*** SPECIAL NOTE: In these uncertain times, we’ve seen film festivals large and small cancel, postpone and now plan online editions. Our hearts go out to our peers at the festivals that had already confirmed their programs and the filmmakers whose work has been submitted and/or accepted at these festivals, only to have to make drastic, last minute changes.
Along with other festivals scheduled for the fall, we are planning for a full festival experience. But we know that things will not return to the way they were even a month ago so, while we are looking at all the ways to present the festival in person, we know this may not possible. We are therefore preparing, if necessary, to be able to move the the entire festival online, with filmmaker Q&As and other content. ***
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL: The Global Peace Film Festival is story and community in action. Through collaboration with activists, civic groups, educators and creators, we program the festival to strengthen community bonds, encourage direct engagement with vital issues, and to reshape divisive narratives using film and the arts toward a more respectful, peaceful world.
We curate two concurrent programs from submissions and through invitations to create a live program of films, exhibits and activities as well as an online program of films which is embraced by local students and educators and which extends the reach of the message and the participation of audiences beyond the Central Florida area.
During the festival we have opportunities for select films and filmmakers to participate in screenings and discussions with area high school and college-level students. Additionally, we hold community screenings throughout the year featuring festival alumni, work with other festivals and educators around the world.
As Martin Luther King, Jr posited, “Peace is not only the absence of conflict, but also the presence of justice.” The search for justice resides in stories beyond war, so we seek stories that make us laugh, think, cry, sit taller in our seats, then ask, “What can I do?” We answer that question by pairing films with post-screening discussions and events that inspire and catalyze our audiences to action.
We work closely with local community groups, educators and impact producers to support impact campaigns centered on films. Such campaign collaboration has ranged from the inclusion of campaign surveys to bringing together policy and community stakeholders around issues such as migrant workers, climate change, trafficking, elder care and homelessness. GPFF is not a passive exhibition event, but a commitment to building relationships and resources aimed at increasing the presence of justice year round.
The cornerstone of our program is our service to the greater Orlando area communities. The festival has always remained sensitive to the issues of our loyal audiences. Our community partners are working on local campaigns regarding juvenile justice, gun safety, immigration, refugees, trafficking, poverty abatement and (re)building unity based on our common humanity. We have always welcomed Spanish-language work to serve our sisters and brothers in the growing Latino community in Central Florida, including new immigrants from Puerto Rico. Narratives and documentaries, feature and shorts, personal and global stories, heart-wrenching and wryly humorous - all are welcomed for consideration.
CATEGORIES/THEMES
We look forward to reviewing your work (Narratives, documentaries or animation of feature, TV or short length) for our live or online programs touching on the issues of:
Global Peace/Activism
Conflict Resolution
Social Inequality (Class, Race, Gender, Mobility, Age, etc.)
LGBTQ+
Women's Rights/Women's Issues
Interfaith/Philosophy/Religious Tolerance
Environment/Environmental Justice
Climate Change/Sustainable Energy/Economic Policy
Fair Trade/New Business Models
Food & Water Security and Related Issues
Aging
Music and the Arts
Human Trafficking/Slavery
Community Mediation
Youth as Change Agents
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Comedy/Satire
Sports and Recreation