PROVIDED

The Alliance for the Arts and the Lee County Visitors and Convention Bureau proudly announces the inaugural “Shorts of the Fort” Film Festival, an exciting new event celebrating the unique landscapes and vibrant communities of Lee County, Florida. Scheduled for Sept. 20, at the Alliance for the Arts at 10091 McGregor Blvd., in Fort Myers, the festival invites filmmakers to explore and capture the beauty of Fort Myers’ islands, beaches, and vibrant neighborhoods through their lenses.

The festival welcomes submissions ranging from 30-second clips to five-minute narratives that vividly portray the essence of local life in Southwest Florida. This event provides a platform for both seasoned directors and emerging storytellers to display their creativity and share their vision with an engaged audience.

Awards and prizes:

• Best of the Fest: $1,000

• Top Film in Each Category: $500

• Categories include Island Odyssey, Beach Bliss, and Neighborhood Narratives

• Audience favorite: $500

Submission guidelines:

• Subject matter: Films must focus on the islands, beaches, and neighborhoods of Lee County and be shot entirely within the county.

• Eligibility: Filmmakers of all ages are welcome; however, submitters must be at least 18 years old.

• Production window: Films must have been produced after January 2023.

• Submission fees

• Fees vary by deadline – see below

• Entry is free for students

• Film rights: By submitting, filmmakers agree to transfer all rights to the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau, allowing unrestricted use of the footage.

Technical requirements:

• Formats accepted: .mp4, .mov, or other standard video formats.

• Resolution: minimum of 1920×1080 (1080p).

• Special requirement for 30-second films: Must be shot vertically (9×16) for use on social media platforms like IG and TikTok.

Deadlines and fees for submissions:

• $10 early bird fee – deadline- May 31

• $15 regular fee – deadline-July 31

• $25 late fee – deadline- Aug. 26

Submit films “http://artinlee.org” rel=”noopener” target=”_blank”>artinlee.org or call the Alliance for the Arts at 239-939-2787. Don’t miss the chance to be part of a festival that celebrates the power of film and the beauty of Lee County. Submit your work to “Shorts of the Fort” and make every frame count.