Enter BMFI's Short-Film Contest

Bryn Mawr Film Institute (BMFI) is debuting the Silver Screen Inspiration Short Film Contest, a new, international competition designed to support emerging artists while celebrating cinema’s rich history. Four original short films inspired by one of 25 classics will win cash prizes of up to $2500. The winners will be announced and prizes awarded at BMFI’s gala on April 23, 2014, which will celebrate the non-profit art house theater’s renovation and expansion.

Participants in this new film competition will pick one film from BMFI’s list of 25 cinematic masterpieces—ranging from All About Eve to Spirited Away—then create an original short film inspired by the classic. Submitted short films (no longer than 15 minutes) will be judged on creativity, coherence, emotional and intellectual impact, technical proficiency, and interpretation of, or inspiration from, the source film.

All four finalist filmmakers will win cash prizes and have their work shown on the big screen. First prize is $2500, second prize is $1250, third prize is $750, and fourth prize is $500. The four finalist short films will be shown in April 2014 on BMFI’s big screen in conjunction with screenings of the films that inspired them. In addition, a $500 travel stipend will be provided to each finalist filmmaking team to support their attendance at the prize ceremony at Bryn Mawr Film Institute’s gala event on April 23, 2014.

Submissions are being accepted online through Withoutabox.com. There is no fee to enter and the contest is open to filmmakers 18 years and older. Submissions are due by December 31, 2013, and the four finalists will be notified on or about January 31, 2014. More information is available atBrynMawrFilm.org and the full contest rules and regulations are posted on Withoutabox.com. 

“We are thrilled to debut this competition as we prepare for Bryn Mawr Film Institute’s grand reopening,” said Juliet Goodfriend, BMFI’s President. “This film contest demonstrates our dual commitment to supporting the work of new filmmakers as well as exhibiting that of the masters.”

Bryn Mawr Film Institute is in the midst of a $5.5 million renovation and expansion project that will double the number of available screens. The two previously existing theaters are being renovated with new seats, lighting, carpeting, and fixtures. The first of these renovated theaters reopened in September and is currently showing films. The second is scheduled to reopen in November 2013. An expansion featuring two additional screens is scheduled to open in February 2014. This construction project represents the culmination of the organization’s eleven-year quest to protect, renovate, and expand the historic 1926 theater building. The grand reopening gala event will be held on April 23, 2014.