Universal Film Festival 2007
The Magic Of Film

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This website was created to promote the 2007 Universal Film Festival. Go to their current website at: http://universalfilmfestival.com/  to learn about the next Universal Film Festival Event.

ABOUT US

Founded by artists with experienced entrepreneurial imagination and vision, the mission of the Universal Film Festival is to create and continue to provide a credible and accessible venue for aspiring and talented filmmakers seeking a medium with which to showcase their work nationally and internationally.

Jump ahead to 2017 and you will find that the location in Kansas City has remained the same for all these years. Films, actors, producers, festival attendees, as well as venders have come and gone, but the festival remains one of the top 100 film festivals in the world. Pretty impressive. The festival's reputation in well known by film makers, but the variety in the type of sponsors is always surprising. You get the usual suspects from the film industry, but we also see sponsors from a number of unrelated industries. Recently a company that offers part time janitorial jobs near me in Pa signed up. There must be some dedicated film buffs there, or else they may have been hired by a production crew that was filming in the area and is having their film shown in the festival this year. It would be intriguing to track down the company and hear their story. Hey, perhaps a film will result! You never know.

The Universal Film Festival  was organized to allow independent filmmakers an opportunity to gain regional, national and international recognition and award. Films may be showcased through The Universal Film Festival affiliations in Los Angeles, New York, and Kansas City.
The Universal Film Festival is an international film festival and applications are accepted from all over the world and in all genres of films. Winners are selected by a judging panel of film industry professionals, business professionals, and Universal Film Festival executives.

Our Vision is to be the premiere venue in North America for filmmakers from all over the world to present their independent film work in all categories and genre, and to provide aspiring filmmakers with excellent opportunities for networking and promotion of their work and talent.
American Artist Agency, Inc., Kansas City, MO. (A full service Modeling/Talent Agency), www.americanartistagency.com , is proud to present the Universal Film Festival as part of our family of entertainment industry companies.

Festival Awards and Raffle

GRAND PRIZE: $25,000 IN CASH, PRIZES, AND SERVICE AWARDS.

• 42" Plasma TV
• Copy of Movie Magic Screenwriting software
• Brand New Pentium 4 Computer
• Professional Screen Writing Analysis from a Hollywood New York Producer Director
• Professional photography session
• Inclusion in festival Winners Circle Announcement Advertising
• Film Agency Contract
• Cash prize
• Subscription to MovieMaker Magazine
• And Other Prizes

AWARD CATEGORIES:
          BEST OF FESTIVAL FILM - GRAND PRIZE WINNER

***Note: All prizes and awards are subject to change without notice. However, the total Grand Prize Award, which may be divided among one or more categories, shall not be less than $25,000. Additional prize awards may be awarded bringing total prize awards to $25,000. ***     

 

Festival and Screening

COME SEE INDEPEDENT FILM FROM ALL OVER THE UNITED STATES AND THE WORLD AT THE LARGEST FILM FESTIVAL IN THE MIDWEST AND HELP MAKE KANSAS CITY THE NEXT GREATEST FILM MAKING CAPITAL OF THE WORLD!!

LOCATION: Midland Theater, in Downtown Kansas City
THE MAGIC OF FILM. The Universal Film Festival is a fantastic annual family entertainment event that celebrates the art if independent film making from all over the world. Come Experience a World Class environment at the Midland Theatre's state-of-the-art theatre complex You'll enjoy the "Magic of Film" brought to you by independent film makers from all over the world. Go to our On-line Theatre for a list of films.

Schedule: (subject to change

 

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2007 Film Schedule

Notes:
All schedules and movies are subject to change without notice.
Shows represent viewing sessions for one festival ticket.
Typographical and omission errors will be corrected as reasonably possible

2007's NOMINATED FILMS

Bolded/ Italic films indicate winners

Grand Prize
Trust Me
All the Days Before Tomorrow

Best Feature
The Metrosexual
Three to Five & Glassy
Pleure en Silence

Best Short
Confessions of a Slacker
Silent Radio
Winter Sea

Best Documentary
The Quiet War
Dakota's Pride
Gulf War Syndrome: Killing Our Own

Best Director
Andrew Kazamia - Trust Me
Adam Kaufman - The Metrosexual
Francois Dompierre - All the Days Before Tomorrow

Best Actor
Enn Reitel - Trust Me
Joey Kern - All the Days Before Tomorrow
Shaun Benson - The Metrosexual

Best Actress
Alexandra Holden - All the Days Before Tomorrow
Joyce Bibring - Pleure en Silence
Rosalie Ward - Winter Sea

Best Cinematography
All the Days Before Tomorrow
Winter Sea
Silent Radio

Best Editing
Silent Radio
Trust Me
The Quiet War

Best Soundtrack
Three to Five & Glassy
The Metrosexual
Confessions of a Slacker

 

 

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More Background on the American Artist Film Festival

The American Artist Film Festival is a significant event in the world of independent cinema, dedicated to promoting and showcasing the works of emerging filmmakers. Although its origins are closely linked with the Universal Film Festival, the American Artist Film Festival has evolved into a unique entity, gaining recognition for its dedication to independent film and the arts.

History and Evolution

The American Artist Film Festival has a rich history that dates back to the early 2000s. Originally conceived as an extension of the Universal Film Festival, it was created to provide a platform for filmmakers from around the globe to present their works to a broader audience. Over the years, it has grown from a small, regional event into one of the most respected film festivals in the United States, attracting submissions from filmmakers worldwide.

The festival's early years were marked by a focus on regional talent, primarily showcasing films from the Midwest. However, as the festival gained popularity, it began to attract submissions from across the United States and eventually from international filmmakers. This shift allowed the festival to expand its audience and influence, establishing itself as a major player in the independent film community.

Reviews and Reception

The American Artist Film Festival has received widespread acclaim for its commitment to independent cinema. Filmmakers and critics alike have praised the festival for its inclusive approach, welcoming submissions from both seasoned filmmakers and newcomers. The festival's emphasis on creativity and originality has made it a favorite among those looking to break into the industry.

Many reviewers highlight the festival's relaxed atmosphere, which contrasts with the more commercial nature of larger film festivals. This environment encourages open dialogue between filmmakers, critics, and audiences, fostering a sense of community that is often missing from other industry events.

One of the festival's most notable achievements is its ability to attract a diverse range of films, from experimental shorts to full-length features. This variety has earned the festival a reputation for being unpredictable and exciting, as audiences never know what to expect from the lineup each year.

Press & Media Coverage

Media coverage of the American Artist Film Festival has steadily increased over the years, reflecting its growing importance in the film industry. Initially, coverage was limited to local newspapers and niche film magazines, but as the festival's profile rose, it began to attract attention from national and international media outlets.

Publications such as Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and IndieWire have all covered the festival, often highlighting the unique films that have premiered there. The festival has also been featured in various television segments, particularly on channels dedicated to the arts and independent cinema.

The festival's ability to consistently feature high-quality films has made it a subject of interest for film critics and industry professionals. Each year, journalists and bloggers flock to the festival to discover new talent and uncover hidden gems that may go on to achieve wider recognition.

Audience and Cultural Significance

The American Artist Film Festival has cultivated a dedicated audience over the years, comprising film enthusiasts, industry professionals, and aspiring filmmakers. This audience is drawn to the festival's commitment to showcasing innovative and boundary-pushing films that may not find a platform elsewhere.

The festival's cultural significance extends beyond the films it screens. It serves as a meeting point for creatives from various disciplines, including visual arts, music, and literature, who come together to celebrate the power of storytelling. This interdisciplinary approach has helped the festival carve out a unique niche, setting it apart from more traditional film festivals.

The festival also plays a crucial role in supporting the local arts community. By partnering with local businesses, artists, and cultural institutions, the American Artist Film Festival helps to stimulate the local economy and promote Kansas City as a hub for the arts. This has led to a ripple effect, with other cultural events and festivals emerging in the area, further enhancing the city's reputation as a cultural destination.

Known For

The American Artist Film Festival is best known for its focus on independent and experimental films. It has become a go-to event for filmmakers who want to push the boundaries of traditional storytelling and explore new forms of cinematic expression. The festival's programming often includes films that tackle challenging and controversial topics, providing a platform for voices that are often marginalized in mainstream cinema.

Another hallmark of the festival is its commitment to supporting emerging filmmakers. Through various awards and recognition programs, the festival offers budding directors, writers, and producers the opportunity to gain exposure and connect with industry professionals. These awards have helped launch the careers of several now-prominent filmmakers who got their start at the American Artist Film Festival.

Details and Specifics

The American Artist Film Festival typically takes place over four days in September, with screenings held at the historic Midland Theater in downtown Kansas City. The festival's schedule is packed with film screenings, panel discussions, workshops, and networking events, providing attendees with a comprehensive film festival experience.

The festival is also known for its competitive awards program, which includes categories such as Best Feature, Best Short, Best Documentary, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Actress. The winners are selected by a panel of judges comprising film industry professionals, business leaders, and festival executives.

In addition to the awards, the festival also offers a range of prizes, including cash awards, film agency contracts, professional photography sessions, and subscriptions to industry magazines. These prizes are designed to support filmmakers in their future projects and help them navigate the often challenging path to success in the film industry.

Insights and Examples

Over the years, the American Artist Film Festival has been a launchpad for many successful films and filmmakers. For instance, the festival has premiered films that have gone on to win awards at other prestigious film festivals, such as Sundance and Cannes. This track record has made the festival an important stop on the festival circuit for filmmakers looking to make a mark in the industry.

The festival's impact is not limited to filmmakers alone. It has also played a significant role in shaping the tastes and preferences of its audience. By consistently showcasing high-quality, thought-provoking films, the American Artist Film Festival has helped to cultivate a more discerning and appreciative audience for independent cinema.

One example of the festival's influence is its role in bringing attention to underrepresented voices in the film industry. Films that tackle issues related to race, gender, and social justice have found a welcoming platform at the festival, allowing them to reach audiences that might not otherwise be exposed to such content.

 

The American Artist Film Festival stands out as a beacon for independent filmmakers and cinephiles alike. Its dedication to showcasing innovative and boundary-pushing films, coupled with its commitment to supporting emerging talent, has earned it a well-deserved place in the pantheon of great American film festivals. As it continues to grow and evolve, the festival remains a vital part of the cultural landscape, providing a space for filmmakers and audiences to come together and celebrate the art of cinema.