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Central Wisconsin Film Festival

The tenth annual Central Wisconsin Film Festival will feature nine venues showing four different nights of films in five different Central Wisconsin communities. The festival will consist of films including a number  full-length foreign feature films, documentaries and short films. Talkbacks will be scheduled for evening screenings as directors are available. View the 2022 Film Selections page for more detailed information on the selected films.

The Film Festival showcases emerging and established independent film and video makers. Established in 2013, the festival supports film and video makers that demonstrate a high regard for moving images as artistic expression. The intent is to promote understanding, tolerance, entertainment and social awareness while providing a stimulating and enriching cultural experience within central Wisconsin.

Tickets for individual screenings are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Weekend Passes for unlimited screenings are $15. Tickets are available at the door.

The Film Festival is generally appropriate for all ages over 14. Some movies may contain strong language with adult themes. Parents are advised to use their discretion

                                                                            Central Wisconsin Film Festival

                                                                                    Submission Guidelines

Eligibility:
Films submitted must be completed after January 1, 2022.
Open to filmmakers of all levels, both local and international. 

Submission Categories:
Accepting submissions in various categories, including feature films, documentaries, short films, and student films. 

Submission Format:
All submissions must be in digital format. Acceptable formats include MP4, MOV, or other widely accepted digital formats.

Submission Deadline:
The deadline for film submissions is [Insert Deadline]. Late submissions will not be considered. 

Submission Fee:
A non-refundable submission fee is required for each entry. Details on submission fees can be found on our submission platform. 

Selection Process: Jury Selection
All submitted films will be reviewed by our expert jury panel.
Selections will be based on artistic merit, storytelling, and overall quality. 

Notification:
Filmmakers will be notified of their film's selection status by August 2024.

Screening Format:
Accepted films must be provided in high-resolution digital format for exhibition during the festival.
Festival Screenings:

The Central Wisconsin Film Festival retains the right to screen accepted films at festival events and promotional activities. 

Award Categories:
Awards will be given in various categories, including Best Feature Film, Best Short Film, Best Documentary, and Audience Choice Award. 

Prizes:
Winners will receive recognition, laurels, and prizes. Details of prizes will be announced on our website.

Originality:
All submitted films must be the original work of the entrant and must not infringe upon the copyrights or trademarks of other parties.
Clearances:

Filmmakers are responsible for obtaining all necessary clearances for the exhibition of their films at the Central Wisconsin Film Festival.
Publicity:

By submitting a film, filmmakers grant permission for excerpts of their films to be used for promotional purposes.

Submission to the Central Wisconsin Film Festival implies acceptance of these terms and rules.
For more detailed information and to submit your film, please visit our official website. We look forward to showcasing the best of cinema at the Central Wisconsin Film Festival!

Central Wisconsin Film Festival Award Categories

Feature Film Award
Best Narrative Feature (fiction films)
Best Documentary Feature (documentary films)
Best Animated Feature (animated films)

Short Film Award
Best Short Narrative (fiction shorts)
Best Short Documentary (documentary shorts)
Best Short Animated (animated shorts)
Best Short Experimental (experimental shorts) 

Best Director (Short & Feature Film)
Best Screenplay (Short & Feature Film)
Best Cinematography (Short & Feature Film)
Best Editing (Short & Feature Film)
Best Sound Design (Feature Film)
Best Original Score (Feature Film)
Best New Director (emerging filmmakers)
Jury Mention (Feature and Short)
Audience Award (voted on by festival attendees)

These categories cover all genres of film, from fiction to documentary to animation to experimental. They also recognize the contributions of all members of the filmmaking team, from directors and screenwriters to cinematographers and editors.