MBABANE – The European Union Film Festival is making waves once again and Alliance Française is calling all filmmakers and producers to be a part of this life-changing festival.
“The European Union Film Festival is around the corner and we are inviting local filmmakers to submit their short films for a chance to be featured alongside acclaimed works from across Europe. This is your moment to share your vision, creativity and voice with a wide and diverse audience,” read their Instagram caption.
The competition is looking for locals who can create short films with a strong, clear and compelling story with high production quality and high-resolution format, original, thought-provoking or uplifting content that reflects a unique perspective.
“Whether you’re an emerging talent or a seasoned creator, this festival is a fantastic platform to showcase your work, gain recognition and connect with fellow storytellers, industry professionals and film lovers from around the globe,” read their post.
EmaSwati who are interested in this field have been urged to join the competition, as their films may stand a chance to be screened as part of an esteemed international festival with exposure to a wide audience, including potential collaborators and mentors and a chance to be celebrated for their contribution to the local and global film landscape.
Criteria and rules for filmmakers
- Open to all from 18 to 30 years old emaSwati citizens (theme of this year’s festival: Youth)
- Call will be open from June 15 to August 15, 2025 (deadline to submit the productions)
- All films must be shot using a smartphone.
- Participation in the competition is free of charge.
- Only one film per participant will be accepted.
- Films must not exceed 3 minutes, including credits.
- All genres are accepted, as long as they relate to the competition’s theme.
- Films may be in English, siSwati or any other language, provided they include English subtitles.
- The film must be the participant’s original work and must not have been previously published or distributed in any form.
- The work must not infringe on copyright, trademarks, privacy, publicity or any other personal or property rights of any individual or entity.
- The participant must have the permission of all individuals appearing in the film and all individuals must be informed of their participation in the competition.
- Any issue arising from a copyright infringement is the sole responsibility of the participant. The organiser will not be held liable for any copyright violation.
- It is the participant’s responsibility to ensure that all necessary permits have been obtained for the production of the film.
- Any submission deemed defamatory or discriminatory at the discretion of the organiser will be disqualified.
Local film producer, Faro Nkambule urged locals to grab this opportunity with both hands as this is for their own benefit. “I urge all filmmakers to take this opportunity and submit and also attend the festival and network. This will help open doors for collaborations to ensure growth in the film industry,” he said.
The ten shortlisted films will be screened during the EU Film Festival 2025. The EUD will also appoint an international jury to award the Jury Prize, Best Editing Prize and Best Screenplay Prize. A fourth prize will be awarded by the public.
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