The first annual Neu World International Film Festival takes place in Cedar City on August 20 starting at 9:30 a.m., and given that this is a springboard for filmmakers from around the world, many of whom are just starting out, the name of this festival couldn’t be anymore appropriate. After all, “Neu” is Latin for “new.”
The Neu World International Film Festival is a leisurely paced one-day event filled with features, shorts, and workshops, and it’ll all be capped off by a post-festival party where movie-loving individuals can socialize about the glorious art form that is film.
The brainchild of prolific southern-Utah-based filmmaker Kipp Howard, this eclectic film showcase was born out of Howard’s own Neu World Studios. Founded in 2012, this mini-independent production company was put together for the sole purpose of producing short films, mostly dystopian in nature. The end goal, of course, was to get these films into as many festivals as possible.
In less then five years, Howard and his merry band of misfit filmmakers amassed a collection of 60 shorts and three features. Not too shabby. Throughout their filmmaking adventures, team Howard would meet various like-minded individuals and often discuss the difficulties that sometimes come with the film festival circuit. While Howard has had a great deal of success in terms of getting a handful of his Neu World Studios productions seen, he also realized that the festival circuit can be quite a grind: 25 rejection letters for every acceptance letter. Yes, film festivals can be a tough nut to crack, even for the most accomplished storyteller.
Therefore, Howard soon came to the conclusion that perhaps it made sense to put his own film festival together in an effort to give back to a cinematic community that has has given him so much joy. In other words, it would afford him the opportunity to open the door to a plethora of filmmakers from around the globe looking to get their projects seen. After all, at the end of the day that’s what it’s really all about: sharing your art.
Howard couldn’t be anymore enthusiastic in regard to the festival’s first lineup.
“We had submissions come in from 13 different countries from all around the world, and the majority of them were just top-notch, grade A productions,” Howard said. “I seriously am still amazed they are a part of our festival. I think our highlights this year are our animation submissions, music videos, and first time filmmakers categories. They are simply outstanding! I can’t wait for people to see them! And you can’t find them anywhere else!”
It should be noted that the somewhat culty and quirky Neu World International Film Festival isn’t Sundance. It isn’t Toronto. It isn’t Cannes. It’s is a considerably smaller affair, but it’s no less grand in terms of the love and passion that brought it to fruition.
Check out a few of the films playing during this festival’s freshman outing, like “Host,” “Arcadia,” and “Lima.“
That is just but a taste of the eclectic, creative lineup that awaits Neu World International Film Festival attendees. And once again, in addition to a diverse film slate, the festival will also offer up workshops on acting, costuming, scoring, and special effects. So whether you’re someone who simply enjoys watching films that are a little outside the box or a filmmaker looking for a bit of insight, you’re sure to feel right at home with what promises to be an exciting Cedar City-based film showcase for many years to come.
For detailed information, including ticket availability and venues, click here.
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