Submissions open for Lilongwe Shorts Fest

The call for submissions is now open for Lilongwe Shorts, Malawi's first ever international film festival.
The inaugural festival, presented by Lake of Stars (LoS), will take place from May 8 to 9 at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe.
"Having featured films at previous festivals, LoS is now presenting a new film festival in the city. We are very excited to explore this territory further. With no large-scale cinema currently operating in the country, Malawi now has a chance to show the world its colours as a film-loving nation," says Lake of Stars director and founder, Will Jameson.
The Lilongwe Shorts Festival will showcase short films from Malawian filmmakers alongside films from around the world.
"The festival also aims to connect Malawians in the industry to the broader festival circuit. Filmmakers of all styles and backgrounds are encouraged to apply and there is no limit to the number of films each filmmaker may submit," explained Jameson.
The festival will feature a variety of categories, including awards for best film, best Malawian film, best director, actor, documentary, score, and best music video as well as an audience award.
"We are looking for all kinds of submissions: quality is important, but most of all we are interested in imagination and the courage to try something exciting," said Patrick Garety, creative director for Lilongwe Shorts.
"So, if you have never made a film before, make one now. You have got until Monday 27 April to submit something - even if it is only 30 seconds long," he explained.
Eligibility for the inaugural edition of the festival involves only one requirement which films must be under 30 minutes in length.
"A selection of winning films from Lilongwe Shorts will be screened at the Lake of Stars Festival, taking place 25-27 September on the shores of Lake Malawi at Sunbird Nkopola Lodge in Mangochi," he stated.
The film festival will also feature live music and poetry performances, an art exhibition, speakers, discussion groups, and opportunities for filmmakers and audience members to network and connect.
Full details on how to submit films may be found on the festival's website: www.llwshorts.com