Deadline for Submissions: July 1, 2010
Festival Dates: September 2010 – Lethbridge Alberta
After a wildly successful premiere in September 2009, the preparations for this year’s Rhino in the Room International Queer Film Festival (RITR) are underway. The 2010 festival’s board of directors is looking to surpass last year’s groundbreaking event with bigger and better plans, including a completely new look for the Rhino. The three-day event will feature a guest speaker, two nights of film, and end with an after party at a local night hotspot. Last year, artists from all over the globe submitted twenty unique films. This year the Rhino wants you! The festival is accepting submissions from now until July 1, 2010.
The film festival is open to submissions from all types of filmmakers, from professional to DIY. From its conception, one of the goals of the festival has been to present films of all types, including but not limited to: short films, full feature films, documentaries, live action, and stop motion. Says festival director Heather Zarichney, “The great thing about Rhino is that if you have something to say, if you want to make a film, you can.” RITR seeks work that discusses all aspects of queer life, from serious and heartbreaking issues, such as discrimination and hate crimes, to the expression and celebration of queer lives, loves, and desires. People from all walks of life, including those with little or no film experience, are encouraged to submit their work for consideration.”At last year’s festival, there was only one local submission. This year we would love to see more of our local community members represented in RITR, which is really starting to make a name for itself that Lethbridge should be proud of,” says Zarichney.
In October 2008, the idea for a queer film festival in Lethbridge was born and cultivated by a small group of socially conscious individuals. They recognized the need for artists in or involved with the queer community to have a platform enabling them to express themselves through work representing the diversity of their lives. “There are so many talented filmmakers out there, and so many voices that just aren’t recognized. We want to recognize them,” says Zarichney. RITR seeks films that, without this kind of event, would never be seen by the Lethbridge community. “With the sponsorship and encouragement of community and local businesses behind us, the idea that was Rhino in the Room became a reality. We are very humbled by the local and worldwide support.” The hope for the future is that increasing numbers of people will continue to feel proud and confident enough to share their stories and to be themselves.
For more information, please visit: http://rhinofilmfest.wordpress.com/
Rhino in the room can also be found on Facebook and Twitter