connecting cultures program
One of our feature programs is the Connecting Cultures Program. As we, at The Bigger Screen, strive to connect people and cultures, this is where our focus is. Each year, we select at least ten countries and grant filmmakers from those areas the ability to submit their work free of charge to partner festivals all over the world. This opens the door of film exposure to those who may not otherwise be able to enter. As we support inclusivity and shareable films, this program exemplifies our mission.
Our country selections are far from random. Our committee chooses locations based on humanitarian aspects, culture needs and the financial situation of that specific region. We strive to provide support to filmmakers in these countries and allow them opportunities to share their art. In the first year of this program a total number of 4,750 films were submitted for free, generating a financial support of at least $45,000
Filmmakers based in the selected countries are entitled to enter their work free of charge by going to the “The Bigger Screen Connecting Cultures Program” listing on FilmFreeway. We look forward to seeing these entries.
The current 2023-2024 program allows filmmakers from the following countries to submit their work free of charge: Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Eritrea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Gambia, Georgia, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Iran, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Niger, Palestine, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Tajikistan, Togo, Uganda, Ukraine, Venezuela, Yemen and Zimbabwe.
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Besides promoting Connecting Cultures submissions to film festivals, The Bigger Screen also organizes specific Connecting Cultures screenings. It has done so in Brussels, Boston and Sydney.
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