(MONTCLAIR, NJ) --  Montclair Film has announced that submissions are now open for the annual Emerging Filmmaker Competition (EFC), a film competition open to students from around the world interested in submitting short films in the Narrative, Comedy, Documentary, and Experimental film categories. This year’s competition also features a category called MY COVID LIFE, where student filmmakers can explore their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. EFC also offers special Social Impact Awards for young filmmakers who engage with social issues in their work.

This year’s competitive divisions are: Storytellers, for filmmakers in Grades 6-8 and Visionaries, for filmmakers in Grades 9-12.

Submissions will be accepted starting today until April 12, 2021. Selected films will be screened at a special screening in the late spring of 2021, with awards given and a special filmmaker reception. For complete rules and to submit your film, please visit MontclairFilm.org/EFC-2021

In order to encourage and support young filmmakers, Montclair Film + Education has been presenting filmmaking classes, programs, and workshops throughout the year, including Filmmaking, Screenwriting, Improv, Editing with Adobe Premier Pro, Acting for Film and TV, and more. 

“The Emerging Filmmaker Competition is an opportunity for young filmmakers to use film as a means of self-expression and to explore their experiences during these challenging times,” said Montclair Film Education Director Sue Hollenberg. “Visual storytelling is a vital component of strengthening our community while helping us build a future for the art of film. We welcome all voices and look forward to seeing the work of our young filmmakers.”

Montclair Film, a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization connects filmmakers from around the region and world with audiences by presenting films and year-round programs that engage, educate, and entertain through the power of visual storytelling.  The tenth annual Montclair Film Festival, presented by Investors Bank, will take place from October 21-30, 2021. The Storyteller Series is presented by Audible.

We are grateful for generous support from Craig Newmark Philanthropies; the County of Essex Department of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs; and Hackensack Meridian Health, Mountainside Medical Center. Additional support is provided by Chubb; Coldwell Banker Realty; William H. Connolly & Co.; Hiker; Horizon Foundation for New Jersey; The Nature Conservancy; and RBC Wealth Management, as well as from Ashenfelter, Trembulak, McDonough, Golia & Trevenen, LLP; The Bravitas Group; Genova Burns; Kore Private Wealth; Partners for Health Foundation; and Rao’s Homemade. All programs are made possible with funds from the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism, as well as the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, among many others.

Montclair Film provides unique and meaningful ways to engage with diverse, creative, and sophisticated audiences and seeks sponsors for its signature spring film festival and other year-round programs that attract more than 46,000 annual attendees and generate more than 750 million media impressions yearly.