The San Antonio Film Commission, a division of the City of San Antonio’s Department of Arts and Culture, has officially announced the commencement of its annual #FilmSA Contest. The initiative aims to inspire youth to delve into the art and craft of filmmaking, fostering an appreciation for the vibrant city of San Antonio.
Submission Deadline and Prizes
Aspiring filmmakers have until March 25 at 4:30 p.m. CST to submit their entries. The highest-scoring films in each category, segmented by age groups (14 – 17 and 18 – 21), stand a chance to win a $1,000 prize. The winning films will be publicly screened at an Awards Ceremony scheduled for May 4 at Mission Marque Plaza.
Growing Film Culture in San Antonio
Krystal Jones, Executive Director of the Department of Arts & Culture, expressed enthusiasm about San Antonio's flourishing film culture. She highlighted the city's position as one of the premier places for filmmakers to live and work in the nation. Jones emphasized the significance of providing hands-on experience to emerging artists, shaping them as the next generation of storytellers pushing the boundaries of film.
Categories and Themes
In collaboration with the City of San Antonio's World Heritage Office, the 2024 #FilmSA Contest presents two categories for aspiring filmmakers:
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Beyond the Plate: Exploring San Antonio’s Food System
This category encourages youth filmmakers to examine the importance of supporting the local food system, particularly as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Filmmakers are invited to raise awareness of current challenges in the food system and suggest ways for the community to get involved.
Colleen Swain, Director of the City of San Antonio World Heritage Office, emphasized that food systems not only supply our sustenance but also connect us to the natural environment, culture, and traditions. Filmmakers are urged to capture stories that underscore the need to support a local, equitable, healthier, and sustainable food system.
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Lights, Camera, Action, SA!
This category encourages San Antonio youth filmmakers to leverage the power of filmmaking to showcase the unique qualities that make San Antonio a top-tier filming destination. The goal is to impart industry standards and best practices to emerging filmmakers while exploring the city's past, present, and future.
How to Enter
Detailed guidelines on entering the 2024 #FilmSA Contest can be found at FilmSanAntonio.com. For updates on the contest, follow @FilmSanAntonio on social media. Filmmakers are encouraged to seize this opportunity to contribute their creative voices to the burgeoning film culture of San Antonio.
