For eleven seasons, the Underexposed Film Festival yc (UFFyc) has showcased the best in independent filmmaking from across the world. The UFFyc continues to focus on strength and diversity in storytelling, screening films that feature characters who come to life, giving the audience a glimpse into the creator’s world, and enveloping viewers in the unique elements of each film. The Festival never fails to accomplish its mission, providing an opportunity for both emerging and seasoned filmmakers to screen in the same forum, allowing their work to be viewed and their voices heard while encouraging dialogue between the two.
First-time filmmakers, seasoned professionals, and films have found success beyond the UFFyc over the years, including the Oscar-nominated short film Ice Merchants, and filmmakers such as Michael Cusack (The Better Angels, Sleight of Hand, After All), John Gray (Ghost Whisperer, Grimm, The Third Defector), and Miguel Ortega (The Green Ruby Pumpkin, The Ningyo, The Voice in the Hollow). The 2023 festival included films recognized for their powerful stories.
In 2024, the Underexposed Film Festival yc continues its focus on high quality, independently created short films. All submitted films are juried by filmmakers, professionals, and academics working in the field. In April of 2024, filmmakers and enthusiasts will converge upon Rock Hill, SC to be exposed to, engaged with, and intrigued by films that leave the audience with a greater worldview.
Independent filmmakers around the world are invited to submit professionally presented short films, with a runtime of 35 minutes or less to participate in this juried competition. Films screened at the Underexposed Film Festival yc must be York County, SC festival premieres. Submissions must fall into one of the following categories:
• Narrative | Fictional filmmaking that includes comedy, drama, action, thriller, adventure, fantasy, mystery, sci-fi, western, horror, film-noir, romance, sports, family-friendly, and more.
• Animation | Animated filmmaking – including but not limited to traditional, hand-drawn animation, flip book animation, stop motion animation, computer animation, mechanical animation, mixed media, and special effects animation.
• Documentary | Non-fiction filmmaking that includes cultural, topical, and historical subjects.
• Experimental | Experimental films may be avant-garde, non-linear, non-narrative, or include puppetry. They may include the utilization of abstracting techniques, asynchronous sound, and are not limited by the constraints of traditional filmmaking. But, don’t let us define it for you…
• Puppetry | Films that include the manipulation of puppets.
Awards totaling $2,350 will be presented at the Festival. Awards given to the best of show, as well as the best of each category, with special awards given to the following:
• Cinema Carolina | Best independent film made in North or South Carolina, regardless of category, content, or subject. 75% of the principal photography must take place in North or South Carolina to be eligible for this award.
• Woman to Watch | Best Female Director Award. All female directed films in each category are eligible for this award.
• Best Student Film (Collegiate) | Student films are eligible when created by a student filmmaker enrolled in a collegiate program while in production. All student films from each category are eligible for this award.
• Terry Roueche Audience Choice | Official Selections are eligible for the Terry Roueche Audience Choice Award. At each block that features Official Selections, the audience is invited to vote for their favorite Official Selection. Director’s Choice films are not eligible.
Entry deadlines and entry fees for the 2025 Underexposed Film Festival yc are as follows:
Earlybird: Sunday, October 6, 2024
Standard | $20
Student | $15
FilmFreeway Gold | $15
Regular: Sunday, November 17, 2024
Standard | $30
Student | $25
FilmFreeway Gold | $20
Last Chance: Sunday, December 15, 2024
Standard | $35
Student | $30
FilmFreeway Gold | $25
For festival guidelines and entry information, visit the Underexposed Film Festival yc’s site at Film Freeway at https://filmfreeway.com/
The Arts Council is headquartered in downtown Rock Hill, a state-recognized cultural district. For more information on Arts Council events, contact the Arts Council of York County at (803) 328-2787, by email at arts@yorkcountyarts.org, or visit our webpage at http://www.yorkcountyarts.org.
