This premier annual film event is a demanding contest that pits filmmaking teams against one another as they struggle to produce, complete, and screen a short film in only 10 hours’ time! It‘s a hectic and fun way to showcase your killer production instincts and cinematic kung fu...and win some cash to fund future projects.
Filmmaking teams must plan and shoot a three-minute film. Teams will then have 10 hours to produce their film, while also integrating three elements into the film’s narrative in a creative and cohesive manner. These elements—along with the film's genre—will be revealed the morning of the festival.
Special elements? For instance, teams may have to incorporate chopsticks, a lawnmower, and a blue bandana into the film.
Film submissions will be accepted between 6-7pm at the historic Bijou Theatre. Screenings will also be held at the Bijou, beginning at 7:30pm and continuing until all films have been shown.
Early Entry fee is $50 per team. Deadline for early entry is June 13th.
Day of entry fee is $60 per team. Cash or check day of. No credit cards.
Anyone wishing to participate but unaffiliated with a team will be attached to an existing team, either by invitation or random assignment by the event coordinators. This has worked out well in the past. No one walks!
Teams will receive the remaining two "special elements" on the morning of the festival. One element will be revealed at the Kickoff Party the evening before the festival.
Special elements are kept a closely guarded secret by the Festival coordinators until the morning briefing. The concept of your film is all yours. Elements will be fair, and not difficult to find or include. What counts is how they're used!
Entries may be any length, but only the first 3 minutes will be judged. Credits and opening titles, if any, are not counted as part of the 3 minutes. If you are running late in edit, skip the titles and credits. Again, you will be judged on the first 3 minutes of footage only.
Films containing unauthorized copyrighted images, music, or materials will not be accepted.
Please see our production form page for assistance on release forms. Release forms must be submitted with any copyrighted material.
A distinguished panel of invited judges will be on hand to screen submissions prior to public screenings.
Awards will be presented for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers in the general category, as determined by the panelists. The audience will vote for the fourth category, known as—what else—Audience Favorite. The Student Category is new this year. First place only will be awarded in this category.
Judging criteria will be as follows:
Edit space will be available at Market Square for those wishing to use nearby space to set up their edit stations and avoid a last minute transportation rush to meet deadline.
Entries must be submitted on MiniDV tape or DVD, no other formats will be accepted. All entries must be labeled clearly in print, not cursive lettering, and must contain Team Name, number, and Entry/show title. Entries become the property of MCFF and will not be returned. You maintain ownership and copyright of the intellectual property, but MCFF reserves the right to publish the entries for promotional purposes.
Judges decisions are final, all entries are judged based on a multi-category, 100-point system. First Deadline is 6:30pm at the Bijou Theatre in downtown Knoxville. Final Deadline is 7pm. A one-point late penalty per minute will be deducted up until our Final Deadline of 7:00pm
Entries submitted after 7pm will be screened, but will be ineligible for judging and awards. The entries will be screened in the order in which they are received. We will attempt to provide support for anyone experiencing technical problems, but the deadline rules WILL apply. Public screenings at the Bijou will begin at 7:30.
There will be opportunity for teams to get food and refreshments prior to and during screenings. The Bijou will maintain a bar during the screenings.
Good luck and we hope to see you at the festival!