Film and Script Competitions
There are two categories for film competitions:
- General Short Film Competition
- High Definition (HD) Short Film Competition
and one category for script competition:
- DC Shorts Screenwriting Competition
Short Film Competition
DC Shorts turns the spotlight on truly independent short films, created by new and established filmmakers in an era when the art of filmmaking is opening to all. We select films from every genre for our competition screenings — with a special focus on films created by metropolitan Washington, DC-based directors and writers. After each screening, filmmakers have the opportunity to speak to the audience as part of a moderated panel.
Awards*
- Female Director which consists of a custom-made trophy and $250 cash award
- Filmmakers’ Choice (chosen by filmmakers in attendance) which consists of a custom-made trophy and $250 cash award
- Festival Director’s Choice (chosen by the Festival Director) which consists of a custom-made trophy and $250 cash award
- Best Local Film (chosen by the Selection Committee) which consists of a custom-made trophy and $250 cash award.
- Audience Favorite awards for each screening which consist of a framed certificate and no cash award.
HD Short Film Competition
DC Shorts is proud to introduce a very special HD (high definition) film competition. A special showcase of short films created, edited, and produced in HD will be screened using the latest HD projection equipment. We select films from every genre. After the screening, filmmakers have the opportunity to speak to the audience in a moderated discussion.
Award*
A single winner chosen by audience voting and a special panel of judges, which include HD filmmakers, and will be presented $250.
DC Shorts Screenwriting Competition
DC Shorts is proud to present a different kind of screenwriting competition. A panel of judges consisting of filmmakers, screenwriters and critics will review and provide condensed coverage (feedback) for scripts of 15 pages or less. A set of finalists (5–7) will be selected to be featured during the festival weekend, which the screenwriters are invited to attend, and cast a live reading of the script from a bank of actors and directors. The live readings will be performed in front of an audience, who will vote on their favorite. These votes, along with the scores of the judges, will determine a competition winner.
Award*
- One script will receive $1,000 up front, plus a $1,000 upon completion of the final film. The final film is guaranteed entry into DC Shorts 2009.
*Awards are subject to change. Information is accurate as of January 1, 2008.