A list of regular local events and networks that could be useful to filmmakers in the North West (and beyond).
The list was compiled by our Digital & Creative Development Programme Manager Isabelle Croissant and is by no means comprehensive so feel free to add your recommendation in the comments section and we’ll update it accordingly. (last edit Dec 2016)
- our very own Filmed Up, every three months at HOME! We accept films from all genres and year of production, under 20 mins, made by filmmakers currently residing in the North West. It’s not only dramas, we’re keen to get animations, documentaries, experimental and artist films too! Want to submit your work? Have a look at our Submissions info page or jump straight in to filing in our Filmed Up online Submission form. The screening night is a great opportunity to network with fellow filmmakers and we offer feedback to all filmmakers whose film was not selected (if they want it of course!)
- Filmonik is the Manchester arm of the Kino Movement, a worldwide filmmaking network that champions the drive to make films NOW, regardless of means. It’s a great way to collaborate and is open to all sorts of people with all sorts of skills, no matter what level. They organise regular open screenings and Kabarets (sort of filmmaking bootcamps I suppose…lots of fun, crazy hours, great films made). A great way to make film, get connections and have some fun in the process. **Now in Liverpool!!** the Kino movement is spreading to Liverpool with a Kabaret taking place in February 2017.
- Shooters in The Pub is the networking arm of the filmmakers network Shooting People. It’s a local informal filmmakers meet up, taking place (you guessed it!) in pubs, the first Monday of every month (in Manchester, Liverpool and across the UK). The venues tend to change so your best bet is to search for “Shooting People – Shooters in the Pub” on facebook to find if there is one near you.
- The Manchester Indie Filmmakers Group meets every fortnight on a Wednesday evening from 6pm-7.30pm in Manchester Central Library and organises screenings and events throughout the year, all free
- Video Jam is a great example of people having great ideas and just going with them. They collect together short, silent films of any genre and pair them with a musician/sound artist who compose an original score and then organise screenings with live accompaniments. Since they started in January 2012, they’ve done more than 20 events and are always programming more. They’re always open for submissions from filmmakers and musicians alike plus they regularly do specialist calls for entries so definitely worth bookmarking them.
- Women in Film & Television Network is a membership organisation for women working in creative media in the UK. They organise at least 4 events a year in Manchester, including a “women in tech” night where you get to test the latest tech available. Membership also gives you access to all the events int he rest of the country and some of their events are free and open to non members so check their calendar.
- Over on Facebook you can find The Cumbria Film Alliance who aim to encourage collaborations in filmmaking and production in Cumbria and beyond. From professionals to amateurs alike, they welcome anybody who wants to help make films of a professional quality, be they an actor, director, land owner or joiner!
- Fact organise an annual Liverpool Film Night, open to Merseyside filmmakers. One of the most memorable films from Filmed Up, the beautiful (but super disturbing) Adam was screened there last year. I think their call for submission is around Aug/Sep time so check out their website around then.
- Indieflicks is regular film night in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, and recently started a simultaneous event in Liverpool. Organised by filmmakers the first Wednesday of every month, it’s one of the few film nights to have a space for short films up to 45 mins in duration. Entry is free for shorts under 5 mins, and there is a small fee for films longer than that.
- Screen Stockport is a short film festival taking place every autumn in, you guessed it, Stockport! Categories for entries are Short Film, Very Short Film, North West, International Students (divided into University , School & Colleges, Post Graduate) and call for entries usually close around August
- The Manchester Animation festival celebrates the animated art from every year in November with competition screenings and amazing guests, events and plenty of opportunity for networking. Submissions usually open in April/May.
- If horror, cult and fantastic films are your passion then check out Grimmfest (every October) and its Sci-Fi sister (brother?) Supernova. Both festivals accept submission regularly, check their website for more info.
- Interested in TV and web series? then check out Pilot Light TV festival who also put on a range of events during the year. They accept submission for web series and TV pilots.
- New on the Manchester scene triplesix festival specialises in horror and accept submissions for feature and short
- Film Vault takes place every month at Gulliver’s in manchester Northern Quarter showcasing indie, alternative and lowbudget feature and shorts and accept submissions all year round.
- Kinofilm organise both an international short film festival and regular regional filmmakers screenings (Kinoshorts) in various locations in and around Manchester. Check out their website & Facebook page for submission deadlines.
- If you’re after interesting film discussions – outside of the amazing programme of events we put on at HOME of course :D – head up to Texture in the Northern Quarter, where Screened organises a monthly screening followed by discussions with artists around the themes developed in the film.
- Bokeh Yeah! is a monthly meet up of DSLR filmmakers happening in Madlab in Manchester. Part workshop, knowledge sharing/demonstrating and screening.