Casting A Light

For 2018, the Different Faces Different Voices Film Festival has added the Casting A Light call for film submissions in four unique categories, all aimed at encouraging and celebrating inclusivity in film.  Inclusivity is distinguished from diversity in that its goal is to not only encourage minority, often ignored narratives but also to bring together these stories and their storytellers in an environment of collaboration.

SeldomScene  Call for NARRATIVE Submissions – Shorts

Submit a narrative film that tells an unusual story about people who are seldom found in mainstream media – specific ethnic groups; religious groups; racial groups; socio-economic groups.  Some examples might include: individuals struggling with the effects of poverty; unwed parents of either gender; individuals who have lived through abortion or miscarriage; prisoner and ex-prisoners; veterans; individuals who have worked in the sex trade/escort trade; individuals with mental illness; individuals with intellectual disabilities; individuals with physical disabilities; individuals who have experienced catastrophic injuries or illnesses; individuals abused because of race or gender or ethnic background; individuals with degrees of autism; etc.

We are also looking for unusual takes on the female experience – films about coming of age, or sismances (we’ve all heard of bromances, right?) or stories of creativity or leadership or valor and heroism with women as the main characters.

  • The film can have been made anytime in past 40 years – YES we are interested in films of any age that explore the values of inclusivity and acceptance
  • Rolling submissions, starting December 8th
  • Final Deadline for Submissions: May 1st
  • Films need to be 15 minutes or under in length, including credits
  • Filmmakers may come from anywhere in the world, but the films must be in English (or have English subtitles)
  • Films must be submitted through FilmFreeway.

One award will be given to a film in this category.

SeldomScene  Call for NARRATIVE Submissions – Feature

Submit a narrative film that tells an unusual story about people who are seldom found in mainstream media – specific ethnic groups; religious groups; racial groups; socio-economic groups.  Some examples might include: individuals struggling with the effects of poverty; unwed parents of either gender; individuals who have lived through abortion or miscarriage; prisoner and ex-prisoners; veterans; individuals who have worked in the sex trade/escort trade; individuals with mental illness; individuals with intellectual disabilities; individuals with physical disabilities; individuals who have experienced catastrophic injuries or illnesses; individuals abused because of race or gender or ethnic background; individuals with degrees of autism; etc.

We are also looking for unusual takes on the female experience – films about coming of age, or sismances (we’ve all heard of bromances, right?) or stories of creativity or leadership or valor and heroism with women as the main characters.

The main rules and guidelines for SeldomScene submissions include.

  • The film can have been made anytime in past 40 years – YES we are interested in films of any age that explore the values of inclusivity and acceptance
  • Rolling submissions, starting December 8th
  • Final Deadline for Submissions: May 1st
  • Films need to be 120 minutes or under, including credits, preference for 90 minute length but not essential
  • Filmmakers may come from anywhere in the world, but the films must be in English (or have English subtitles)
  • Films must be submitted through FilmFreeway.

The festival organizers will cap submissions in this category at 30 so submit early for consideration.  One award will be given to a film in this category.

DocU30 Call for DOCUMENTARY Submissions

Submit a documentary film that tells an unusual story about people who are seldom found in mainstream media – specific ethnic groups; religious groups; racial groups; socio-economic groups.  Some examples might include: individuals struggling with the effects of poverty; unwed parents of either gender; individuals who have lived through abortion or miscarriage; prisoner and ex-prisoners; veterans; individuals who have worked in the sex trade/escort trade; individuals with mental illness; individuals with intellectual disabilities; individuals with physical disabilities; individuals who have experienced catastrophic injuries or illnesses; individuals abused because of race or gender or ethnic background; individuals with degrees of autism; etc.

We are also looking for unusual takes on the female experience – films about coming of age, or sismances (we’ve all heard of bromances, right?) or stories of creativity or leadership or valor and heroism with women as the main characters.

  • The film can have been made anytime in past 40 years – YES we are interested in films of any age that explore the values of inclusivity and acceptance
  • Rolling submissions, starting December 8th
  • Final Deadline for Submissions: May 1st
  • Films need to be 30 minutes or under, including credits
  • Filmmakers may come from anywhere in the world, but the films must be in English (or have English subtitles)
  • Films must be submitted through FilmFreeway.

The festival organizers will cap submissions in this category at 40 so submit early for consideration.  One award will be given to a film in this category.

DocU90 Call for DOCUMENTARY Submissions

Submit a documentary film that tells an unusual story about people who are seldom found in mainstream media – specific ethnic groups; religious groups; racial groups; socio-economic groups.  Some examples might include: individuals struggling with the effects of poverty; unwed parents of either gender; individuals who have lived through abortion or miscarriage; prisoner and ex-prisoners; veterans; individuals who have worked in the sex trade/escort trade; individuals with mental illness; individuals with intellectual disabilities; individuals with physical disabilities; individuals who have experienced catastrophic injuries or illnesses; individuals abused because of race or gender or ethnic background; individuals with degrees of autism; etc.

We are also looking for unusual takes on the female experience – films about coming of age, or sismances (we’ve all heard of bromances, right?) or stories of creativity or leadership or valor and heroism with women as the main characters.

  • The film can have been made anytime in past 40 years – YES we are interested in films of any age that explore the values of inclusivity and acceptance
  • Rolling submissions, starting December 8th
  • Final Deadline for Submissions: May 1st
  • Films need to be 90 minutes or under, including credits
  • Filmmakers may come from anywhere in the world, but the films must be in English (or have English subtitles)
  • Films must be submitted through FilmFreeway.

The festival organizers will cap submissions in this category at 30 so submit early for consideration.  One award will be given to a film in this category.

All submissions must be made via FilmFreeway.  PLEASE NOTE:  all Rules and Guidelines for SeldomScene and DocU30 and DocU90 submissions must be adhered to, so please read these carefully before submitting to this film festival.

The submission fee is $75.00 and is processed by registering at Film Freeway.  Members of Women in Film (and Television) chapters and Harvard Square Script Writers members are eligible for a 20% discount, as are students.  Please contact your local chapter or HSSW for the code. Or, if you are a student, write to us.