The rapid proliferation of digital film making is the most exciting development in moving picture story telling since the advent of sound. More and more commercial pictures are being shot in this way and large studios are now editing pictures with software that can be used on a laptop, Cold Mountain being one example.
With this in mind we are delighted to extend our congratulations to the makers of two of our prize winners from our first festival, Soldier of God and Filmic Achievement, both of whom have gone on to find distribution deals.
It is still the fact, however, that while determined film makers can see their vision realised, distribution and exhibition is a lot more difficult. Distribution is controlled by a small and contracting group of forces and the market place becomes ever more narrow and formulaic.
The Stratford-upon-Avon digital festival aims to create a showcase for independent film makers working in the digital field, with the object of bringing their work not only to the attention of an interested audience, but to producers, distributors and buyers both here in the UK and abroad.
Set in the beautiful Warwickshire countryside, Stratford-upon-Avon is the perfect setting for a festival of culture and entertainment. As the birthplace of William Shakespeare and the home of the Royal Shakespeare Company it attracts thousands of visitors from around the world every year.
Our festival has no other theme than excellence. If your film is engrossing and well crafted it is welcome here entirely irrespective of its genre. Also, whilst the majority of low budget films tend towards the concept of the “Art House†picture, we are not afraid of the concept of entertainment. If you have made a brilliantly entertaining comedy or horror picture or musical, you are welcome here too.