New independent films wanted for Hawaii Island festival

The Big Island Film Festival at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii is seeking submissions from Hawaii and around the world. Officials selections will screen during the 10th annual festival, May 21 to 25.

“The quality of film submissions — in story, production and maturity of messaging — has risen steadily over the last 10 years,” Executive Director Leo Sears said. “We are extremely proud of our filmmaking family and what we’ve accomplished together. Our hope now is to continue gathering the energy, enthusiasm and economics to support BIFF going forward.”

Narrative short films, running 30 minutes or less, and feature length, running 60 minutes or more, that were completed after Jan. 1, 2014, will be considered. The early bird deadline is Nov. 1, with fees of $50 for features, $40 for shorts and $30 for a student production. The regular deadline is Jan. 1, with fees of $60 for features, $40 for shorts and $35 for students. The final, late deadline, is Feb. 1, with fees of $70 for features, $60 for shorts and $40 for students.

All films shot in Hawaii or created by filmmakers who live in Hawaii receive a 25 percent discount on entry fees, subject to verification, with direct submission. To celebrate the festival’s 10th anniversary, BIFF alumni also receive a 25 percent discount with direct submissions.

This year, BIFF is using filmfreeway.com for its film submissions and screenplay contest submissions. Film Freeway offers free high-definition online screeners, Vimeo and YouTube integration, and more

The Golden Honu Awards will be presented to the best feature and best short in family, student, animated, foreign, Hawaii and audience choice categories at an awards brunch to honor the filmmakers and their works May 25.

For submission rules and application, visitbigislandfilmfestival.com or call 883-0394.