FESTIVALS
Now in its 22nd year, LIFF champions bold and independent voices from the UK and abroad. The 2025 edition screens in London from October 2–12, featuring features, shorts, docs, and genre films with a strong local presence and global submissions. It’s a favorite for micro- and low-budget creators looking to reach a UK audience.
Key Details:
Final Deadline: August 7, 2025 — 1 day left
Festival Dates: October 2–12, 2025
Location: London, UK
Celebrating its 13th edition, MiSciFi is one of the longest-running sci-fi fests in the U.S., showcasing the boldest in science fiction, fantasy, Afrofuturism, animation, and beyond. Held annually in Miami, the festival introduces new categories, including AI-generated content, Indigenous cinema, and micro documentaries.
Key Details:
Next Deadline: August 10, 2025 (Harvest Celebration)
Event Dates: February 2026 (TBA)
Location: Miami, Florida, U.S.
FUNDING & LABS
Aimed at uplifting stories centered on faith, kindness, and compassion, this U.S.-based grant supports short film projects in early development with up to $20,000 in funding. Applicants must be 18+, U.S.-based, and submit a short script (max 20 pages), sample works, budget, and personal statements. Note: a $35 non-refundable application fee applies.
Key Details:
Deadline: Rolling (Open now)
Grant Amount: Up to $20,000
Region: U.S.-based filmmakers
This Canada-based nonprofit supports emerging Canadian filmmakers through an annual festival, year-round programming, and funding initiatives. Eligible creators must have limited distribution, no major grants (ex. Telefilm production funding), and not have screened at more than ten major international festivals.
Key Details:
Deadline: November 8, 2025
Support: Festival screening, industry mentorship, and potential funding
Eligibility: Canadian filmmakers or those enrolled in Canadian film programs
TOOLS & RESOURCES
Shotcut is a free, cross-platform video editing software ideal for indie filmmakers and content creators. It supports a wide range of formats, offers native timeline editing, hardware encoding, 4K support, and GPU effects. Unlike many open-source tools, Shotcut has an intuitive interface for both beginners and pros.
Best For: Independent creators seeking a no-cost, professional-grade editor.
OpenToonz is a professional-grade, open-source 2D animation tool used and customized by Studio Ghibli. Available for both commercial and non-commercial use, it features Ghibli’s proprietary scanning system (GTS), digital painting, plug-in effect SDK, and deep learning enhancements. Ideal for animators, educators, and indie creators.
Best For: Animators, educators, and indie teams looking for a robust, free animation pipeline
JOBS
Harvard University is hiring a full-time Multimedia Producer to join the Office of Communications and Public Affairs at the Kennedy School. The role involves producing video, photography, audio, and motion graphics to amplify the school’s initiatives across digital platforms. Ideal for candidates with strong storytelling and content creation skills.
Key Details:
Location: Cambridge, MA
Type: Full-Time
Pay: Salary Grade 055 (range available on Harvard’s HR site)
Join the award-winning team behind God of War to help shape an upcoming large-scale title. This hands-on role focuses on camera composition, animated cinematics, and motion capture integration. Ideal for junior to mid-level artists with Maya, MotionBuilder, and game engine experience.
Key Details:
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Type: Contract
Pay: $45.72 – $68.61/hour
INDUSTRY PULSE
A new USC Annenberg report shows on-screen roles for underrepresented racial and ethnic groups declined in 2024. Meanwhile, representation of women and disabled characters saw small gains. The study covers the 100 top-grossing films in the U.S. and highlights ongoing inclusion challenges across Hollywood.
Estimated read: 3 min
The Philippine Senate is advancing a bill to grant tax incentives for local and foreign film productions. Lawmakers hope the move will revive the national film industry and attract international shoots.
Estimated read: 3 min
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