new media Film Festival proudly announced their 9th Annual festival merging story & technology for the globe. As New Media Film Festival ® approaches its 9th year, it continues to look at new technologies and how it merges with the story so people can go on the journey the story set out to create.

The categories include acronyms such as SRC (Socially Responsible Content), AI (Artificial Intelligence), AR (Augmented Reality), VR (Virtual Reality) and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math). In addition to 3D, 5D, New Media, Web Series, Pilot, Digital Comic, APP, Mobile/Tablet, Drone and a Snipler ® (30 second pitch) there are the tried and true categories as well: Feature, Documentary, Trailer, Shorts, Script, Animation, Music Video and Student.

A global selection of content creators, filmmakers, and storytellers converge on Los Angeles to learn from Industry leaders that attend, share their experiences in the Question and Answer segment that immediately follows their screening, and build relationships that last a lifetime. In addition, these content creators vie for $45,000 in Awards which include Best of Category Awards as well as Grand Prize Award.

The most exciting part of the festival are the opportunities given to content creators and filmmakers whether they are accepted into the festival or not. For example, Daniel Schmidt, creator of Inner World – Outer Worlds submitted, and even though his content was not accepted to compete and screen at the festival, he was offered distribution and accepted.

To date, Daniel has received thousands of dollars from this distribution offer and recently stated: “Thanks- always awesome to get these payouts.”

The festival partners with other businesses and conferences to offer global possibilities to further advance content creators careers. At a Computer Graphics and Animation conference in Berlin, the Best VR winner of this season, Et Moi was introduced to the global audience.

Festival judging process

The review and judging process of the festival consists of career veterans from legendary companies such as Marvel and HBO. Nominees and winners from the Oscars and Emmys also provide their wisdom in the judging process.

“In the world of festivals, it is refreshing that there are no politics or pay to play at New Media Film Festival and it is run by a team of caring and passionate people that put the creators first and respects the content, not the profits.” – Angelwood Pictures

Things to consider

For those that are considering submitting to the festival, here are some things to consider.

There will be a total of $45,000 in awards presented.

  • 20 + Categories
  • Best in Category – Audience & Grand Prize Awards
  • All content considered, even online, made public, novice, expert
  • Member UFFO’s Code of Practices for Film Festivals
  • IMDB official event
  • Submissions have opportunities outside the festival process.

Attending the festival, here are some things to consider:

  • A celebration, discovery, and recognition for all.
  • VIP Badges and Individual Tickets.
  • Access to dealmakers, creatives, and talent.
  • Enjoy - Red Carpet, Soiree, Live Music, Screenings, Panels, Awards, Networking, International Art Exhibit, Q & A’s, Marketing Table

Opportunities for creators

In a world where technology is ever-evolving, it is a story that will satiate the soul of humans.

Not just any story, but stories worth telling. New Media Film Festival works hard to produce a festival that highlights and honors the hardworking and uprising content creators in the New Media Industry. It is a unique festival that works hard to find opportunities, including distribution for almost all of the submitted content, not just those programmed.

Some of the opportunities have been Technology giveaways including drones, wireless keyboards, invites to events around the globe and even a Feature Film Movie Premiere on the Walt Disney Lot.

For more detailed information please visit the newmediafilmfestival website.