The Royal Film Commission Jordan | OPPORTUNITIES BULLETIN #168 May 2017

N.B. The information below is provided directly by the organizers of events, festivals, audio-visual organizations or independent film projects. The Royal Film Commission - Jordan (RFC) cannot be held accountable for it.

In this bulletin:

1. Job Opportunity at the Royal Film Commission - Jordan: Social Media/ Screening Officer
    
2. Call for applications: Med Film Factory’s 5th Round
    
3. Call for submissions: The 11th Jordanian Short Film Competition as part of the 23rd Franco-Arab Film Festival
    
4. Call for submissions: The Dubai Film Connection - 14th Dubai International Film Festival 
    
5. Call for Submissions: ENJAAZ - Dubai Film Market 2017
    
6. Call for entries: The 8th China International New Media Short Film Festival 2017
    
7.  Call for entries: Göteborg Film Festival 2018 
    
8. Call for entries: The 53rd Chicago International Film Festival

1. Job Opportunity at the Royal Film Commission - Jordan: Social Media/ Screening Officer

The incumbent will report to the Communication and Cultural Programming Manager.

Tasks and responsibilities:

- Manage the Institution’s presence on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other relevant social networks.

- Update the RFC’s website on a regular basis.

- Work across departments to ensure proper messaging is being executed online and is relevant to RFC's goals.

- Monitor local, regional and international media and compile a relevant report on a daily basis.

- Manage online discussions by responding in a timely manner to users’ needs and requests.

- Monitor and track discussion topics, prepare content and statistical reports, online research on cinema-related topics.

- Assist in the screening program: selection of films and management of the screening, whenever required.


Requirements:

- At least 3 years work experience, in a similar position or in in a media/ culture related activity.
- University degree preferably in arts, journalism or IT.
- Social media savvy and active on social networks.
- Very familiar with modern technology.
- Excellent communication skills - both written and oral. 
- Professional and creative modern writing in English and Arabic. Both languages are to be mastered.
- Large cinema culture and interest (Arabic and foreign movies)
- Detail-oriented, organized, team spirit.
- Innovative and capable of working in an autonomous way, while thinking out of the box.
- Comfortable in public speech.

Please send your application to the following email: recruitment@film.jo no later than 20 May 2017, and indicate clearly in the subject of your email the title of the position you are applying for.

2. Call for applications: Med Film Factory’s 5th Round

The Royal Film Commission – Jordan welcomes applications to the fifth round of Med Film Factory (MFF), which will be held in Jordan in 2017. Six teams will be selected (two teams from Jordan and four teams from the Arab world) to participate in this year’s cycle.

Med Film Factory is a specialized training program aimed at semi-professional teams of Arab film directors and producers. MFF offers those teams the opportunity to advance their creative and professional skills, while supporting the realization of their projects, through two training sessions:

- The Producers’ Coaching Program
- The Directors’ Workshop

The deadline for applications is on 5 July, 2017.

To apply and for more information please visit http://www.film.jo/MedFilm.aspx  or write to MedFilmFactory@film.jo  or call the Royal Film Commission- Jordan at: +962 6 461 3835 Ext: 108.


The 5th cycle of Med Film Factory is supported by Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation, Jordan.

3.. Call for submissions: The 11th Jordanian Short Film Competition as part of the 23rd Franco-Arab Film Festival

The Institut Français in Jordan, in partnership with the Royal Film Commission - Jordan (RFC), is organizing the 23rd edition of the Franco-Arab Film Festival, which will be held in Amman from the 5th until the 12th of July, 2017.

The Franco-Arab Film Festival is calling for Jordanian short films (documentary and narrative) to compete. Winners will be announced during the closing reception.  

If your short film matches the criteria below, please submit your film at the latest by Thursday 1st of June, 2017.

 By hand:

The Royal Film Commission - Jordan, 1st Circle, Jabal Amman 5 Omar Bin Al Khattab Street (off Rainbow Street).

Attention: Marian Nakho

Subject: Jordanian Short Film Competition

From Sunday to Thursday (9:00 AM – 4:30 PM). 

Tel:  06 4642 266/ ext: 23

By mail:

Royal Film Commission – Jordan 
P.O. Box 811 991 Amman 11181 Jordan

Attention: Marian Nakho

Subject: Jordanian Short Film Competition

Submission Criteria:

- The competition is open to filmmakers residing in Jordan or abroad. Either the director or the producer should be Jordanian.

- The film must be mostly shot in Jordan.

- The film should not exceed 30 minutes.

- The film has to have been produced in 2016 or 2017.

- Each director can submit one film only.

- Only short narratives and documentaries can be submitted. Animated films or experimental films will not be accepted.

- The film must be subtitled in English or French, if it is in Arabic; or subtitled in Arabic, if it is in English or French.

- The director or producer should provide 2 DVD or Blu-ray copies of the film (which will not be returned) to the aforementioned address. Sending the film electronically by link is not acceptable.

The director or producer should provide the following:

1. An application form in Arabic or in English which can be found on the RFC’s website: www.film.jo 

- The application form should be typed (not in handwriting). 

- A printed hard copy of the application form along with the film copies must submitted, in addition to sending the application form by email to the following address: marian.nakho@film.jo

- The application form should cover technical details regarding the film, synopsis (40 – 100 words) and the filmmaker’s information.

2. A soft copy of the film poster or still photo should be sent to the following address: marian.nakho@film.jo

Note: A committee will select among the submitted films those entitled to compete.

Prizes:

There will be four valuable prizes: Two prizes based on the selection of the jury; and two prizes based on the audience vote for the documentary and fiction categories.  

The two Jury prizes for the best narrative and best documentary will be invited by the French edition of the Franco Arab Film Festival in Noisy-Le-Sec (in the close suburbs of Paris) to present their films. The full stay in France will be covered (return flight ticket; accommodation and local transportation).

The four winning films will receive a trophy created by Jordanian sculptor Hazem Al Zubi.

In addition, the RFC will offer a one-year subscription at the Film House’s Library to the four winners.

Last date for submissions is on Thursday 1st of June, 2017.

For further information, please contact:

Marian Nakho at the Royal Film Commission - Jordan at the following e-mail: marian.nakho@film.jo

Or call:  06 4642266/ ext. 23

4. Call for submissions: The Dubai Film Connection - 14th Dubai International Film Festival

The Dubai Film Connection (DFC) is the co-production market of DIFF. Launched in 2007, the DFC aims to raise the visibility of Arab filmmakers and stimulate the growth of film production originating from the Arab world. The DFC brings international and Arab film professionals together to collaborate on the realization of approximately 10 selected projects each year.

An annual guest list of more than 60 international film industry professionals from over 20 countries are invited to attend the DFC each year.

This year the DFC will be held from 7 until 11 December 2017.

HOW TO APPLY

The DFC accepts film projects in development that have not yet begun production/principal photography.

GENERAL ELIGIBILITY

THE TEAM

- All applications must have a director and a producer attached.
- Directors must be of Arab nationality or origin - Arab nationality or Origin shall mean people from one or more of the following countries: Jordan, Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
- The producer can be of any nationality.
- Directors must have previous directing experience – short films, features, TV dramas etc.
- Producers should have a track record in production. International co-production experience is an advantage but not mandatory.

THE PROJECT

- The project must be either fiction or non-fiction:
- Fiction projects must be feature length films intended for theatrical distribution.
- Non-fiction projects must be feature length “creative documentaries”. Creative in this instance shall mean that the documentary expresses the personal vision of the director.
- Projects will be accepted at any stage of development but they must be ready to be presented and discussed with potential partners.

MATERIAL TO BE SUBMITTED

- Scripts only will be accepted in Arabic, French and English. All other requested written materials must be submitted in English.

- Please submit each item or document as a separate file. Do not combine the various elements.

- Each document should be clearly labeled in the following format: Document type – Project title e.g. Synopsis – As Time Goes By

- Please ensure that all the materials uploaded do not EXCEED 9MB in total for each submission.

- A completed application form, which is available on the website
- Synopsis of 1- 2 pages
- Full treatment (8-10 pages) for fiction and non-fiction features
- Full script for fiction features
- Director’s motivation/visual concept
- Director’s biography
- Producer’s biography
- Company profile(s)
- Budget outline
- Finance plan
- Director’s previous work. Examples of the director’s previous work can be uploaded directly to the online submission form. All filmed works must be available with English subtitles.

To submit and for further information, please visit the website: https://dubaifilmfest.com/en/page/209/about_dfc.html

5. Call for Submissions: ENJAAZ - Dubai Film Market 2017

Submissions for Enjaaz production programme for short films are now open and will close on 30th June, 2017.

Enjaaz is the Dubai Film Market’s post-production and production support programme which launched in 2009. Enjaaz provides vital post-production financial support to film projects led by Arab filmmakers and production funding to film projects helmed by Gulf filmmakers. More than 130 films have benefited from Enjaaz since its inception.

Enjaaz’s remit includes the following:
- To widen the choice of Arab films shown to audiences
- To raise the profile of Arab films in festivals and international film markets
- To increase opportunities for international sales and distribution of Arab films
- To build a sustainable film industry in the region

ELIGIBILITY

1. Short fiction film with a maximum of fifty nine (59) minutes or a short non-fiction film with a maximum of fifty one (51) minutes.
2. Directed by a film-maker of Gulf nationality or origin.
3. Centered on the Arab world, Arab history and/or Arab culture.
4. Have a final script in Arabic or English.
5. Have a detailed budget and production schedule/ timeline.
6. The original work of a sole author or collaboration with other authors.

To apply and for further information, please visit the website: https://dubaifilmfest.com/en/page/158/about_enjaaz.html

6. Call for entries: The 8th China International New Media Short Film Festival 2017

Created in 2010, China International New Media Short Film Festival (CSFF) is held with a goal of awarding excellent new media short films in China and abroad, scouting and supporting film and television talents, incubating premium film and television creative projects, and facilitating the development of film and new media industry as well as international cultural exchange and cooperation.

Submissions are now open to the CSFF which will take place from 25th November until 3rd of December 2017.

As one of the most important activities of the 8th CSFF, the International Short Film Screening is presented in two forms, namely, the Online Screening and Trading Platform and International Short Film Screening during the festival. All qualified entries will be displayed on the CSFF Trading Platform of International Short Film Online Exhibition (www.csff.com.cn) from 12th May until 30th December, 2017.


Requirements for Entries

(1) Type: drama short film, animated short film, or documentary short film
(2) Duration: Within 20 minutes
(3) Subtitle: English subtitles must be provided for dialogues, voiceover, and commentary
(4) Video quality: High definition 720 p (1280*720) and above, H264 video codec is preferred
(5) Creation time: Completed after January 1, 2016
(6) Content requirements:
a. The content (including texts, languages, scenarios and backgrounds) shall not violate the laws and regulations of the People's Republic of China
b. Shall not contain or involve any content on ethnic, religious or racial discrimination
c. Shall not contain pornographic, violent or other unwholesome contents
d. Shall not be suspected of plagiarizing or infringing upon others' copyright
e. Works with wholesome central ideas and skillful combination of ideology, art, and technology are encouraged
f. Short films conveying innovative ideas are encouraged

(1) Online Submission

International applicants can upload their works in the call for entry of the 8th CSFF on
www.shortfilmdepot.com

(2)DVD Mailing

Each exhibition applicant should burn the entry and its data information to DVDs and mail them to the CSFF Organizing Committee. The Committee will arrange personal to upload the entries to the International Short Film Online Trading Platform. The DVD containing the data information of an entry should include but not limit to the following information:
a. Electronic edition of the The 8th CSFF International Short Film Screening Entry Form
b. A poster of the entry in the format of a vector diagram that can be converted into any publication form or a high-resolution JPG file
c. A still image of the entry, which may be a screen-shot of the entry
d. Two snapshots of the director or cast that are taken recently, which should be high resolution JPG files that can be converted to any publication form
e. Text files or script files of the dialogue in English version.

All applicants should send the entries via express delivery and a note of "Entry for the 8th CSFF" must be marked on the package.
The package should contain the following items:
a. A printed The 8th CSFF International Short Film Screening Entry Form signed by the applicant
b. A DVD containing the data information of the entry
c. A DVD with the short film.

Mailing address: 16F, Cultural Creative Industry Park, Shenzhen Media Group, No.1
Qingqing Road, Longhua New District, Shenzhen, China
Recipient: International Short Film Screening Team of the CSFF Organizing Committee
Zip code: 518026

Note: Please inform the CSFF Organizing Committee via e-mail (info@csff.com.cn) regarding the name of the short film, sending date, delivery method, and tracking number after you send the package.

For further information, please contact: Consulting hotline: +86-755-23767307 (Charlotte Chen)/ Official e-mail address: info@csff.com.cn

Or visit the festival's website: http://www.csff.com.cn/
 

7. Call for entries: Göteborg Film Festival 2018

Göteborg film festival is now accepting film submissions to its 41st edition that will take place from 26th January until 5th February 2018.

Göteborg Film Festival takes applications for:

1. Feature films of all genres available on DCP or 35mm. The length must be 60 minutes minimum.
2. Documentaries available on DCP or 35mm. The length must be 45 minutes minimum. Please note that we do not take applications for international shorts.

To be considered for the festival 2018 the submitted film must have had its first public screening after January 1, 2017. Please note that any screening of the film in Sweden prior to the festival automatically disqualifies the film from participating in the Göteborg Film Festival.
All applications must be made through the festival's website (http://www.giff.se/en/international-film-submission).

The festival charges an application fee of 30 Euro. This is an administrative fee, and does not guarantee that the film will be selected. The only way to submit a film to Göteborg Film Festival 2018 is to complete the online submission form, pay the entry fee with a credit card and send a link to an online screener of your film or a DVD to the festival. The entry fee is non-refundable.

Both the application screener and the exhibition DCP/print must have English subtitles (if the original dialogue is not entirely in English). If your film corresponds with the above mentioned criterions, you are most welcome to submit to our up-coming 41st Göteborg Film Festival, Jan 26 – Feb 5, 2018.

Göteborg Film Festival has three competitions for feature length films:

1) Dragon Award Best Nordic Film – open for feature films from Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland and Denmark.
2) Dragon Award Best Nordic Documentary – open for documentaries from Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland and Denmark.
3) The Ingmar Bergman International Debut Award – open for feature films by first and second time directors from all around the world.

If you have any questions please consult the festival's list of Frequently Asked Questions.

For further questions regarding the international film submission please contact: submissions@giff.se or visit the website: http://www.giff.se/en/international-film-submission

8. Call for entries: The 53rd Chicago International Film Festival

Submissions are now open to the 53rd Chicago International Film Festival that will be held from 12 until 26 October 2017.

Official Regulations:

A) Eligibility Requirements

- Films completed on or after September 1, 2016 are eligible.
- Films previously submitted to the Chicago International Film Festival are NOT eligible.
- US premieres are given priority, but films must be at least a Chicago premiere. Films that (a) have screened publicly in the Chicago area, (b) have had a theatrical run in the US prior to the Festival dates, (c) have aired on US television prior to the Festival dates, or (d) are available for purchase in North America are NOT eligible.
- Feature-length films (narrative or documentary) that are available for public online viewing in their entirety are NOT eligible. Short films (under 40 min) may be available online.
- Films shown at private screenings not open to the public (for crew, investors, etc.) are eligible.
- All entries must be either in English or subtitled in English. Dialogue lists are not accepted.
- Entrant confirms and warrants required legal authority to submit the entry into the Festival and to use all music, images, and content in the entry.

B) Submission Guidelines

- Feature-length films must be submitted via online screener hosted by Vimeo, on DVD or on Blu-ray disc.
- Only complete entries (including fee payment and screener) will be considered.
- Entrants are permitted to submit works-in-progress (i.e., without final color correction or sound mixing), but please note that the programming committee will only consider the version submitted. Subsequent cuts or replacement copies will only be accepted at the request of the programming committee.
- To qualify for student entry fee rates, entrant must include proof of student status at the time of production (e.g., copy of student ID, transcript, etc.)
- The following exhibition formats are eligible for Festival screening: 35mm, DCP, and HDCAM.

C) Deadlines

Early deadline entries must be postmarked by 7 April, 2017.
Regular deadline entries must be postmarked by 16 June, 2017.
Late deadline entries must be postmarked by 7 July, 2017.


E) Judging & Selection

If a film is selected, the Festival office will contact the entrant by phone or email.
All entrants will be notified on or before September 9, 2017.

Films selected for the International Feature, Documentary, New Directors, and Out-Look Competitions are judged during the Festival. All other competitive film categories, including the Chicago Award and Short Film Competition, are judged before the Festival.

To submit your film and for further information, please visit the website: http://www.chicagofilmfestival.com/festival/submit/

The Royal Film Commission was established in 2003 to promote the audio-visual industry in Jordan. Tel: +962-6-4642266  e-mail: info@film.jo  www.film.jo