Moondance International Film Festival – Moondance International Film Festival

~ Happy Moondancers & Big Announcements!

by Elizabeth English on October 16, 2019

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 31^st:

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

Get Ready: Moondance 2016 Is Coming Up!

by Elizabeth English on August 18, 2016

Come join us, in beautiful Boulder, Colorado!

SUNDAY & MONDAY ~ SEPTEMBER 4^th & 5^th

>>> 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

>>> 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 4^th & 5^th, 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.

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.

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.

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!

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]

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!

MOONDANCERS COME FROM AROUND THE WORLD!

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

www.moondancefilmfestival.com

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

The Moondance Summertime News & Festival Guide!

by Elizabeth English on July 25, 2016

Come join us, in beautiful Boulder, Colorado!

SUNDAY & MONDAY ~ SEPTEMBER 4^th & 5^th

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: 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!

Gazebo St. Julien

Awards ceremony & reception in the gardens.

Click here for

TRAVEL TIPS • LODGING INFO

3 red tickets-small

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

www.moondancefilmfestival.com

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!

MOONDANCERS WRITE US:

“How nice to get your note that you’ve received my screenplay. So often, nothing comes back, and we submitters are like tourists tossing pennies at a fountain… Your greeting was immediate, buoyant and gratefully taken in. Thanks for the “voice back”. I’ll subscribe to the blog and keep up-to-date, and look forward to meeting you at the 17^th Moondance. Very glad you consider screenplays.” ~ Stephen Keep Mills

“Thank you for considering us! We love your festival and your free-spirited theme.” ~ Carlos Antonio León

Gromit, Aardman animation

MOONDANCE E-ZINE

Don’t miss reading great filmmaking, writing & music articles 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!

MALE DIRECTORS ON RAMPANT SEXISM & GENDER BIAS IN HOLLYWOOD

http://girltalkhq.com

Directors Pedro Almodovar, Paul Feig and Duncan Jones are just a few of the male directors who have been fighting against the Hollywood establishment and its attitude toward women in film. Feig recently addressed the backlash against his all-female remake of “Ghostbusters,” while Almodovar talked about the importance of casting women of all ages to fight against the industry’s “diabolical sexism” at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this summer. Taking a stand and creating change in an industry that should be the standard-bearer for creative liberalism, but sadly isn’t just yet. But with all this important activism comes the realization that change isn’t going to happen with just half of the industry population working to create it. Men also have to join the fight and recognize what a benefit it is to filmmaking when everyone gets the same kinds of opportunities based on talent and merit, not skin color or gender. READ MORE:

SOME THINGS TO THINK ABOUT:

“The unexamined life is not worth living.” ~ Socrates

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Ernest Hemingway writing in Cuba

“The world breaks almost everyone, and afterwards, many are stronger at the broken places.” ~ Ernest Hemingway

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“Blessed is the person who sees a need, recognizes the responsibility, and actively becomes the answer.” ~ William Arthur Ward

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“They are indolent discoverers who, upon seeing nothing but sea and sky, absolutely deny that there can be any land at all beyond them.” ~ Sir Francis Bacon

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THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EMPATHY AND COMPASSION IS EVERYTHING

by Lori Chandler • www.bigthink.com

Elena Shumilova, photographer, Russia

Compassion and mindfulness are two wings of the same bird, and we need both in order to live in a wise way. But what about compassion? What is compassion? How is it different from empathy? Empathy is a gateway to compassion. It’s understanding how someone feels, and trying to imagine how that might feel for you — it’s a mode of relating. Compassion takes it further. It’s feeling what that person is feeling, holding it, accepting it, and taking some kind of action.

Compassion is empathy in action. Compassion is all about realizing that we ultimately all want the same things out of life (love, safety, health, happiness), and responding in an appropriate way. With a little practice, we can all become more compassionate toward ourselves and others. It’s a bold, brilliant, and radical choice to go against the stream of self-interest and self-centeredness. READ MORE:

MOONDANCE SUPPORTS & RECOMMENDS:

EU DECLINES TO BAN IVORY TRADE

In April, over $105 million worth of poached elephant tusks were set on fire in Kenya, calling for an end to international ivory sales. In May, France, announced a complete ban on ivory trade in the country. But the European commission REFUSED to support a global ban on the ivory trade. And without their support, we could lose the elephant forever. The facts say it all: In 2014, 20,000 African elephants were killed by poachers. Between 2009 and 2015, Tanzania and Mozambique lost over HALF of their elephant populations.

Now, the African Elephant Coalition is warning of a mass extinction of elephants on the continent within 25 years. By not taking action, the EU is endangering tens of thousands of elephants each year. Time is running out. We need the EU to act now.

Tell the EU to support a global ban on the ivory trade:

http://go.saveanimalsfacingextinction.org/EU-Ivory-Ban

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Rhinos are one of the world’s most distinctive and beloved animals, but they are rapidly disappearing from the wild. Why? Demand for rhino horns as a status symbol and fake cure for cancer has skyrocketed. Coupled with a dramatic loss of habitat, all five species of rhinos are threatened with extinction. The public outcry over rhino poaching is growing. With your support, we can keep these species alive and thriving. If we don’t take action now, these precious animals could be lost forever. It’s up to us to step up and do something to protect these majestic animals.

Help us protect the rhinos today:

http://go.saveanimalsfacingextinction.org/Save-Rhinos

100% NATURAL

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

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!

Moondance Film Festival Thanks & Latest News!

by Elizabeth English on July 1, 2016

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

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!

Come join us, in beautiful Boulder, Colorado!

SUNDAY & MONDAY ~ SEPTEMBER 4^th & 5^th

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!

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

Celebrity Appearance & Keynote Speaker

Moondance 2016

* V I C S A R I N *

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!

Happy Independence Day to all of our American Moondancers!

SOME THINGS TO THINK ABOUT:

“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 1^st, 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.

logo-kid.com

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

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

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“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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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

“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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“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