The deadline for this year’s Foyle Film Festival Light in Motion (LIM) competition has been extended to Friday, October 9 to meet demand from filmmakers across the world.
The festival, now in its 28th year, is Northern Ireland’s only Oscar affiliated film festival and, one of only a handful of festivals with BAFTA and BIFA recognition.
From November 18 – 22, the festival, based in Derry~Londonderry, will offer filmmakers, animators and artists a unique platform to screen their films, network with industry professionals and gain access to the international market.
Over the past 16 years four different LIM competitors have all proceeded to Oscar wins, including Terry George, Martin McDonagh and, most recently Laurent Witz, for the animated feature ‘Mr Hublot’ in 2014.
Speaking about the importance of the festival, actor Ray Winstone (‘The Departed’, ‘Sexy Beast’) said: “I cannot over-emphasise the importance of festivals in general, and Foyle Film Festival in particular, in providing a platform for independent films dealing with subjects outside of mainstream cinema. I had the huge honour of launching the Foyle Film Festival in 2012 with Ashes, the first time the film had been shown on the big screen. Without the Foyle Film Festival, Ashes would not have received that platform or the exposure thereafter.”
The three competition categories under LIM are:
- Best Short Film
- Best Animation
- Best Documentary
Recipients of the LIM Award qualify for consideration in the Short Films category of the Academy Awards without needing the standard theatrical run.
All entries for the 2015 festival must be submitted through affiliated http://www.withoutabox.com. Entries shortlisted for each category will be screened during this year’s festival, which will take place from Wednesday, November 18 to Sunday, November 22 2015. The winners will be announced at the Light In Motion awards ceremony before the closing night film at Brunswick Moviebowl on Sunday, November 22. The LIM awards are sponsored by City of Derry Crystal.
The Foyle Film Festival is organised by the Nerve Centre, and funded by DCAL through Northern Ireland Screen and by Derry City and Strabane District Council.