ACEFEST 2009

This year, ACEFEST experienced a 600% increase in submission numbers from 2007. An absolutely overwhelming response from independent filmmakers coast to coast. Our process is extremely selective as we proudly give each film we play equal exhibition on one big screen, in one big theater, under one big roof. We’d like to give YOU the inside scoop about our selection process, just in case you were wondering:

Start from the beginning
We open our Call For Entries for about 4 months each year. During this time, American independent filmmakers submit their recent features, shorts, documentaries, animations, music videos, etc. via online form or traditional mail-in. These entries come in all types of packaging, all shapes and sizes – boxes, bags, paper towels, you name it! Our first task is to unify this hodgepodge of cinema by placing each entry in an identical envelope and stapling the entry form to the front. Each envelope now goes into a secure storage box to eagerly await its turn in our Panel’s screening room. One question on a lot of filmmakers’ minds is does film presentation matter when submitting to a festival? Honestly no, but it doesn’t hurt. When it comes down to it, the media is all that matters – regardless of how good your DVD cover looks or your fancy LightScribe disc. However, keep in mind your film must travel from your envelope to our DVD player. You, as the entrant, have complete control over that experience for us. Is it going to be two pieces of cardboard taped together with the DVD in the middle? Or are you going to wet our palette with some extra marketing materials, press, photos, professionally-printed disc and case? Please keep in mind, the film is all that counts – but let’s not take the human element out of this equation. We like colorful, attractive things! Can’t help it.

Watching the Entries
The Preliminary Panel consists of roughly 5-7 individuals. This roster can change slightly throughout the process, but always includes the Programming Director and Event Director. Sometimes a few judges will drop-in on a few sessions or a sponsor representative, friends of the festival, past winners, etc. It’s a very exciting phase – we are molding the most important element of the film festival. Take away the colorful vinyl banners and comfy theater seats and what do you have? The films. It’s all about the films.

Our Process
You may be wondering how we watch hundreds upon hundreds of films between March and June. Put simply – we don’t! Each entry receives a fair chance to display anything reminiscent of a redeeming quality. After we make sure the production value, performance, direction and sound are up to par, we continue watching the film. During this time, any one of the 5-7 people in the room can yell “one!” This begins the process of clicking that looming Eject button. Each person calls a number when they feel they’ve seen enough for to make a confident decision. Once the number “Five” is reached (or the number of people in the room), the film is stopped and discussion begins. Keep in mind, this same process occurs for both good and bad entries. At this early stage, films in their entirety are rarely played through. This same process is used for many, if not all, film festivals. I’ll let you have that trade secret (don’t make me regret it).

Where were we? Ah yes, our-freshly ejected friend will now face the gauntlet for the first, but perhaps not the last, time. Each entry at this point gets either a big red X or a 1-10 rating (10 being the best score). For X’s, their journey ends here. We call this Step One. Survivors of this crucial “weeding-out” will go on to be watched again and again in their entirety, scrutinized, picked apart relentlessly and without mercy. By the end of this step, we have the difficult decision of picking from the best of the best based on the restrictions of a mere 3-day event. When comparing a 10 with a 10, other factors must come into play such as premiere status, marketability, originality, public response to previous screenings, reviews, etc. It’s certainly a cruel time (we’re glad the filmmakers aren’t around for this). It’s not uncommon for us to become attached to this dream team of manila envelopes – not easy to let them go. And for this, we truly wish our festival could be 3 months long. The plus side? Our eager viewers will not just get to see the best films submitted to ACEFEST, but the very best of the best! If that means we don’t sleep for three months straight, so be it. Our 2009 program is rock solid.