05/12/2002 - The A-to-Z of getting your film screened and showcased at some of the world's most important festivals

Manchester in England is our first port of call: starting on 14 March the northern city will host the Spanish Film Festival. The deadline for submissions is 14 December and Manchester’s artistic director, Linda Parisier (linda.parisier@cornerhouse.org) can supply you with all the information you require.
There is a spate of festivals whose deadline falls on 15 December.
Portugal will host the 23rd edition of Fantasporto 2003 with a programme that includes over 200 feature length and short films, most of which are European. The sections are varied but they are all focused on experimental films and new techniques in direction.
Rome will be home to the Roma Independent Film Festival. In order to be eligible, the films submitted must not have a distributor in Italy nor been aired on television. All formats and durations are welcome (the programme even includes an interesting section specialised in screenplays), but the Festival’s distinguishing feature is the strong link between the association that organises it that also organises a variety of events all the year round to promote the work of young filmmakers.
As of 27 February 2003, Washington will be home to the DC Independent Film Festival where the audience will see films of all lengths and formats, both American and not, and have the opportunity to take part in a variety of meetings, conferences and seminars. Industry operators, meanwhile, will be delighted to discover the latest independent film productions.
15 December is also the deadline for submitting short films to take part in Brussels’ International Festival of Fantasy Films. You have until 30 December for feature films. The festival unrolls from 9-24 March and as the title implies, is specialised in fantasy films – ranging from horror, thrillers to sci-fi. Participants will also be able to see a number of art exhibitions, and take part in conferences and workshops.
Directors of all ages are invited to submit their work to the 25th anniversary edition of the International Festival of Women’s Films de films de femmes, scheduled to take place from 21-30 March 2003 in Créteil , France. This year’s guest of honour is Gena Rowlands and the organisers have created a section dedicated to Liv Ullman’s film self-portrait. The programme also includes an overview of Nordic films – ranging from Finland, Estonia and Denmark. There are 50 short and feature length films in competition from all over the world and the deadline for submissions is 20 December.