Screening Partner applications for the 2021-22 season are now open. Applications are due March 31, 2021.
The confluence of the continuing global health crisis and fight for racial equity has embolden the South Arts staff to reimagine the 2021-2022 Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers.
The Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers remains the South’s only tour of filmmakers. We will continue to share the transformative power of independent documentary film with communities across the South. We will expand our reach to engage new Screening Partners. We will tour the work of voices who have been historically excluded. We will increase the participation of Southern filmmakers.
A commitment to Equity
South Arts is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in all programs. We are committed to sharing feature-length documentary work by filmmakers who tell their own stories or the stories of their community. We will present films created by film teams representing Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and LGBTQ+ communities, and filmmakers with disabilities.
A commitment to Southern filmmakers
Southern Circuit will tour feature-length and short documentary films by Southern filmmakers who reside in South Arts nine-state region as we work to advance the filmmaking network and media arts infrastructure of the South. South Arts works in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Historically Black Colleges & Universities
South Arts is invested in partnering with Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the South Arts region to present the Southern Circuit Tour. To discuss a potential partnership, please contact Teresa Hollingsworth at thollingsworth@southarts.org or 404-874-7244 x. 14 for additional information.
2021-2022 Online & In-person Hybrid Tour
The 2021-2022 season (September-November 2021 and February-April 2022) will be a hybrid in-person/online program with all Fall films presented online through the Eventive events platform. With increased access to COVID-19 vaccines and increased immunity for audience members, we anticipate some spring films will be presented in-person. In Fall 2021, Screening Partners will have access to five online films with pre-recorded filmmaker and discussant presentations. In Spring 2022, Screening Partners will have access to two online films with pre-recorded filmmaker and discussant presentations and three in-person films with filmmakers in attendance (pending health crisis).
Film Selection
Screening Partners will no longer be assigned Circuits. We will work together to select ten films that will be available to all Screening Partners. Screening Partners may choose to present all ten films to their audiences or select fewer presentations (we encourage at least six film opportunities per Screening Partner).
Dates and Deadlines:
- Screening Partner applications must be submitted on or before March 31, 2021.
- Applicants will be notified of their status in April 2021.
- Screening Partners will attend a virtual Film Selection meeting May 21-22, 2021.
- Film Screenings will occur September - November 2021 and February - April 2022.
Southern Circuit invites nonprofit, educational and governmental organizations to screen new work from some of today’s best filmmakers for an exclusive look at the art of filmmaking and the opportunity to learn about a host of relevant topics. Southern Circuit isn’t just for film aficionados. We work with new and established indie film audiences that include high school and college students, community members of all ages, families, social clubs—everyone!
Southern Circuit runs September - November and February - April each year. As a Screening Partner, your organization can create new or expand existing programming; provide audiences with the opportunity to meet filmmakers and learn about the art of filmmaking; and encourage community engagement using film as a conduit for discussions about social and community issues. South Arts recognizes the value of filmmaker participation by providing a $500 screening fee for each filmmaker’s tour, with the support of the National Endowment for the Arts.
Ready to Apply?
Applications to become a Screening Partner for the 2021-2022 Southern Circuit season are now open. Applications are due March 31. Continue reading the guidelines below and then access the Application Portal to begin your application. For more information, contact Teresa Hollingsworth or Jordan Young or call 404.874.7244 x106.