FilmGate Festival: January 2024 - Free For All

Hey FilmGatos!

This month, we will be showcasing films of any and all genres; this is what we call our Free-for-all!

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Florida's emerging film talent! Join us for a mesmerizing night filled with imagination and inspiration as we showcase the brilliance of local filmmakers.

ABOUT US

FilmGate Festival is the longest-running monthly short film series in Florida, created to celebrate local culture, diversity and regional creativity. Every month, FilmGate Miami highlights Florida's community of actors, filmmakers, and video + audio production studios. We accept short films, documentaries, music videos and web series from Florida or made by a Florida citizen, 20 minutes or less.

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RULES:

• Only Florida directors and films produced/filmed in Florida can submit (at least for now).
• For submissions: https://filmfreeway.com/FilmGateFestival
• Length of the film must be 20 minutes or less.
• Florida Director or representative like a producer needs to be present at the screening of their film and for the Q&A, failure to do so will remove you from eligibility.
• In the case that a representative is not present, we reserve the right to withdraw your film from being screened
• Free submissions/waivers for Filmgate Miami members and students (Email info@film-gate.org with a photo of your student ID or proof of study at a education institution)

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OFFICIAL FILM SELECTIONS 

• Stringout (dir. Ashton K Bracciodieta)
• You Can't Stop What's Coming (dir. John David Cranman)
• Cash Out (dir. Andres Monsalve)
• Dreams of Yesterday (dir. Ariel C Seligman Delgado)
• #Ladyfinger (dir. Andres Irias)
• Mood (dir. Glenda Pezuela)
• River (dir. Freda M. Del Rosario)
• Coney Island Baby (dir. Jose Duran)

MEET THE JURORS 

• Claudia Benshimol -- Meet Claudia Benshimol, originally from Caracas but now making waves in Miami's dynamic scene. From founding CLOC Events at 21 to earning a master's in Journalism from the University of Miami, Claudia is a force in the local food and event scene. In 2021, she sold her events company and became the Marketing & Events Manager at Julia & Henry's, contributing to its viral success with her video and content creation skills. Currently, as the Events Manager at King Goose Hospitality, Claudia curates experiences for hotspots like Pubbelly Sushi, Julia & Henry's, The Roystone, June Burgers, and the upcoming Torno Subito by Chef Massimo Bottura.
• Jessica Duhig -- Jessica is the Senior Gift Planning Officer. Prior to joining the Miami Foundation, she practiced law for seven years in Chicago focusing on estate planning. Jessica specifically specialized in charitable gift trusts and federal estate tax planning. She brings her estate planning knowledge to the Miami Foundation to assist donors with legacy gift planning. Jessica earned her J.D. from Chicago-Kent College of Law and her Bachelor’s Degree from Purdue University.
• Eric Kohn -- Eric Kohn, with nearly 17 years at IndieWire, held diverse roles from chief critic to senior editor. Known for insightful film criticism and industry analysis, he managed educational initiatives, events, and original content. Eric developed the Criticwire Network and, as IndieWire's chief film critic, covered hundreds of films annually. He co-hosted the podcast "Screen Talk" and moderated events globally. Currently overseeing film strategy at EDGLRD, founded by Harmony Korine and Matt Holt, Eric is shaping innovative IP concepts across filmmaking, fashion, and gaming. His dedication to film education includes co-founding the Critics Academy workshop and teaching at NYU's Martin Scorsese Department of Cinema Studies.

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FILM COMMUNITY NETWORKER B4 AND AFTER

Enjoy meeting other creatives and film geeks during our film community networker before the screening. Grab some drinks, some grub, and start mingling!

We will also have networking at the end of the event so feel free to gush about the cool films afterwards too.

PERCOLATOR

Starting off the night, we have our Percolator. Sign up and tell the audience your skills or if you are looking for a professional in particular! You will have 1 minute to pitch.

FILMMAKER Q & A

After the screening, as our jury judges discuss the night's award-winning film, we will invite our featured filmmakers for a Q&A session about their creative process and inspiritations in creating their films.

AWARDS CEREMONY

At the end of the screening, we will present the jury's choice in the best film of the night! Our jury is a team of industry professionals that use their expertise to judge the techincal and artistic qualities of each film screened.

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PARKING

• Courtyard Marriott Downtown: $5 for 4 Hours (validation at FilmGate check-in desk)
• MET 3 Parking Garage: 250 SE 3rd Ave - $8 for 4 Hours (validation on first floor at entrance of Silverspot Cinema)

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