connecting cultures program
One of our feature programs is the Connecting Cultures Program. As we, at The Bigger Screen, strive to connect people and cultures, this is where our focus is. Each year, we select ten countries and grant filmmakers from those areas the ability to submit their work free of charge to partner festivals all over the world. This opens the door of film exposure to those who may not otherwise be able to enter. As we support inclusivity and shareable films, this program exemplifies our mission.
Our country selections are far from random. Our committee chooses locations based on humanitarian aspects, culture needs and the financial situation of that specific region. We strive to provide support to filmmakers in these countries and allow them opportunities to share their art. In the first year of this program a total number of 4,750 films were submitted for free, generating a financial support of at least $45,000
Filmmakers based in the selected countries are entitled to enter their work free of charge by using the “The Bigger Screen Connecting Cultures Program” section on the FilmFreeway film submission page. We look forward to seeing these entries.
From March 2022 until February 2023 included, The Bigger Screen Connecting Cultures Program supports filmmakers based in the following countries: Eritrea, Yemen, Georgia, Palestine, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Nepal, Myanmar, Iran, Venezuela , Ukraine.
Besides promoting Connecting Cultures submissions to film festivals, The Bigger Screen also organizes specific Connecting Cultures screenings. It has done so in Brussels, Boston and Sydney.
The partner festivals:
Amsterdam Independent Film Festival
Athens Documentary Film Festival
Bruges International Film Festival
Brussels Independent Film Festival
Doc.Berlin Documentary Film Festival
Doc.Boston Documentary Film Festival
Doc.London Documentary Film Festival
Doc.Sydney Documentary Film Festival
Ghent International Short Film Festival
Ghent Viewpoint Documentary Film Festival
Hong Kong Arthouse Film Festival
Martinique International Film Festival
New Jersey Independent Film Festival
Somerville International Film Festival
Super Shorts London Film Festival
Super Shorts Los Angeles Film Festival
Super Shorts New York Film Festival
Toronto Arthouse Film Festival
Verona International Film Festival