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~ Happy Moondancers & Big Announcements!

THE FILM FESTIVAL WITHOUT BORDERS!

THE 2019 SELECTED FILMS PROGRAM IS HERE!

Pop up a big bowl of popcorn and

click the link above

to watch the 2019 winning films at home for free!

Order form for .pdf 2019 Award Certificates of Competition Status (Winner, Finalist or Semi-finalist), suitable for printing & framing, is available HERE, until October 31st:

WINNER, FINALIST & SEMI-FINALIST

CERTIFICATE ORDER FORM 

LAURELS: Congratulations to all the 2019 Moondance winners, finalists & semi-finalists!

You can find laurels to download for your status in the 2019 contest by clicking the laurel image above. 

These 12 Selected 2019 winning writers have been selected to post their winning 2019 script on Moondance’s longtime sponsor inktip.com website for free:

  • Avenging Angels by Jennifer Phillips
  • Cottage for Rent: Body Optional by Sable Jak
  • DYLAN by Dianne Lynn Gardner
  • I Am Antigone by Saudamini Siegrist
  • Maria Isabella Silvalessa by Hunter Ridgway
  • Mustang by Gordon Phipps
  • Nina Karenina by Gordon Phipps
  • The Beneficials – Heroes of the Soil by Paul Piccirillo
  • The Goblins & the Gravedigger by Kenny Chumbley
  • The Mountains Girls & Master’s Daughter by Amridin Saidibrokhimov
  • The Night Witches by Steven Prowse
  • Tweet by Victoria Morris

If you missed the 2019 submission deadline, the 2020 competition call-for-entries will open in December 2019. Subscribe now to the popular MOONDANCE NEWS-BLOG for the latest announcements, updates, info, insider tips & inspiration.

HAPPY MOONDANCERS WRITE US!

“I love this fest. This is the second time we’ve been selected and won. They are so warm and hospitable and definitely have a wonderful purpose. I highly recommend Moondance.” ~ D. L. Gardner

Moondance… does any other festival have a better name? I’m honored that you chose The Real Thing as a feature screenplay Finalist.” ~ Matthew Papadopoulos

“I wanted to thank Elizabeth English who runs this festival. She took the time to speak with me about my work and provided valuable feedback for improvements. That’s very rare to get a one-on-one.” ~ Jennifer Phillips

“Hello, Elizabeth and your wonderful team at the Moondance Intl. Film Festival, I’d like to take this initiative to thank you for giving us this amazing opportunity to bring our film, AFREEN, to your prestigious film festival. We are truly overwhelmed, obliged, thankful, and we could have not done this without your encouragement and support.” ~ Nicole

“We are very excited and deeply proud to be one of the winners of this year’s Moondance Film Festival.  This festival is particularly important to me as a woman who believes in using my art for activism. I have done a significant amount of pro bonowork over the past three years in this extremely challenging political climate. Thank you so much for all you do and for recognizing our film, BEFORE IT WAS TRUE. We are honored!” ~ Dana Offenbach

“The Moondance Festival is special in many ways. A festival with a long history, it does not advertise itself too much, and yet it is creative and intimate.Thanks to Elizabeth and her staff.”~ Julia Deak

“I just reviewed all the award winners for the 2019 Moondance, and am writing to send you my gratitude and love to you for providing such a wonderful opportunity for nobodies like me to get noticed. I have been so touched by your kindness in every note you’ve sent me. Count me among your chief admirers; it is a privilege to know you. May nothing but goodness come your way.” ~ Kenneth L. Chumbly

“Congratulations on another successful year. Thank you kindly for allowing me to be a part of it. Three’s Company Two is my first stage play and I am thrilled to be one of the semi-finalist. Thank you again for everything. Until the next time.” ~ Robert J. Morgalo

“So thrilled! Thank you so much for the win with Cottage for Rent. Let’s hope it gets picked up for a real TV show!” ~ Sable Jak

“Yours is a lovely festival with the best name out there…” ~ Matthew Papadopoulos

“I feel so grateful, affirmed, and excited by the short story category recognition this year. “Remembrance” was also selected as a quarterfinalist in the Screencraft Cinematic Short Story category; I’m wondering if this isn’t a message from the universe, telling me to adapt it into a short screenplay. I’ve spread the word to fellow Zoetropers (and Facebook friends) to start polishing up their work to submit, once your next contest period opens.” ~ Helen Beer

“Thank you for putting together such a worthwhile film festival, and running it beyond and above the professional level that I have experienced in other festivals. Sincerely” ~ Georgette Alfred

“Thank you so much for considering my film and my film went up to semifinalist. Truly amazing festival for independent film makers.” ~ AAA Productions UK

“My deepest heartfelt thank you to the Moondance Team. I am honored to be included in this great festival celebrating such stunning abilities in the art of expression.” ~ Renee Rubio

“It was an honour to have The Paper Boat selected as a Semi Finalist for Film Score. Although my participation was only online, Elizabeth English was personable and the experience valuable.~  Rachele Wildmare

“I’m thrilled my narrative feature “Prince Harming” was selected as semi-finalist by this wonderful festival. When I had questions, Elizabeth English got back to me right away and was very helpful.. As a result of being chosen I’ve gotten some great industry connections already and can’t wait to see what’s next!” ~ Marianne Hettinger

“Glad and proud to be part of it.” ~ Guido Maria Giordano

“Great festival, thank you for treating us so well!” ~ Russell Emanuel

“This is a wonderful festival I was proud to be part of it. Many thanks for everything.” ~ Michael Madden

“I was honored by having Moondance choose my movie. “Communication” was personal and extremely useful. All in all, I’m glad that I could participate in this special festival.” ~ Julia Deak

“Thank you to the Moondance Festival for providing opportunities for women writers and filmmakers. We were honoured that our short film “Honestly Charlotte” achieved semi-finalist status!” ~ Stevie Jackson

“Founder/Director Elizabeth English is passionate, tireless and a great communicator!” ~ Jan Stanton

“Very professional group of people with a great vision for filmmakers.” ~ James Carrroll

Very well organized and timely information.” ~ John McCarney

FILMFREEWAY MONDANCE 2019 OVERALL RATINGS BY REVIEWERS:

MOONDANCE 2019

WINNERS, FINALISTS & SEMI-FINALISTS LISTING

WINNER, FINALIST & SEMI-FINALIST

CERTIFICATE ORDER FORM

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~ June & the Moondance

The Film Festival Without Borders!

https://moondancefilmfestival.com

“Whatever you want to do, do it now. There are only so many tomorrows.” ~ Pope Paul VI

2019 JUNE CALL-FOR-ENTRIES!

FEATURE, SHORT, DOCUMENTARY, ANIMATION & DRONE FILMS, FEATURE & SHORT SCREENPLAYS, STAGE PLAYS, FILM SCORES & ORIGINAL MUSIC, SHORT STORIES, TV PILOTS, TREATMENTS, and more!

CHECK OUT ALL THE SUBMISSION CATEGORIES HERE! 

FILMS    WRITTEN WORKS    ORIGINAL MUSIC

CLICK: 

OR CLICK:

JUNE IS PRIDE MONTH!

Moondance celebrates the stories shared from talented LGBTQ+ filmmakers, writers & music composers. The film festival & competition is a platform for anyone to share their stories with the world. The international LGBTQ+ community is vast, and whether you identify as LGBTQ+ or not, you can have a unique opportunity to represent the community at large when you share your story! For those of you sharing your own stories of being LGBTQ+, thank you, and thank you, too, for being supportive, being open, and seeking to expand your perspective.

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A Moondance Hello & Some Reminders!

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“You have powers you never dreamed of. You can do things you never thought you could do. There are no limitations in what you can do, except for the limitations of your own mind.” ~ Darwin P. KingsleySTARFISH

Thanks a million to all the many talented filmmakers, writers, composers, audiences, event staff and volunteers who participated in the 2016 Moondance International Film Festival & made it another memorable season!

www.moondancefilmfestival.com

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FOR INFO ON THE 2016 MOONDANCE,

PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINKS LOCATED ON THE WEBSITE:

FILM PROGRAM FILM DESCRIPTIONS •  FILMS SCREENED •  KEYNOTE & MASTER CLASSWORKSHOPSWINNERS, FINALISTS & SEMI-FINALISTSNETWORKING EVENTS  •  AWARDS CEREMONY & RECEPTION 2016 BEST ACTOR AWARDS • AUDIENCE FAVORITE FILMS • MOONDANCE SUCCESSESMISSION STATEMENT

The 2016 Moondance Photo Album is coming soon! 

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Winners Anna & Adrian

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ATTENTION: 2016 WINNERS, FINALISTS & SEMI-FINALISTS:

You can download any laurels for which you are eligible HERE!

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ATTENTION 2016 SELECTED FILMMAKERS & WINNERS!

The Moondance winners’ star award

CLICK ON THE STAR IMAGE, FOR INFO ON AWARD CATEGORIES!

If you would like to have us send you back your Blu-ray screener, or if you were not able to attend the awards ceremony, & want us to send you your winner’s award star & certificate, please click HERE for the form to request it & pay only the minimal postage & handling.

RED MAILBOX

The final deadline for ordering is October 15th!

STARFISH

HOLLYWOOD SIGN:BLUE SKY

“Movies are just another form of merchandising – we have our factory, which is called a stage; we make a product, we color it, we title it, and we ship it out in a can, and then try to convince people to buy it.” ~ Cary Grant

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Please subscribe to the blog & forward it to your creative artist colleagues!

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

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[email protected]

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Moondance 2016 Wrap-Up & Announcements!

*THANKS IN SAND

The 17th annual Moondance International Film Festival was a grand success for everyone who attended; audiences, indie film buffs, filmmakers, writers, composers, workshops & master class presenters, staff & volunteers, and a productive, good time was had by all! We thank you all for your valued participation, enthusiasm  & for every one of those great films!

www.moondancefilmfestival.com

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THANKS A MILLION TO ALL OF OUR 2016

EXECUTIVE STAFF, VOLUNTEERS & BOARD OF ADVISORS!

VERY SPECIAL THANKS GO OUT TO:

RachelMainsRACHEL MAINS

Events Coordinator, Volunteers Coordinator & Ticket Sales Coordinator

CassiaHendricksonCASSIA HENDRICKSON

Film Screenings Coordinator & Moondance Website Developer

Vic Sarin - smallVIC SARIN

Film Director, Keynote Speaker & Master Class Presenter

  • Alan Rogers • Sponsorships Coordinator
  • Michael Wallace & Cos Lindstrom • Official Festival Photographers
  • Miguel Carson,  Sean Kearney, Zach Miller • Projectionists
  • Lynn Patrick • Awards Ceremony & Reception Musician
  • Jasmine Sahu • Written Works Feedback Coordinator
  • Chris Anastasiadis • Board Of Advisors
  • Vittoria Colonna • Board Of Advisors
  • Olga Rojer • Board Of Advisors

MEET THE 2016 MOONDANCE TEAM

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FOR INFO ON THE 2016 MOONDANCE, PLEASE CLICK ON THESE LINKS:

FILM PROGRAM • FILM DESCRIPTIONS •  FILMS SCREENED  •  KEYNOTE & MASTER CLASS  •  WORKSHOPS •  WINNERS, FINALISTS & SEMI-FINALISTS   •  NETWORKING EVENTS   •  AWARDS CEREMONY & RECEPTION  • 2016 BEST ACTOR AWARDS • MOONDANCE SUCCESSES • MISSION STATEMENT

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ATTENTION: 2016 WINNERS, FINALISTS & SEMI-FINALISTS:

You can download laurels for which you are eligible HERE!

2016-laurel-winner-image

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ATTENTION 2016 SELECTED FILMMAKERS & WINNERS!

AWARD STAR

CLICK ON THE STAR FOR INFO ON AWARD CATEGORIES!

If you would like to have us send you back your Blu-ray screener, or if you were not able to attend the awards ceremony, & want us to send you your award star & certificate, please click HERE for the form to request it & pay only the minimal postage & handling.

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2016 AUDIENCE FAVORITE FILMS ANNOUNCED!

• FEATURE FILMS:

A Shine of Rainbows Vic Sarin Canada

Mousse John Hellberg Sweden

The Dawns Here Are Quiet… Renat Davletyarov Russia

Tomorrow Ever After Ela Their USA

• FEATURE DOCUMENTARY FILMS:

Rivering            Bill Parks            New Zealand

The Boy From Geita            Vic Sarin            Canada

Unit 731            Chris Nebe            USA

• SHORT FILMS:

A Game of Chicken            Michael Hilf                        USA

A Wilderness Within            Vangelis Maderakis            Greece

Behind the Wall            Bat-Sheva Guez            USA

Omessa            Charlène Favier            France

Play Date            Paige Morrow Kimball            USA

Sandboy            Vittoria Colonna            USA

The Sky Over Berlin of My Childhood            Bakhtiyar Islamov            Kazakhstan

The Windfisherman            Anna McRoberts            USA

• SHORT DOCUMENTARY FILMS:

Displaced            Niamh Heery            Ireland

Meeting With the Leaf            Fazlollah Tari            Iran

The More Things Change                        Nathan Myers            USA

• MUSIC VIDEO:

Heaven’s Falling            Kimberley Williams            USA

• ANIMATION FILMS:

Ella            Juan Montes de Oca            Spain

The Diver            Damon Mohl            USA

• WORKS-IN-PROGRESS / SNEAK PREVIEW FILM:

Hey!            Alex Jovanoski            Germany

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MOONDANCERS WRITE US!

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• “I’d like to thank you and your team for a wonderful weekend. Everyone at the Moondance festival worked so hard and maintained their smiles throughout. I truly appreciate all your help and the aid of the volunteers, in particular Rachel and Cassia for making this weekend memorable. Your enthusiasm is an inspiration!” ~ Lianne Collinson, personal assistant to Vic Sarin, director of Moondance winning films, A Shine of Rainbows & The Boy from Geita

• “Thank you for curating a festival with integrity. I loved the films I saw (which isn’t usually the case at festivals…) I love your taste in films and you clearly take the time to watch submissions.” ~ Ela Their, Winning Moondance 2016 feature film, Tomorrow Ever After

• “I just wanted to say thank you so much for selecting Displaced as winner of the Short Documentary Film category at Moondance this year. I just checked your website and I’m over the moon! (Pardon the pun!) A festival like yours is exactly why I make films, the fact that you guys focus on women, focus on social justice and global issues and work hard to promote it is very admirable and I’m thrilled to be a small part of it. As I’m thousands of miles away in Ireland and cannot get to the festival this year, I wish you the very best of luck with all the screenings and events, and thank you again for exhibiting Displaced.” ~ Niamh Heery

• “My friends and family came to my screening on Sunday and said that they had a wonderful time.  Congratulations on a successful event! ~ Bat-Sheva Guez, 2016 Moondance winner for Behind the Wall

• “Thanks again to you and your staff for making my wife (Gwen) and me feel so welcomed to your wonderful festival. Really enjoyed the time I got to spend with you, and our conversations. I hope our paths cross again.” ~ Jay Kettering, Moondance winning audio play, My Dad & Pre-Socratic Thought

• “Thank you for awarding LUDLOW a first place prize for feature screenwriting. I was pleased to no end to be honored and to receive the Seahorse Award. Barbara and I enjoyed watching A Shine of Rainbows and Rivering, entirely different movies, but both good stories filmed in beautiful locations. ~ Bruce Leaf, multi-award-winning screenwriter

“Fine festival for screenwriters. Good and timely communication make this a recommended festival for screenwriters, both new and experienced.” ~ Jim Norman, FilmFreeway 5 Star Review review

• “Just a note to thank you for having me in Boulder. You work hard and have your heart at the right places. I am happy to meet you and that I was able to spend a little time with you. Please also thank the volunteers whom I met, as they were all very kind and caring. I hope our paths cross again in the future.” ~ Vic Sarin, director, winning Moondance films, A Shine of Rainbows & The Boy from Geita, Sepia films

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MOONDANCE IN THE NEWS:

IRAN BAGS 3 AWARDS AT MOONDANCE FILMFEST.

TEHRAN, Sep. 14 (MNA) – Three Iranian films, including ‘The Sea and the Flying Fish’, have been awarded prizes at the Moondance International Film Festival in the US. ‘The Sea and the Flying Fish’ directed by Mehrdad Ghafarzadeh won Best Feature Film award alongside titles from Canada, Germany, Russia and the US. The film is about a young innocent deaf and dumb inmate of a correctional camp who communicates through painting. ‘The Sea and the Flying Fish’ has previously won the Best Actor award at Spain’s film festival.

Atlan

‘Atlan’ directed by Moein Karimoddini won the Feature Documentary Film award at the festival. The film relates the story of a horse-trainer, Ali Golnejad and his beloved horse, Ilhan, which is supposed to bring much success and glory to the family. In the short film category, ‘The Salt Man’ directed by Sajad Mousavi won an award along with other titles from US, Ireland, France, and Kazakhstan.

Moondance International Film Festival, popularly known as the “American Cannes”, is one of the premier venues for the exhibition and promotion of feature and short films in the US, and one of the leading indie film festivals in the world. This 17th edition of the festival took place on September 4th and 5th, 2016.

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SOME THINGS TO THNK ABOUT NOW:

CANDLE SCONCE BY MIRROR

“The world is a mirror; growl at it, and it growls in return. Smile, and the world smiles back at you.” ~ Herbert Samuel

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”Sunrise” miriadna.com

”Sunrise” miriadna.com

“Cease to ask what the morrow will bring forth. Set down as a gain each day that fortune grants.” ~ Eudora Welty

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‪Photo by misskarenmarquez.edublogs.org

Photo by misskarenmarquez.edublogs.org

“Life is the perpetual present moment one lives in, and a perception that time is nothing more than the current…an eternal flowing back to the sea.” ~William Least Heat-Moon, author, “River Horse”

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BUDDHA + LOTUS

When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” ~ Zen Buddhist Proverb

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“How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours.” ~ Wayne W. Dyer

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Please forward this news-blog to your creative artist colleagues!

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Moondance has always been, and continues to be, a “Green” event!

No trees or natural habitats were harmed in the creation of this news-blog!

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Your 2016 Moondance Film Festival Invitation!

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A 2016 MOONDANCE FILM FESTIVAL INVITATION JUST FOR YOU:

Come Join the Moondance!

www.moondancefilmfestival.com

Come join us, in beautiful Boulder, Colorado for the 17th annual Moondance!

SUNDAY & MONDAY ~ SEPTEMBER 4th & 5th

>> GET YOUR ADVANCE FILM FESTIVAL TICKETS HERE!<<<

3 red tickets-small

Tickets for all events are available in the lobby of the St. Julien Hotel venue, on September 4th & 5th, starting at 10:AM each day.

DON’T MISS THESE UNIQUE EVENTS AT THE 2016 FILM FESTIVAL:

  • INDIE FILM SCREENINGS (documentaries, animation, music videos, foreign, feature & short films)
  • TITLES & LOGLINES WORKSHOP FOR FILMMAKERS, WRITERS & COMPOSERS
  • DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKING IN CHINA WORKSHOP
  • PRODUCTIVE NETWORKING PARTIES & EVENTS DAILY
  • CELEBRITY APPEARANCE & PHOTO-OPS
  • CELEBRITY KEYNOTE SPEAKER/MASTER CLASS: VIC SARIN ON MAKING FILMS YOU BELIEVE IN!
  • PRIVATE CONSULTATIONS WITH THE PROS
  • Q&As WITH THE FILM DIRECTORS
  • AFTER-PARTIES EACH EVENING
  • LINKEDIN, STAGE 32 & FILMFREEWAY GET-TOGETHERS
  • GALA AWARDS CEREMONY & BANQUET RECEPTION!

CHECK OUT THESE LINKS FOR MORE INFO & DETAILS:

MIFF TEXT BANNER WIDE

The Moondance International Film Festival, now celebrating its 17th successful anniversary, and featuring its distinct cinematic visions and bold film selections, has distinguished itself around the world as much more than an annual film festival! The Moondance is a unique community, a supportive, productive, and creative year-round collaboration between independent filmmakers and movie audiences, between writers, music composers and the world of top-quality filmed entertainment.

We are very pleased to have secured the best venue for screening Moondance films in historic, beautiful downtown Boulder. The world-class St. Julien Hotel & Spa in downtown Boulder is one of the West’s most prestigious luxury hotels, and stands at the forefront of special event spaces in the Rocky Mountain region.

GET YOUR ADVANCE FILM FESTIVAL TICKETS HERE:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2016-moondance-international-film-festival-tickets-26988150284

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FilmFestivalSurvivalGuide

Volunteer-Signup

 2016 MOONDANCE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES!

 Dear Friends, Moondancers, Supporters, Donors & Sponsors,

If you’d like to consider a unique sponsorship at Moondance, to further promote your company or product to our international audiences & event attendees, please take a look at our Sponsorship Categories, and contact our sponsorships coordinator, Alan Rogers, at: [email protected]

SPONSORSHIP CATEGORIES

SPONSORSHIP FAQ

BECOME A MOONDANCE PARTNER

FESTIVAL LOCAL ECONOMIC IMPACT

FILM FESTIVALS ARE GOOD BUSINESS!

Thanks a million for your interest in a mutually-beneficial working relationship with the 2016 Moondance International Film Festival!

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A MOONDANCER WRITES US:

“I wanted to let you know that I was contacted by a sales company, Circus Road Films, and by a distribution company named Silverline Entertainment. Both found my film on the Moondance roster and requested a screener, which I sent them. One of the things I liked reading about Moondance is your investment not only in the festival itself, but in helping filmmakers get through industry doors – which has been tough, to say the least. Thanks for curating an important and much-needed festival. As a woman director, the added hurdles I face daily can feel insurmountable, and your work keeps women like me going.” ~ Ela Their, director, “Tomorrow Ever After”,  film screening at Moondance 2016

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www.moondancefilmfestival.com

• MEET THE 2016 MOONDANCE TEAM!

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 QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

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EMAIL: [email protected]

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Get Ready: Moondance 2016 Is Coming Up!

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Come join us, in beautiful Boulder, Colorado!

SUNDAY & MONDAY ~ SEPTEMBER 4th & 5th

>>> GET YOUR ADVANCE FILM FESTIVAL TICKETS HERE!<<<

DON’T MISS THESE EVENTS AT THE 2016 FILM FESTIVAL:

  • INDIE FILM SCREENINGS (documentaries, animation, music videos, foreign, feature & short films)
  • PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOPS FOR FILMMAKERS, WRITERS & COMPOSERS
  • PRODUCTIVE NETWORKING PARTIES & EVENTS DAILY
  • CELEBRITY APPEARANCE & PHOTO-OPS
  • CELEBRITY KEYNOTE SPEAKER/MASTER CLASS: VIC SARIN ON MAKING FILMS YOU BELIEVE IN!
  • PRIVATE CONSULTATIONS WITH THE PROS
  • Q&As WITH THE FILM DIRECTORS
  • AFTER-PARTIES EACH EVENING
  • LINKEDIN & STAGE 32 GET-TOGETHERS
  • GALA AWARDS CEREMONY & BANQUET RECEPTION!

CLICK THESE LINKS FOR MORE INFO & DETAILS:

FILM FESTIVAL SCHEDULE  •  FILM PROGRAM FILM DESCRIPTIONS •  FILMS TO BE SCREENED  •  KEYNOTE & MASTER CLASS  •  WORKSHOP  •  PURCHASE TICKETS  •  WINNERS, FINALISTS & SEMI-FINALISTS   •  NETWORKING EVENTS   •  AWARDS CEREMONY & RECEPTION  •  TRAVEL TIPS  •  LODGING  •  MOONDANCE SUCCESSES MISSION STATEMENT 2016 BEST ACTOR AWARDS

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>>> GET YOUR ADVANCE FILM FESTIVAL TICKETS HERE!<<<

Tickets for all events will also be available at the registrations & ticket sales table in the lobby of the St. Julien Hotel venue, on September 4th & 5th, starting at 10:AM each day.

We are very pleased to have secured the best venue for screening Moondance films in historic, beautiful Boulder. The world-class St. Julien Hotel & Spa in downtown Boulder is one of the West’s most prestigious luxury hotels, and stands at the forefront of special event spaces in the Rocky Mountain region.

BOULDER FLATIRONS & WILDFLOWERS

  • The 17th annual Moondance International Film Festival, featuring its distinct cinematic visions and bold film selections, has distinguished itself around the world as much more than a popular annual film festival! The Moondance is a unique community, a supportive, productive, and creative year-round collaboration between independent filmmakers and movie audiences, between writers, music composers and the world of top-quality filmed entertainment.
  • Moondancers are part of an amazing worldwide community; a unique collaboration of multi-talented writers, film score composers and filmmakers. The Moondance mission is to entertain, inform, inspire, encourage and educate. We honor those artists who, through their creative work, actively increase awareness, provide multiple viewpoints, address complex social issues, and strengthen ties between international audiences At Moondance, you can come together with other writers, directors and producers to create new opportunities, develop tools for success and forge new alliances within the international film and entertainment industry.

--MOONDANCE WINNERS W-STARS

SOME HAPPY 2014 MOONDANCE WINNERS!

  • The uniqueness and integrity of The Moondance International Film Festival brand, its global reputation for the highest quality, as well as its important mission and goals, and now celebrating our 17th season, is a rare and unmatchable asset. Talented filmmakers, writers and composers from around the world submit their work to the annual Moondance competition; enthusiastic audiences attend the film festival’s screenings of the best indie films, its professional workshops and popular networking events.

Magic hat and wand with multicolor stars twirl, isolated on white background, with clipping path

WANT TO HELP OUT DURING THE 2016 FILM FESTIVAL?

See our list of volunteer & intern opportunities & sign-up form HERE:

Our dedicated volunteers & interns help make this event so successful!

  • Volunteers & interns can earn free tickets to films & workshops, based on volunteer hours!

FilmFestivalSurvivalGuide

2016 MOONDANCE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES!

Dear Friends, Moondancers, Supporters, Donors & Sponsors, If you’d like to consider a unique sponsorship at Moondance, to further promote your company or product to our international audiences & event attendees, please take a look at our Sponsorship Categories, and contact Elizabeth English at: [email protected]

MIFF TEXT BANNER WIDE

SPONSORSHIP CATEGORIES

SPONSORSHIP FAQ

BECOME A MOONDANCE PARTNER

FESTIVAL LOCAL ECONOMIC IMPACT

FILM FESTIVALS ARE GOOD BUSINESS!

Thanks a million for your interest in a mutually-beneficial working relationship with the 2016 Moondance International Film Festival!

J-MIFF FLAGS

MOONDANCERS COME FROM AROUND THE WORLD!

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A MOONDANCER WRITES US:

Thank you SO much for the wonderful news! I am looking into travel prices, and will most likely attend the festival. I am extremely impressed by how organized the festival seems, and how informative the website is. Thank you very much for selecting my film, “Square One”. ~ Ryan Slattery

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www.moondancefilmfestival.com

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Please forward this news-blog to your creative artist colleagues!

 QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

EMAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: www.moondancefilmfestival.com

BLOG: www.moondancefilmfestival.com/blog

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Moondance Announces 2016 Film Program & Winners List!

You Can Make a Big Splash at the 2016 Moondance!

Photo by Clark Little

Photo by Clark Little

MIFF TEXT BANNER

Come join us, in beautiful Boulder, Colorado!

SUNDAY & MONDAY ~ SEPTEMBER 4th & 5th

DON’T MISS THESE PLANNED EVENTS AT THE 2016 FILM FESTIVAL:

  • INDIE FILM SCREENINGS (documentaries, animation, music videos, foreign, feature & short films)
  • PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOPS FOR FILMMAKERS, WRITERS & COMPOSERS
  • PRODUCTIVE NETWORKING PARTIES & EVENTS DAILY
  • CELEBRITY APPEARANCE & PHOTO-OPS
  • CELEBRITY KEYNOTE SPEAKER/MASTER CLASS: VIC SARIN ON MAKING FILMS YOU BELIEVE IN!
  • PRIVATE CONSULTATIONS WITH THE PROS
  • Q&As WITH THE FILM DIRECTORS
  • AFTER-PARTIES EACH EVENING
  • LINKEDIN & STAGE 32 GET-TOGETHERS
  • GALA AWARDS CEREMONY & BANQUET RECEPTION!

CLICK ON THESE LINKS FOR DETAILS & MORE INFO:

3 red tickets-small

>>> GET YOUR ADVANCE FILM FESTIVAL TICKETS HERE!<<<

EVENTBRITE LOGO SMALL

Tickets for all events will also be available at the registrations & ticket sales table in the lobby of the St. Julien Hotel venue, on September 4th & 5th, starting at 10:AM each day.

We are very pleased to have secured the very best venue for the 2016 film festival and for screening Moondance films in historic, beautiful Boulder. The world-class St. Julien Hotel & Spa in downtown Boulder is one of the West’s most prestigious luxury hotels, and it stands at the forefront of special event spaces in the Rocky Mountain region.

Gazebo St. Julien

  • The 17th annual Moondance International Film Festival, featuring its distinct cinematic visions and bold film selections, has distinguished itself around the world as much more than a popular annual film festival! The Moondance is a unique community, a supportive, productive, and creative year-round collaboration between independent filmmakers and movie audiences, between writers, music composers and the world of top-quality filmed entertainment.
  • True to the spirit of the best of important and meaningful films, professional workshops, networking events, and so on, Moondance is supported and attended by those people who value the best in quality indie films, as well as the Moondance mission, and share a passion for the power of great films to entertain, inspire, encourage, educate and challenge peoples’ perceptions.
  • Moondancers are part of an amazing worldwide community; a unique collaboration of multi-talented writers, film score composers and filmmakers. The Moondance mission is to entertain, inform, inspire, encourage and educate. We honor those artists who, through their creative work, actively increase awareness, provide multiple viewpoints, address complex social issues, and strengthen ties between international audiences At Moondance, you can come together with other writers, directors and producers to create new opportunities, develop tools for success and forge new alliances within the international film and entertainment industry.
  • The uniqueness and integrity of The Moondance International Film Festival brand, its global reputation for the highest quality, as well as its important mission and goals, and now celebrating our 15th season, is a rare and unmatchable asset. Talented filmmakers, writers and composers from around the world submit their work to the annual Moondance competition; enthusiastic audiences attend the film festival’s screenings of the best indie films, its professional workshops and popular networking events.
  • Being fearless & bold, Moondance is a film festival where monotonous conformity is considered mediocrity, and extravagant individualism, innovation, uniqueness and experimentation is encouraged, awarded and applauded!

FilmFestivalSurvivalGuide

Volunteer-Signup

www.moondancefilmfestival.com

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2016 MOONDANCE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES!

Dear Friends, Moondancers, Supporters, Donors & Sponsors, If you’d like to consider a unique sponsorship at Moondance, to further promote your company or product to our international audiences & event attendees, please take a look at our Sponsorship Categories, and contact our sponsorships coordinator, Alan Rogers, at: [email protected]

SPONSORSHIP CATEGORIES

SPONSORSHIP FAQ

BECOME A MOONDANCE PARTNER

FESTIVAL LOCAL ECONOMIC IMPACT

FILM FESTIVALS ARE GOOD BUSINESS!

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Thanks a million for your interest in a mutually-beneficial working relationship with the 2016 Moondance International Film Festival!

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A MOONDANCER WRITES US:

“I found your critique of my screenplay valuable, personal and sincere. My imagination has already devised ways to incorporate some of your suggestions into thrilling and humorous ways, creating greater conflict for more nail-biting angst. Let the rewrite begin! I appreciate the time and consideration your have given this work. I received so much more value than I anticipated.“ Gratefully, Meredith Schatz, Germany

CLICK HERE FOR FEEDBACK SUBMISSIONS  

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MOONDANCER NEWS

ROME LITTLE THEATRE ANNOUNCES AUDITIONS FOR FRED PERRY’S THE ASCENSION OF TWYLA POTTS! RLT announces auditions for Fred Perry’s two act comedy The Ascension of Twyla Potts. This show has won widespread acclaim, including 1st place in the stageplay category at the 2015 Moondance International Film Festival, the 2013 London Film Awards and The Special Marquee Award at the 2013 American Movie Awards. The play is being produced and presented by special arrangement with Heartland Plays, Inc. (CoosaValleyNews.com, Rome, Georgia)

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SOMETHING TO CONSIDER:

By Lou Hamilton

DANCING BY THE OCEAN

Life is ebb and flow, there’s time for speed and a time to slow down. Think of a garden; you don’t plant a seed and expect to see a tree the next day. The art of patience allows for a natural pace, the need for speed forces artificial pressure on a creative process. Think of Genetically Modified Foods. They grow quick and taste of nothing. In the film industry we use the three pronged model: quick, cheap, good. You can only have two of the three. Quick and cheap, but not good. Quick and good, but not cheap. Cheap and good but not quick. “Even instant gratification takes too long” Carrie Fisher is quoted as saying. When you slow down you simply do things better. Eating, sleeping, making love, creating, inventing, designing all become better when slowness is your modus operandi. READ MORE:

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 QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

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EMAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: www.moondancefilmfestival.com

BLOG: www.moondancefilmfestival.com/blog

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Moondance Film Festival 2016 July news & info!

HORSE STAMPEDE

Thanks a million to all those talented filmmakers, writers & composers who submitted their fine projects to the 2016 Moondance competition!

 The final, extended 2016 call-for-entries deadline was June 30th 

Moondance founder & director, Elizabeth English, with 8’ white python, at Kok River, in Thailand, January 2013

Moondance founder & director, Elizabeth English, in Thailand,

Previews, judging, selecting and programming are in the works now!

 Announcements will be made in this news-blog, and on the MIFF website in August!

STAY TUNED!

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www.moondancefilmfestival.com

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WHAT’S IN THIS NEWS-BLOG?

  • Thanks for all the 2016 competition submissions
  • 2016 film festival info & events
  • Festival volunteer info
  • Moondancers endorse us
  • Travel tips
  • Lodging info
  • Film festival survival guide
  • Moondance E-Zine
  • Boulder news
  • Moondance recommendations
  • Some things to think about

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Come join us, in beautiful Boulder, Colorado!

SUNDAY & MONDAY ~ SEPTEMBER 4th & 5th

DON’T MISS THESE PLANNED EVENTS AT THE 2016 FILM FESTIVAL:

  • INDIE FILM SCREENINGS (documentaries, animation, music videos, foreign, feature & short films)
  • PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOPS FOR FILMMAKERS, WRITERS & COMPOSERS
  • PRODUCTIVE NETWORKING PARTIES & EVENTS DAILY
  • CELEBRITY APPEARANCE & PHOTO-OPS
  • CELEBRITY KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Film Director Vic Sarin
  • PRIVATE CONSULTATIONS WITH THE PROS
  • Q&As WITH THE FILM DIRECTORS
  • AFTER-PARTIES EACH EVENING
  • LINKEDIN & STAGE 32 GET-TOGETHERS
  • GALA AWARDS CEREMONY & BANQUET RECEPTION!
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Awards Ceremony & Reception venue

TRAVEL TIPS   •   LODGING INFO

FilmFestivalSurvivalGuide

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>>> FESTIVAL TICKETS GO ON SALE SOON! <<<

Volunteer Signup

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MOONDANCERS ENDORSE US!

Free hugs B&W

  • “As a Screenwriter I feel it’s very important to support film fests! Moondance is one to watch and participate in. It’s events like this that allow true talent to shine through.” ~ Stacey Arcangel
  • Elizabeth is an amazingly creative and energetic individual! The Moondance Festival exists because of her initiative and continued enthusiasm. I was an award-winner at Moondance twice for my screenplays and another time for a short story. I attended two festivals, once in Boulder and once in Hollywood! Unforgetable!” ~ Bonnie Maffei
  • I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Elizabeth – she is a consummate professional, whose passion and unique vision inspires others to excel.” ~ Marina Albert
  • “Moondance…! It is a remarkable blog. It is chance to reach your dreams.” ~ Kvachenyuk-Boretsky Alexander
  • “Elizabeth English is Executive Director for one of the best film festivals around, the Moondance Film Festival. Since she’s been at the helm, the festival has grown tremendously. She makes herself readily accessible and disseminates information thoroughly and in a timely fashion. She’s great at coordinating and a team leader.” ~ Sonya Alexander
  • Thank you very much for your consideration and for all that you are doing to make the world a better place by showcasing meaningful films.” ~ Paige Morrow Kimball

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CHECK OUT THE MOONDANCE E-ZINE

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Illustration by Lou Hamilton

Don’t miss reading articles on great filmmaking, writing & music, written by the pros exclusively for Moondancers. Read about: how to win a screenplay competition; how to win a film festival competition; winning titles & loglines for films & scripts; screenplay submissions; movie script writing; writing character, dialog & action; how to get an agent; what Hollywood wants to see; directing indie films, documentaries, short films, animation; film scores; stage plays; short stories; TV MOW; TV pilots; kids films; music videos; radio plays, and more!

Gromit, Aardman animation, UK

Gromit, Aardman Animation, UK

MOONDANCE E-ZINE

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Kids on path

I am very passionate about creating films that will make a difference in this world. I understand that the purpose of movies is entertainment, but I also believe that we have the responsibility to create content that will not influence future generations in a negative way.” ~ Jonathan Matamoros, President and CEO at The Truth Television

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GREAT FILM DIRECTORS ON CINEMA & PEACE

“Nonviolence, pacifism, that’s the greatest thing that I think the human species must aspire to, because otherwise, we’re not going to be around.” ~ Martin Scorsese

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“Going to the cinema is like returning to the womb; you sit there, still and meditative, in the darkness, waiting for life to appear on the screen.” ~ Federico Fellini

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THE MOVIE AUDIENCE EXPERIENCE

“The movie-going experience is like going on a first date, and ending possibly “with benefits”. You see an advertisement for a film, read or hear promotions about it from others, become interested in seeing it, find out where it’s playing, go to the theater, pay for your ticket, get some popcorn, candy & a soda, find your best seat, wait in the dark, in anticipation, but unsure if it’ll be to your liking, or not. The film starts, you begin watching it, and soon have a sense of recognizing the scenes, of being in the story, of being involved, one of the characters and in a situation you can relate to. The film score music puts you in the mood, and you gradually experience an almost total suspension of disbelief.

Depending on the plot & storyline, you begin to care about the characters, the outcome, you worry or are scared or are happy with the action, you think you know what will happen, you look forward to a good ending. Finally, the hoped-for climax arrives, you feel satisfied, the lights come on, you are back to the real world, you go outside & maybe have a cigarette, and discuss the film’s merits or deficiencies with others. “ ~ Elizabeth English

AIRPLANE!

“Airplane!”, Paramount Pictures

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BOULDER NEWS:

BOULDER NAMED U.S. EARTH HOUR CAPITAL

By John Bear, Daily Camera Staff Writer

BOULDER FLATIRONS & TRAIL

Boulder Flatirons Trail

June 29, 2016. Boulder has been designated the 2016 U.S. Earth Hour Capital by the World Wildlife Fund, a year-long challenge to encourage and recognize cities working to reduce their carbon footprint and respond to climate change threats. Boulder was chosen from 16 other US cities this year, according to a news release. The Earth Hour City Challenge included 21 countries this year.

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MOONDANCE SUPPORTS & RECOMMENDS:

~ NATURE’S TRUTH ~

Beautiful, powerful images & sadly true.

Click on image below to view slide show:

ELEPHANTS & MT. KILIMANJAROnatures-truth

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AMAZON RAINFOREST

You can’t replace old-growth rainforest lost to development. Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever. What took decades and generations to grow can be destroyed in a single afternoon — and this devastation is happening around the world, every day. Rainforests are home to more plants and animals than just about anywhere else on the planet. But more than half of these forests have already been destroyed. Forests that once seemed limitless have been devastated — cleared and charred to make way for farms, mines and roads, illegal logging and unsustainable development.

MACAWS IN RAINFOREST

Rainforests aren’t the only natural treasure at real risk of disappearing. Today’s threats to nature are like none we’ve ever seen before in history. Every minute of every day we see habitat eroded, wild animals threatened, and the resources we need to survive disappearing. We all have a responsibility to preserve this planet not just for ourselves, but for our children and grandchildren, before it’s too late.

We must save what’s left, while there’s still time. 

There are no second chances for our planet, and there is no second nature.

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It’s up to people like you and me who cherish our natural world to take action.

PLEASE DONATE NOW.

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Greenpeace Australia Pacific

AMAZON KID WITH ANIMAL ON HEAD

Until very recently not many people had heard of the Munduruku People. Now, over 1 million people from around the world are standing with them to protect the heart of the Amazon. That’s a phenomenal surge of support! When the Munduruku reached out to us asking us to help save their homes and the Amazon from a destructive mega-dam, we never imagined the amazing response we’d get.

Volunteers came to help them push for formal recognition of their land. Major newspapers published stories about this new threat to the Amazon. If the project goes through, thousands of amazing species of birds, mammals, fish and reptiles will be in grave danger. Few places in the world are as bio-diverse as the Amazon rainforest. It’s our responsibility to speak out for its protection. Building this dam would flood an enormous area the size of New York City, releasing huge amounts of carbon and methane into the atmosphere. That’s unacceptable. Speak out now.

GREENPEACE AUSTRALIA PACIFIC is part of a global movement of people taking action for a green and peaceful future. We are 100% independent and don’t accept any money from business or government. So, we rely entirely on voluntary donations to carry out our campaigns. If thousands of us around the world take a stand with the Munduruku, we can send a clear message – the Brazilian government must protect the heart of the Amazon. The best way to help us keep fighting climate change, defending our oceans and protecting ancient forests is to make a donation. Thank you!

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SOME THINGS TO THINK ABOUT:

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“The thing always happens that you truly believe in; and the belief in that thing makes it happen.” Frank Lloyd Wright

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Dominique Browning photo

Dominique Browning photo

“While you are dreaming of the future, and regretting the past, the present, which is all you have, slips away from you and is gone.” ~ Hillaire Belloc

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WIZARD OF OZ

“The Wizard of Oz”, MGM Studios

“Whatever you want to do, do it now. There are only so many tomorrows.” ~ Pope Paul

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MOON QUARTER + CLOUDS

”It may be that when we no longer know what to do, we have come to our real work, and that when we no longer know which way to go, we have found our real journey.” ~ Wendell Berry

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100% NATURAL

ThankYouMIFFGreen

Please forward this news-blog to your creative artist colleagues!

 QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

CONTACT US TYPEWRITER

EMAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: www.moondancefilmfestival.com

BLOG: www.moondancefilmfestival.com/blog

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Moondance has always been, and continues to be, a “Green” event!

No trees or natural habitats were harmed in the creation of this news-blog!

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Moondance Film Festival Thanks & Latest News!

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The final, extended call-for-entries deadline was June 30th

and we are no longer accepting new submissions.

Thanks a million to all those talented filmmakers, writers & composers who submitted their fine projects to the 2016 Moondance competition!

Previews, judging, selecting and programming are in the works now.

 Announcements will be made in this news-blog, and on the MIFF website in August!

STAY TUNED!

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9 BIRDS ON A TWIG

Come join us, in beautiful Boulder, Colorado!

MIFF WAVY BANNER LGE

SUNDAY & MONDAY ~ SEPTEMBER 4th & 5th

DON’T MISS THESE PLANNED EVENTS AT THE 2016 FILM FESTIVAL:

  • INDIE FILM SCREENINGS (documentaries, animation, music videos, foreign, feature & short films)
  • PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOPS FOR FILMMAKERS, WRITERS & COMPOSERS
  • PRODUCTIVE NETWORKING PARTIES & EVENTS DAILY
  • CELEBRITY APPEARANCE & PHOTO-OPS
  • CELEBRITY KEYNOTE SPEAKER
  • PRIVATE CONSULTATIONS WITH THE PROS
  • Q&As WITH THE FILM DIRECTORS
  • AFTER-PARTIES EACH EVENING
  • GALA AWARDS CEREMONY & BANQUET RECEPTION!

3 red tickets-small

>>> FESTIVAL TICKETS GO ON SALE SOON! <<<

Volunteer Signup

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Celebrity Appearance & Keynote Speaker

Moondance 2016

*  V I C  S A R I N  *

VIC SARIN

A passionate and diverse filmmaker, Vic Sarin‘s career includes award-winning feature films, documentaries and television movies.

We are very proud to announce that the US premiere of Sarin’s feature documentary film, The Boy from Geita, will be screened at Moondance, along with his award-winning feature narrative film, A Shine of Rainbows. READ MORE!

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Happy Independence Day to all of our American Moondancers!

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SOME THINGS TO THINK ABOUT:

RED POPPIES IN FIELD

“If you break faith with us who die, we shall not sleep, though poppies grow in Flanders fields.” ~ by Canadian physician Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae

Each one of those 888,246 poppies represented a drop of blood from a brave man or woman who lost their lives in World War I. The Battle of the Somme was launched on July 1st, 1916, one hundred years ago today. The fighting was also in Holland, France, Belgium, Germany, Greece, the Balkans, at sea, and outside Europe, as well. Historical statistics relate that over one million men & women were killed or wounded, but how can we imagine the lost & maimed sons, husbands and brothers, mothers, wives & sisters? 400 British surgeons were also killed in the first few days of the Battle of the Somme – what a terrible loss of knowledge & healing skills, which could have helped so many others! ~ Excerpted & edited from Lady Carnarvon’s blog at Highclere Castle, UK (Downton Abbey)

  • The Moondance International Film Festival actively promotes, inspires & encourages non-violent conflict resolutions through film, television, radio, writing & music, and the coveted Columbine awards, with recognition of alternatives presented to international & local audiences and annual event attendees.
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logo-kid.com

“I’m convinced of this: good done anywhere is good done everywhere.” ~ Maya Angelou

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MANDALA

“Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakes,” ~ Carl Jung

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TREES MIST RAYS

“Artists…notice the things that engage the mind’s private and idiosyncratic interior, that area where the life of the senses mingles with the life of the spirit…” ~Annie Dillard, from An American Childhood

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To Kill a Mockingbird

Robert Duvall & Mary Badham, Universal Pictures

“I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and you see it through, no matter what.” ~ Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird, (Atticus to Scout)

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www.mommyish.com

www.mommyish.com

“Don’t be discouraged by a failure. It can be a positive experience. Failure is, in a sense, the highway to success, inasmuch as every discovery of what is false leads us to seek earnestly after what is true, and every fresh experience points out some form of error which we shall afterwards carefully avoid.” ~ John Keats

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DANCING BY THE OCEAN

“I choose…to live by choice, not by chance; to make changes, not excuses; to be motivated, not manipulated; to be useful, not used; to excel, not compete. I choose self-esteem, not self-pity. I choose to listen to my inner voice, not the random opinions of others. ~ Author Unknown

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100% NATURAL

Please forward this news-blog to your creative artist colleagues!

 QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

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EMAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: www.moondancefilmfestival.com

NEWS-BLOG: www.moondancefilmfestival.com/blog

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Moondance has always been, and continues to be, a “Green” event!

No trees or natural habitats were harmed in the creation of this news-blog!

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Moondance Film Festival: Your Stepping Stones to Success!

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2016 CALL-FOR-ENTRIES!

~ June 30th DEADLINE FOR LATE ENTRIES! ~

For your best chance to win, send in your entry RIGHT AWAY!

WWW.MOONDANCEFILMFESTIVAL.COM

See our Submission Categories HERE!

(Films, written works & music)

See our Awards Categories HERE!

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Entries may be submitted by writers, directors, producers, editors,

cinematographers, composers, actors or distributors.

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We have provided a way for you to submit via mail, our own online submission form above or through WAB or Film Freeway. If you prefer submission by mail please download form above and print out the form below and print out the 2016 MOONDANCE RELEASE FORM, clearly fill in the info required, and enclose a check or money order in US $ for the entry fee (regular: $50 to May 31st, extended: $75 to June 1st- 15th, late: $100 to June 16th – June 30th), plus your submission, and mail or courier it to: MOONDANCE FILM FESTIVAL – 970  9th STREET –BOULDER, CO 80302 USA

Moondance now offers feedback & professional critiques on screenplays, stage plays, and TV pilots that are submitted for the 2016 competition, for only $50!  Select the FEEDBACK option on the FilmFreeway entry form, or the Moondance entry form. Meet our professional reader, Jasmine Sahu, at: https://moondancefilmfestival.com/meetouradvisoryboard/

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“Your festival looks great! I love your festival’s mission of celebrating bold and fearless work.” ~ James Raue, filmmaker, UK

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DON’T MISS THESE PLANNED EVENTS AT THE 2016 FILM FESTIVAL:

~September 4th & 5th, Boulder, Colorado, USA~

  • INDIE FILM SCREENINGS (documentaries, animation, music videos, foreign, feature & short films)
  • PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOPS FOR FILMMAKERS, WRITERS & COMPOSERS
  • PRODUCTIVE NETORKING PARTIES & EVENTS DAILY
  • CELEBRITY APPEARANCE & PHOTO-OPS
  • KEYNOTE SPEAKER
  • PRIVATE CONSULTATIONS WITH THE PROS
  • Q&As WITH THE FILM DIRECTORS
  • AFTER-PARTIES EACH EVENING
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Boulder has been named the official “TREE CITY USA” by the Arbor Day Foundation, for the 32nd year, and is often called The Emerald City, due to all the green trees and vistas of our town’s surrounding green open-spaces natural habitat!

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Boulder’s famous Flatirons Peaks & Greenbelt, less than a mile from downtown!

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WANT TO HELP OUT DURING THE 2016 FILM FESTIVAL

See our list of volunteer opportunities & download the sign-up form HERE

Our dedicated volunteers help make this event so successful!

Volunteers can earn free tickets to films & workshops, based on volunteer hours

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SUBSCRIBE NOW to the popular Moondance news-blog for info, updates, articles, creative inspiration, & announcements: www. moondancefilmfestival.com/blog

If you’ve already submitted your project to the 2016 competition, & have subscribed to the news-blog, thanks a million!

Check out the website for more info:

WEBSITE: www.moondancefilmfestival.com

EMAIL: [email protected]

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Our hearts go out to the families, friends, loved ones, the world LGBTQ community, the survivors, and the victims of the terrible, senseless tragedy in Orlando, Florida.

Image by www.pxleyes.com

Image by www.pxleyes.com

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INSIDER TIPS

3 SIMPLE STEPS TO EFFECTIVE NETWORKING

by Melissa Cassera, Stage32.com blogger

2 PENGUINS ON ICE copy

If you’re a screenwriter, producer, actor, film director, etc. then you need to have a “network.” What is a “network,” exactly? It’s the web of relationships that allows you to do the work you love and get paid for it. Michelangelo, Shakespeare, Tolkien and Lewis all understood the value of building a strong professional network. Their careers wouldn’t have flourished in the same way if they’d locked themselves away in their offices, never attending parties, never introducing themselves to influential figures of the day, never forming friendships. They understood that nobody works “alone.” Everyone needs a tribe. It’s up to you to build your tribe, work your connections, and use your storytelling skills to create an online presence that says, “I’m somebody you definitely want to know.” READ MORE:

MOONDANCE BLOG EDITOR’S NOTE:

Attend important film festivals, like Moondance, for productive networking opportunities!

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(VIRTUALLY) EVERYTHING STORY

The response to (Virtually) Everything Story has been INCREDIBLE! Thanks to everyone who has written, sharing how much value they have gotten out of watching the free interviews in the Future of Storytelling Library! These the absolute TOP names in the industry sharing CUTTING EDGE information, which is going to put you years ahead of your competition. This is what storytelling is going to look like in the future! ~ Ken Lee, Michael Wiese Books

Here’s just some of what’s going to be happening & when…

Wednesday, June 15th

John Truby ~ Novels: The Number One Screenwriting Strategy Today: Why Being a Novelist is Your Ticket to Hollywood Success

Michael Hauge ~ Crafting Transformative Characters: Taking Your Characters From Identity to Essence

Friday, June 17th

Jen Grisanti ~ Writing A TV Pilot That Sells: Setting Up The Structure

Carole Kirschner ~ The Unwritten Rules of Hollywood: What They Don’t Teach You in Film School

Sunday, June 19th

Pamela Jaye Smith ~ Creating Our Next Mythologies

Thursday, June 23rd

Michael Jorgensen ~ Power Narrative: the Secrets of Documentary Storytelling

Friday, June 24th

Chris Vogler ~ E-Motion Pictures: How to Channel the Power of Emotions in the Body

“YES, I WANT TO REGISTER FOR (VIRTUALLY) EVERYTHING STORY!” CLICK HERE

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THINGS TO THINK ABOUT TODAY

LIFE’S LITTLE LEAPS: THE NEW “NO”!

Learn how to banish toxic ‘people-pleasing’ from your life 

By Lou Hamilton

A kid who brings an apple to the teacher has a mission. Get the teacher to like him or her and mark his or her grades higher. The manipulation is obvious and we scorn such tactics. And yet as we grow older many of us adopt such people pleasing poses. Not me, you say. But have you ever wanted to avoid conflict or tried to second-guess other people’s behaviours or reactions? Do you have a tendency to give up on your own desires and thoughts in deference to others? Does imagining that someone will get angry change the course of your actions? Is disapproval unbearable?

The trouble is people start to expect it when you hand out ‘yes’ like free candy. Like a drug addict you have to give more and more away to receive less and less appreciation. And the anger, resentment and bitterness grows like a fire-ball in your throat. Nice You on the outside is a thin veneer to the seething pit of snakes spitting venom on the quiet. People-pleasing depletes your energy and your reserves. You begin to feel that you have nothing left to give, but still people keep taking, because you let them.

So you decide enough’s enough. You take a stand. You start to say No. You start to value your time, your space and your self-worth. And what do you gain with your New No? You gain self-respect. You gain time. You gain rest and energy. You gain the ability to say yes to the things that you want to say yes to. You gain self-confidence. You gain the right to be direct and authentic. You gain space to breathe. You gain power over your own destiny. You gain inner strength. You will open the flood gates for your creativity, and when you do that your life will start to flow.

Lou Hamilton is a Creative Coach & she will help you get over your people-pleasing tendencies, so that you can get on with living the life you want. Email for a free consultation [email protected]

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HIKING IN NATURE

The benefits of nature-walking, picnicking, hiking, climbing trees, observing wildlife, wildflowers and natural environments, seeing spectacular vistas, running and being out on your own in Nature or with friends or family works in subtle, ways. Such activities help maintain body, mind and spirit, and give a sense of belonging, of being grounded and one with the Earth. It is of huge benefit, enjoyed in no other way, and so, we need to do all we can ensure that these open spaces and unspoiled, native areas will be there for future generations to enjoy, too!  

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CAN YOU SEE ME?

 

 “Can You See Me?” doc film, Lou Hamilton, director, UK

“Can You See Me?” short documentary film, Lou Hamilton, director, UK

Take a look at this poignant & thought-provoking 10-minute short film by multiple-award-winning Moondance filmmaker, Lou Hamilton, UK (scroll down to 3rd one shown): Can You See Me? 100 West End stars transform London’s Trafalgar Square into a Flashmob aimed at raising awareness about child sex trafficking at: https://createlabproductions.com/films-2/

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MOONDANCE SUPPORTS & RECOMMENDS:

GIVE WHALES AND OTHER OCEAN LIFE SOME PEACE AND QUIET!

By Tatiana Schlossberg, New York Times, June 3, 2016

Wild Atlantic dolphins photo by Atmo, Bimini, http://www.WildQuest.com

Wild Atlantic dolphins photo by Atmo, Bimini, http://www.WildQuest.com

The ocean is loud: Ship propellers, sonar, oil and gas drilling and other industrial work make sounds, even if, like the proverbial tree falling in the forest, no one can hear it. But marine animals can, and all that noise has been shown to interfere with their behavior, since many of them, from whales to invertebrates, use sound for all kinds of activities, including to communicate, to find food or each other, to avoid predators and to migrate.

And while the ocean was never a quiet place — full of natural rumblings, clickings and chatterings — the problem has grown worse over the last 100 years or so, and significantly increased over the last 50 years in some places, much of it from commercial shipping, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

DOLPHINS BEACHED

This whale and dolphin stranding was proven to be the direct result of sonar abuse.

So the agency, which manages and protects marine life in United States waters, released on Wednesday a draft for a strategy to reduce the effects of ocean noise, and invited public comment. The Ocean Noise Strategy Roadmap draft is an early step in a 10-year plan to quiet the oceans and reduce some of the harmful effects on aquatic species. The public comment period will end July 1, and a more concrete plan will be put in place in the coming months. READ MORE:

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NO OCEAN, NO US!

By Kristen Krumhardt, Guest Opinion, Daily Camera, June 8, 2016

Ph.D. candidate in environmental studies at CU Boulder

Have you thanked the ocean lately? In celebration of World Ocean Day (June 8), I want to remind everyone that, as distant as the ocean may seem, it sustains us and we impact it. Not only does the ocean provide one billion people with protein everyday (90 % of those who live in developing countries and have no alternatives), but also microscopic plants living in the ocean provide more than half of the oxygen we breathe. The ocean contains tremendous biodiversity, both valuable and beautiful. Coral reef ecosystems are especially diverse, providing millions with food, medicine, storm protection, as well as revenue from tourism. The neurological, psychological, and emotional changes that occur when we are near water are scientifically documented.

“We have an enormous impact on the ocean, not only through the physical connection of our watersheds, but also through the interconnectedness of Earth’s ecological systems as a whole,” says Vicki Nichols Goldstein, founder of the Colorado Ocean Coalition. Her motto is, “You don’t have to see the ocean to protect it,” Indeed, runoff from our cities & farms goes directly into streams, rivers, and, ultimately, to the ocean.

Not only are we connected to the ocean via rivers and streams, but also through the atmosphere. We can add “climate change modulator” to the list of services the ocean provides, as it absorbs both heat and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Thanks to the ocean, the world is cooler than it would otherwise be, given the amount of excess carbon we humans have pumped into the sky through the burning of fossil fuels. As the Global Ocean Commission frames it: “no ocean, no us.” READ MORE: (Excerpt & edit by EE)

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DEFEND THE (SMALL, BUT) MIGHTY KRILL!

Antarctica & whale taile

Krill are the bees of the seas. Small creatures that play a giant role in our web of life. Without krill, the future would be bleak for Antarctica’s penguins, seals, and whales. But the fish oil industry has it out for krill. They are sucking up krill by the millions from Antarctica’s Southern Ocean, with some nations planning to expand their operations by seven-fold.

You’d think super-food krill would be safe from human interference in the frigid, distant waters around Antarctica. But the most biologically-productive section of the Southern Ocean has seen an 80% drop in krill, likely owing to climate change & the krill industry’s increased catch making a rebound even less likely. Fish oil supplements are surging in popularity. They’ve also contributed to the collapse of forage fish like herring and anchovies in some regions. 

The most sustainable option for our oceans & the survival of marine life is to use vegetarian and vegan options — of which there are many.

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 SPOTTED DOLPHINS OF THE BAHAMAS!

Video by Conch Salad TV

DOLPHINS SPOTTED BIMINI

Atlantic Spotted Dolphins, photo by http://picscompany.com

SWIM WITH WILD DOLPHINS OFF BIMINI!

The Best Place To Swim With Dolphins In The Wild

www.wildquest.com

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