A “chick flick” is one that has more dialogue than car chases, more relationships than special effects, and whose suspense comes more from how people live than from how they get killed. Gloria Steinem
A Bit of Background:
Between April 1st and May 1st of 2016, filmmakers of all gender identifications were challenged to write and produce a 10 minute (or shorter) film incorporating a strong female protagonist. The goal of this competition was to go beyond the Bechdel test.
The Bechdel test is based on Alison Bechdel’s 1985 cartoon, where a woman put forth the following requirement for any film she would agree to see – the movie had to have at least two women in it who talk to each other about something other than a man. In the Flicks4Chicks contest we asked filmmakers to create cinematic narratives where female characters are taken beyond that minimum standard, shown pursuing their own goals, engaging in exciting adventures, overcoming significant odds and feeling victorious (or at least gaining knowledge) by the end of the experience. In other words, we encouraged the kind of stories that have often, historically, featured men at the core.
We seek to promote original stories that focus on the realities of a wide variety of females (of differing races, ethnic backgrounds and ages) embracing their own destinies, taking charge of their lives as fully realized human beings, and not simply as Hollywood caricatures or sidelined shadows.
NEW
After the ’16 festival we surveyed participants to learn what we could have done better. As a result, we have changed a variety of the rules and guidelines.
- Filmmakers will have as much 3 months to make their films – film-making can begin immediately upon sign-up – sign-ups are open NOW
- Participants can choose among 100 unique loglines/situations on which to base their film – emailed to any entrant upon sign-up
- At least one woman must serve in the following creative roles: producer, director, director of photography, writer, and editor
- Films should feature at least one major character who is female HOWEVER there can also be main characters who are male or of other gender identity
- Films still need to be 10 minutes or under, including credits
- Deadline for submission of all films is midnight PST May 1st, 2018
- A filmmakers may come from anywhere in the world, but the films must be in English (or have English subtitles).
All submissions must be made via FilmFreeway. PLEASE NOTE: all rules and guidelines for Flicks4Chicks submissions must be adhered to, so please read these carefully before signing up for this film competition.
The submission fee is $75.00 and is processed by registering at Film Freeway. Members of Women in Film (and Television) chapters and active members of HSSW are eligible for a 20% discount, as are students. Please contact your local chapter for the code. Or, if you are a student, write to us.
Awards to be Given Include but are Not Limited To:
- Best Beyond-the-Bechdel Film
- The Different Faces Different Voices (Diversity)
- Best Drama
- Best Comedy
- Best Direction
- Best Actor
- Best Supporting Actor
- Best Cinematography
- Best Editing
- Best Musical Score
- Best Costumes
- Best Special Effects
- Best Sound Engineering
- Best Storyline
- Best Dialogue
