A: Yes. The judges’ panel for the films nominated in the competition portion of the festival range from Academy and Emmy award winners/ nominees or working industry professionals. Not only do these professionals participate, they record themselves making the winner announcement as not only proof of their involvement but providing confidence to the filmmakers that these professionals have taken time to review the work.
Previous Production
Grant Winners
Judges Panel
2016 - 2024
Actor
Writer - Producer
Actor
Emmy Award Winner
Actress
Actor - Producer
Academy Award Winner
Actress
Writer - Producer
Entertainer
Writer - Producer
Producer - Director
Producer - Director
Actor
Emmy Award Winner
Emmy Award Winner
Actress - Writer
Emmy Award Winner
Writer - Producer
Writer - Producer
Festival Winners
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Frequently
ASKED QUESTIONS
A: The Various Artists independent Film Festival (VAiFF) is truly unique. VAiFF guides filmmakers to focus on their talent as well as the important business and marketing aspects needed for success in the industry. We split into two specialties (1) filmmakers looking to submit their film in the “traditional” festival and (2) those looking to submit to the festival competition. Using social media to build a filmmaker’s audience by helping build awareness in view and vote scenarios to select the final four for each category, then bringing in celebrity / industry professionals to judge and select the “Best of…” winners for that year.
Winners for both the “traditional” and festival competition categories are announced at the virtual VAiFF event every October.
A: Yes. In our continuing effort to elevate opportunities for the creative community, VAiFF allocates a portion of our proceeds from festival submissions, partners, sponsors, and grants to fund our short film production grant initiative. One filmmaker each year is awarded the budget, one-year mentorship if needed, and given the prestigious film festival opening night premiere at the live festival event.
A: VAiFF caters to independent filmmakers in various stages of their careers. It showcases opportunities for both, new up and coming talent looking to expand their careers with the help of our film competition where their projects are screened by industry professionals. It’s also an opportunity for seasoned filmmakers looking for more traditional festival recognition and distribution opportunities for their films.
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