2008 New Hampshire Film Festival draws a record 600 entries

[From the New Hampshire Film Festival in Portsmouth.]

The New Hampshire Film Festival, slated for Oct. 16 – 19 in downtown Portsmouth, drew more than 600 entries by the Aug. 22 deadline for submissions, making the 2008 field the largest in the festival's eight-year history.

“The volume of submissions speaks to both the success of the New Hampshire Film Festival and the real need for a quality venue where filmmakers can share their work,” said Nicole Gregg, NHFF festival director. “We are fortunate to be inundated with so many films. The quality of this year's field is certainly impressive.”

The total number of NHFF submissions has risen from about 500 in 2007, about 300 in 2006, and about 100 in 2005. The 2008 NHFF also received a record number of entries from New Hampshire filmmakers. More than 50 original Granite State films were submitted. Also up are the number of original scripts submitted to the screenplay competition, which tripled to 94 entries.

Event organizers say the popularity of the festival means that films face greater competition for acceptance, resulting in higher caliber screenings. Tickets are available at The Music Hall Box Office (603.436.2400, www.themusichall.org) or by calling the festival at 603.647.6439.

“Each year, we learn a little more and build up more of a name for NHFF,” said Dan Hannon, NHFF communications director and co-founder. “The exposure, the professional presentation, and the networking that our festival provides to independent filmmakers has improved every year, drawing more submissions, and producing even better screenings.”

NHFF begins the third Thursday in October with New Hampshire Night. The four-day festival will screen more than 60 domestic and international films through Sunday. Ten Portsmouth venues, including The Music Hall, will host screenings, professional workshops, networking events, industry expert panels, and after parties.

[More information on the festival is available at www.nhfilmfestival.com.]