The Talking Pictures Festival invites independent films and videos of any genre or length to participate in its 2012 edition. We are looking for films that are challenging, intriguing, entertaining, personal, thought-provoking, and unique in perspective.  From dramatic films to hard-hitting documentaries, comedic shorts, experimental films, or music videos, we invite independent filmmakers to send us their work for consideration. 


Entries must be completed works , accompanied by an entry form and fee.  Selected films screen in the festival and compete for cash awards. 


We do not accept entries that were produced before 2009.  Independent films/videos only - commercials, promotional, educational and corporate videos are not eligible.  We will notify applicants if their entry has been selected or not by early March 2012.

FILM COMPETITION & AWARDS


Independent filmmakers from the U.S. and abroad submit recent films of any genre to the Talking Pictures Festival in response to a “call for entries.”  With the help of our Festival Committee, pre-screening juries, and programmers, we choose the films that will show in the festival and compete for awards.


A festival jury of film professionals decides on the awards in each category.  Among our past judges were documentary filmmaker Bob Hercules (Forgiving Dr. Mengele); film scholar Scott Curtis, Northwestern University; and Peabody award-winning documentarian Maria Finitzo (Mapping Stem Cell Research: Terra Incognita; 5 Girls). 

DEADLINES


“EARLY BIRD” POSTMARK DEADLINE:   October 31, 2011


REGULAR POSTMARK DEADLINE:  November 23, 2011


LATE POSTMARK DEADLINE:  December 5, 2011


EXTENDED DEADLINE:  December 15, 2011 

For Withoutabox ‘upgraded’ entries only


We will waive the entry fee for international entries if they are submitted by either the "early bird" or regular postmark deadline.


Check out past

AWARD-WINNERS

2011 • 2010 •  2009


Check out  past

FESTIVAL PROGRAMS

2011 • 2010 • 2009

Coming in April 2011



Talking Pictures Festival


IN THE PRESS

2010 • 2009

There are two ways to submit your films:  For online submissions and credit card payments, please use Withoutabox.com.  Or send us your film the “traditional” way: download a PDF of the entry form, fill it in, enclose your entry fee (checks only!) and mail us your entry. This method might work best for international entries that do not require an entry fee if submitted by the “early bird” or regular deadline. http://www.withoutabox.com/login/8776Call_for_Entries_files/2010%20TalkingPicturesFestival%20entry%20form.pdfhttp://www.withoutabox.com/login/8776Call_for_Entries_files/2012%20Talking%20Piictures%20Festival%20entry%20form.pdfhttp://www.withoutabox.com/login/8776shapeimage_1_link_0shapeimage_1_link_1

"What a wonderful experience the Talking Pictures Festival was!  It totally lived up to it's name, I think it is a really great forum for art and community to come together. 


The shared experience of a film, and then being able to discuss it right away with a group is so important.  This was really why I made the film - as a catalyst for discussion, challenging people to ask difficult questions." 


– Laura Israel, Director: WINDFALL

2010 Talking Pictures Festival