INTRODUCTION

 

In the framework of the 26th European Film Festival in Lebanon, organized by the European Union Delegation in Lebanon in partnership with the Member States of the European Union and the Metropolis Association, a Short Film Commission is offered.

 

 

ABOUT THE EUROPEAN FILM FESTIVAL

 

In 2020 the European Film Festival in Lebanon would have reached its 26th edition. In light of the local and global developments, and the latest measures related to the Covid-19 impact, the edition was postponed to October 2021, where the festival will move exceptionally online to present key European films produced in the last two years. 

 

The festival has succeeded in becoming one of the most awaited events for the cinema-going audience in Lebanon, and has played a pivotal role in providing access for the public to preview the latest European film productions, which rarely have any other chance of screening in a regular commercial cinema hall. The festival for example has traditionally been a platform to present films from European countries not represented in the actual cinema circuit, and to show on the big screen restored masterpieces of European cinema, subsequently inspiring upcoming Lebanese talents. 

 

In recent years the festival annually has attracted at least 13,000 spectators.

 

 

ABOUT THE SHORT FILM COMMISSION

 

Supporting and shedding light on upcoming Lebanese filmmakers have been one of the core missions of the European Film Festival in Lebanon since its inception. In these challenging circumstances, the European Film Festival is launching a Fund Commission for filmmakers residing in Lebanon, with the aim of allocating aid to the production of a short fiction film revolving around a specific theme.

 

The 2021 European Film Festival Short Film Commission will offer ten cash prizes of $2,000 for the development of a short fiction film revolving around the theme of “Windows”.

 

Be it a window as a physical object, or a virtual outlet, a reminder of the cinema screen or a way to escape to another reality or to project ourselves into the future, as uncertain as it may be. In the last two years, we have come across several windows: the ones in our houses where we have been confined, the multiple screens and tablets that maintain our virtual connection to the world, or the avalanche of glassless windows that invaded Beirut after the port explosion. What do windows represent for you? And how do they reflect the issues of our current reality?

 

The commission is open to short fiction film projects. The duration of the produced films must not exceed 5 minutes. This commission is open to all upcoming and semi-established filmmakers (over 21 years old) residing in Lebanon.

 

The premiere of the films will be in October during the festival.

 

GUIDELINES

 

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION

 

All applications must be submitted electronically by midnight, July 14, 2021.

 

 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

 

- This call is open to filmmakers residing in Lebanon, over the age of 21, who have already completed at least 1 short or 1 feature film and have screened it publicly.

- The presented project must be a short fiction film.

- The duration of the produced film must be between 3 and 5 minutes.

 

SELECTION OF PROJECTS

 

- A commission composed of established Lebanese media and film professionals will consult the submitted projects and select ten projects which will be allocated an aid of $2,000 each.

- The selected projects will be announced in early July. 

 

HOW TO APPLY AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO APPLICANTS

- All applications should be submitted online via this entry form. 

 

You will be asked to submit the following supporting documents:

 

- Motivation letter (300-500 words)

- Project synopsis (250 words)

- Audio and visual treatment (250 words)

- Project timeline

- Approximate budget for how the grant will be spent

- CV, biography & filmography

- Links to previous works

- The application and the supporting documents can be submitted either in Arabic or English.

- Please note that by submitting your project, you agree with the above mentioned guidelines. Your project cannot obtain abusive, harassing, discriminatory, racist or pornographic content. 

- Your project must not infringe upon the rights, trademarks or any other intellectual property rights of any third person or entity.
 

 

For any additional inquiries, please contact info@metropoliscinema.net