Cinema at the Edge Festival

About

Annual Cinema at the Edge Festival (CATE), founded by Festival Director Michelle Danner celebrates independent films of all genres that feature a distinct vision, a unique voice, or a challenge to what is expected and accepted in the medium.

Previous years at CATE featured audience favorites from Sundance, Cannes Film Festival and other major festivals, while maintaining a focus on world or regional premieres, challenging films that deserve a second look, and showcasing local artists. CATE has become a platform for artists to showcase their creativity through film and about the voices that need to be heard.

Jury and Audience awards will be given to the best film in each category. All selected filmmakers will benefit from networking opportunities, packed screenings and the festival's signature pub crawl. Our Panels and Juries have included executives at film distribution companies which will give each filmmaker the opportunity to get distribution.

Located in the heart of Santa Monica, Edgemar Center for the Arts is a two theatre and art gallery complex designed by Frank Gehry, just minutes away from the beach. Cinema at the Edge offers plenty to see and experience. At the center's inaugural ceremony Steven Spielberg welcomed cinema fans and noted, "Here we have a venue that can turn out some extremely experienced, daring and resourceful artists."

Awards

Jury awards will be given in each category. While the programmers are thrilled to give independent filmmakers a vehicle of expression, an additional commitment is to see that the standout titles at the festival have an opportunity to screen for distributors. Therefore the winners of the jury award in each category will be viewed by industry professionals working in international film distribution and considered for acquisition in addition to a cash prize.

Rules

• Each year we select and exhibit narrative features, documentary, and short films.
• Films previously submitted (and not selected) may be reentered if there has been significant change to the edit. 
• Entries must be submitted by NTSC DVD or through a secure online screener (FilmFreeway, Vimeo, etc.). Region free NTSC DVD's are preferred for screening purposes. We do not accept VHS or video data files for screening purposes.
• Foreign language work must be dubbed or subtitled in English. 
• 'Feature' refers to films 60 minutes and over. We reserve the right to re-categorize submissions as we deem appropriate.

Premiere Requirements

No premiere requirement

Jury and Organizers

Alexandra Guanieri, FESTIVAL DIRECTOR

Michelle Danner, FESTIVAL DIRECTOR