A 21st Century Film Festival That Combines Award Shows and Screenings With the Ease of Social Media

The Various Artists independent Film Festival (VAiFF) enters its 5th year with more opportunities for young filmmakers looking for their big break or industry professionals looking for that next opportunity.

VAiFF is a nonprofit organization formed to fill the creative gap left from the recent budget cuts to various forms of artistic expressions. The festival is open to content providers from around the globe, regardless of age, race, sex or social status. VAiFF offers real world industry experiences for those who would not normally be able to afford it.

VAiFF is a unique festival that has four submission seasons throughout the year, Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer. Submissions from over 12 different countries from around the world have already submitted their projects.

The first difference that separates them from other film festivals is the fact that where other festivals have a 2-year completion restriction on projects being eligible, VAiFF, has no restriction. So, if a project was made 2 months ago or 20 years ago, as long as it’s completed, it’s eligible. “Determination, talent and good films have one thing in common, neither have an expiration date.” – Omar McClinton

Submissions are accepted online and cover ten different categories ranging from Animation, Family, Comedy, Documentary, Drama, Experimental, Foreign, Horror, Music Videos, and TV/Web Pilots.

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The second difference includes a social media component. It’s during these submission windows, where an industry familiar ‘view and vote’ occurs on their website. Previews of the submitted films appear on the website and the film with the most positive votes from its visitors will advance to their live yearly finale.

The next differentiating factor between VAiFF and other festivals — the caliber of judges. Real industry professional judges will then review the final 4 nominees in their categories and select a winner. Some of the judges over the years have included but not limited to: Bob Gale the Writer / Producer from the “Back to the Future” trilogy. Academy Award winner Chris Walas “The Fly” and fellow actor/producers Anjul Nigham from “Grey’s Anatomy” and D.B. Sweeney “Chi-Raq”.

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Finally, one winner will receive a one on one mentorship and a short film production grant for their next film.

For more information please visit www.vaiff.com