lucky, even get to win something.

Winning in this film festival/competition is an honor indeed. The past victors have had their work immortalized on DVD, and the current batch's winners can expect the same treatment.

Head on out to the Euroshorts 2005 Film Festival. You just might see greatness in the making.

Tired of the same old, same old when it comes to your films? Then you ought to get your butt to Alameda and catch the 2005 Alameda International Film Festival. This festival of independent, free-thinking films started on October 10th, and will wrap up November 11th, 2005!

The Alameda International Film Fest gives those film makers who, didn't or couldn't have the chance to showcase their films in more conventional surroundings, the opportunity to let the public see and appreciate their visions, views and ideals.

The Alameda International Film Festival offers the movie aficionado with something new to sate his appetite for celluloid entertainment. Catch it while you can!

Daytona Beach is famous for hosting many special events, from motorcycle rallies to musical festivals. And from November 4-9, 2005, Daytona Beach will play den mother to the Daytona Beach Film Festival, which will be held at the Museum of Arts and Sciences.

Now on its third year, the Daytona Beach Film Festival hosts films from the four corners of the globe, and some we don't know existed. They also feature a student competition, to encourage the aspiring filmmaker to reach new heights of artistry and creativity.

Catch the latest and greatest films from all around the world in the Daytona Beach Film Festival. The artist in you'll be glad you did.

With All Hollow’s Eve (that's Halloween for all you other folks) very nearly upon us, the proliferation of film festivals that cater to the inner darkness within all of us cast their shadows on our souls. And perhaps there is no spookier or scarier place to hold one of these festivals than in Salem, Massachusetts, with its tragic and shocking history.

The Salem Amateur Horror Film Festival 2005 aims to take advantage of this fact and showcase some of the brightest talents in film making in the horror genre. In this competition-cum-film fest, aspiring and enthusiastic movie makers are given 20 minutes to make the audience shiver and scream with their screen creations.

Waiting to be summoned on October 28-30, 2005 the Salem Amateur Horror Film Festival promises to be a delightful fright night!

We all know there can be only one king. Elvis Presley was a musical god among men, dwarfing us all with his talent and charisma. When he passed away, a void was left in the hearts of many, and many attempted to emulate him, with various results.

But among these brave men who attempted to walk in a giant's shoes, there is one who has stood out from the rest: Matt Cordell. Calling himself "the Ultimate Entertainer," Matt Cordell has recently won the "Tribute to the King" National Competition and is now poised to give a tribute of his own to the fallen King in a series of concerts from October 28, 2005, all the way through to January 28, 2006. The series of concerts, to be held in Sevierville, Tennessee, will be at the Governor's Palace on 179 Collier Drive.

If you're a fan of the King, then it would be a treat to see if anyone can compare to the original, even the one judged to be the best at impersonating him. Tune in to the Everything Elvis Tribute by Matt Cordell from October 28, 2005 to January 28, 2006 and find out.

With Halloween just around the corner, more and more horror film fests are rising up like zombies eager to partake of the festival-goer's enthusiasm for the horror film genre. One such festival is the 2005 Rhode Island International Horror Film Festival, which will be held on October 27-30, 2005 in the Columbus Theatre, at 270 Broadway, Providence, Rhode Island.

The 2005 Rhode Island International Horror Film Festival is dedicated to showcasing the talent and enthusiasm of many local and international film makers, and especially to give the festival goers a frighteningly good time! Tickets to the event range from $10 to $25 for the special screening of the classic black-and-white film version of The Phantom of the Opera. What are you waiting for? Boo-k your reservations now!

Do you like being scared? Do you enjoy getting chills down your spine? Do you savor those frightened moments before dawn, dreading the embrace of sleep for the nightmares it may bring?

If you do, then the Screamfest L.A. 2005 Horror Film Festival is the one you shouldn't miss for the sake of your soul! Taking place on October 14 to 23rd, 2005, at the Loews Universal Studios Cinemas, Universal CityWalk, and the Screamfest honors the masters and recognizes the new blood of horror film making. The festival will feature many works by the most recognized names in horror films, and showcase the efforts of many of the upcoming fright masters.

If you want a good fright, then don't hesitate, don't blink and do scream with fright at the Screamfest L.A. 2005 Horror Film Festival!