ZSIGMOND VILMOS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Call for Application
Venue: Belvárosi Cinema, Szeged, Hungary
Date: 26 – 30 May 2020
‘Hungarian cameramen accompany the whole movie from the first thought till the last frame. This is the magic of Hungarian cameramen worldwide.'
The above citation is from the doyen of Hungarian cinematographers, György Illés, who was also the mentor of Vilmos Zsigmond. Zsigmond, the world-famous, Academy Award-winning cinematographer was born in Szeged and was also named honorary citizen of the town. He was extremely proud that the largest, more than 500 seated auditorium in the almost 100 years old Belvárosi Cinema – one of the biggest, most beautiful cinemas in Hungary – was named after him in 2005. The Zsigmond Vilmos International Film Festival was partly founded to keep his memory and his art alive.
Festival goals:
The Zsigmond Vilmos International Film Festival focuses on drawing attention to the work of cinematographers, one of the most important co-creators of a film, together with giving an opportunity to young artists to show their art. The festival jury will evaluate the films submitted to the festival primarily on the basis of the cinematography, but will also consider the overall artistic quality. Film submissions should, first of all, show unique and creative cinematography, which also characterised Vilmos Zsigmond’s work.
Beyond the competition we also wish to create a platform for young artists to meet and share their experiences, exchange their ideas.
Applicants:
The call is open to individual filmmakers and artistic communities without age restriction, but the festival organisers especially look forward to receiving films made by students majoring in film studies, directing or cinematography.
The call is open to FEATURE FILMS, SHORT FILMS, EXPERIMENTAL FILMS (including animations and even films made with mobile phones) completed after the 1st of January 2017. One filmmaker can submit more than one film. We do not pay rental fees or copyright fees for the films screened within the festival programme.
There is no entry fee.
Technical requirements
For viewing purposes we can only accept online screeners (on Youtube, Vimeo, etc.) with a password – if applicable – that will expire after the festival. All films should be subtitled in English. Please note that the viewing copy should be the final cut of the film submitted.
Submissions selected for the competition programme could be accepted only in DCP format.
Application deadline: 31st of January 2020, midnight (CET).
Part of the Call for Application is the Submission Policy HERE.
For filmmakers (1-2 people per film) whose films are selected in the competition programme the festival provides accommodation and catering
Evaluation:
Depending on the number of submissions, the films will be pre-selected by a jury of six to ten cinematographers, film directors or film professionals.
The competition programme of the festival will be announced on the 20th of March 2020.
After pre-selection the best films from the competition programme will be voted by an international jury chaired by Gábor Szabó (HSC) Béla Balázs Award-winning cinematographer, university teacher, director of photography of The Long Shadow (1991), the only film directed by Vilmos Zsigmond.
The honorary patron of the festival is Susan Zsigmond.
Festival awards:
Lifetime Achievement Award
Zsigmond Vilmos Award for Best Cinematography
Best Film in three categories (feature films, short films, experimental films) for cinematography and overall artistic qualities
Vision Team and Special Grip Hungary Award for the best young cinematographer
Szeged City Award
Critics’ Choice Award
Student Jury Award
Audience Award
The jury reserves the right not to present every award.
