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.

More information.

The partner festivals:

Amsterdam Independent Film Festival

Athens Documentary Film Festival

Boston Short 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