Chaplin Fest Call for Submissions | The Irish Film & Television Network

The festival has three strands which are; Comedy Film under both 30 and 5 minutes along; Social Commentary films; a section for the Chaplins of the Future. The deadline for receipt of submissions is June 1st.

Charlie Chaplin’s daughter, Josephine Chaplin is patron of the festival which will take place in the village of Waterville, Co. Kerry, the seaside village to which Chaplin was a frequent visitor. The festival director is Marita Hitmiansong and the chairman is Albert Walsh. The August festival looks to be a four day celebration of Chaplin’s work through film screenings, guest speakers, work-shops, entertainment. The programme of events has not yet been announced but submissions for the event’s competitions are currently being invited.

Festival director, Marita studied film at St Jonh’s College in Cork and has been a personal friend of the Chaplin family for years. She tells IFTN that the event was always going to be based in Ireland: ”Josephine [Chaplin] always wanted to have the festival take place in Waterville,”she explains. ”The whole Chaplin family love it here and it was the only place where Charlie was left alone.”

The competition will comprise of four sections, namely Comedy Film under 30 minutes; Comedy Film under 5 minutes; Social Commentary Film under 30 minutes and The Chaplin’s of the Future under 30 minutes. The last of these will only be open to children under 18 years of age. Submitted films must not have been made earlier than June 2009.

The films can be submitted in any format and should demonstrate a Charlie Chaplin approach. The judges will look for entries that offer social commentary, innovation, and reflect a pioneering aspect or spirit. All entries must be submitted no later than June 1st, 2011.

The Charlie Chaplin Comedy Film Festival is funded by the Irish Arts Council, Fáilte Ireland and individuals who have donated money through the patron and friend scheme on the festival’s website. The event’s key sponsor is TBC. For further competition details including submission guidelines, and to download an application form please visit www.charliechaplincomedyfilmfestival.com

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