Autumn may be a looong way off—hell, it’s not even spring yet—but when it comes to the Milwaukee Film Festival, we’re happy to skip ahead a few seasons. Here’s why: Today, Milwaukee Film announced that it is accepting entries for its 8th annual fest, set for Sept. 22 – Oct. 6. Films and videos of all lengths and genres will be accepted until June 8. There is no submission fee (it’s free!), and, for the second year in a row, Milwaukee Film will pay for all of the work that is screened in the festival.
“In the film festival world, it’s surprisingly rare to pay the filmmakers whose work you screen,” said Milwaukee Film’s Artistic and Executive Director Jonathan Jackson in a press release. “We’re excited to take a stand for filmmakers. Could you imagine major theater, ballet, or orchestra companies not paying the artists who perform in their shows?”
Indeed. Speaking of cash, a total of $27,000 in prizes awaits a handful of winners: $10,000 for the Herzfeld Competition Award; $5,000 for the Cream City Cinema Jury Award; $5,000 for the Documentary Jury Award; $1,000 for the Shorter is Better Award; and $1,000 for the Kids Choice Short Film Award. New this year is a $5,000 cash prize for the best music video in The Milwaukee Music Video Show. The prize will be split between the video’s director and the musical artist.
An entry form with complete eligibility information can be found here. Specific questions about submissions can be directed to [email protected]. Get to it, Milwaukee.
Puppies & Kittens! 2015 Milwaukee Film Festival Sponsor Trailer from Milwaukee Film on Vimeo.