The 2022 Greater Lehigh Valley Filmmaker Festival is now accepting early film submissions for consideration into the 11th annual event. ArtsQuest is proud to be returning to its in-person format on April 9 at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas. This event is a celebration for filmmakers and cinephiles and the evening will include screenings of the top submissions.
“We are thrilled to be able to return to the in-person format of the festival,” Anthony DeSanctis, ArtsQuest Programming Manager and Festival Director, said. “There’s just nothing like seeing your work given the big screen treatment. The atmosphere during the festival is always one of joy and excitement and it’s a great feeling to be able to offer this to our incredibly talented local filmmakers to show the Lehigh Valley just how gifted they are.”
The ArtsQuest Cinema Committee will work in tandem with a juried panel comprised of committee members and regional film professionals to view submissions and vote on awarding several prestigious titles including “Best Director,” “Best Performance” and “Audience Award” with the top title “Best in Show” receiving a $500 cash prize. Former “Best in Show” winners include 2020’s Five Stars, by Vernard James and 2019’s The Story of the Sectaurs, directed by Cliff Reese.
Film entries can be up to 30-minutes long and must have been filmed after Jan. 1, 2019. Copyrighted music is prohibited unless the filmmaker has proper documentation. The early submission deadline is Jan 28; films submitted by this date will have a discounted submission fee of $10. The discounted $10 rate will also apply to anyone age 25 and younger submitting films for the festival. All films must be submitted no later than Feb., 25. The full festival lineup will be announced March 9.
Anyone wishing to submit a film may do so online at https://fest.formstack.com/forms/2022_greater_lehigh_valley_filmmaker_festival_submissions. ArtsQuest will continue to follow the latest CDC, state and local health and safety guidelines. Visit artsquest.org/safety for the latest updates.
About ArtsQuest
ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences using arts and culture as key elements of economic development for our urban communities. ArtsQuest™ supports this mission via the presentation of performing and visual arts, film, arts education classes and outreach, youth programming and cultural events.
ArtsQuest’s Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas (FBAC) is a two-screen independent cinema located within the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks. The FBAC is currently open for both public screenings and private rentals; more information on both can be found at steelstacks.org/film.
Through festivals such as its flagship event, Musikfest; the Banana Factory Arts Center; and the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks arts and cultural campus, ArtsQuest’s programming reaches more than 1.9 million people annually. The organization’s programs and events, approximately 50% of which are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region. ArtsQuest is a proud member of NIVA, the National Independent Venue Association and NATO, the National Association of Theater Owners.