TromaDance extends its submission deadline for its 18th annual film festival
Legendary trash movie studio Troma Entertainment, which is really the longest running truly independent film company full stop, has just announced that they have extended the submissions deadline to their 18th Annual All Free TromaDance Film Festival.
“There’s a massive groundswell of filmmakers who are asking to submit to TromaDance after the deadline. The attraction to TromaDance is understandable and we are happy to extend the deadline to June 1st. After all, a film festival is like sex, better when it’s free!” says Lloyd Kaufman, Troma’s iconic President and figurehead.
The Tromadance Film Festival is now in its 18th year and was first developed by Kaufman and South Park co-creator Trey Parker, whose debut film Cannibal! The Musical is distributed by Troma Entertainment and who suggested the idea for Tromadance to Kaufman in 1999. Kaufman felt that the Sundance Film Festival, and similar exclusive big wig festivals, had become too “Hollywood” by charging high entry fees, showing multimillion-dollar “independent” movies, and practicing an elitist structure and film selection process. Parker urged Kaufman to create his own festival -the direct independent opposite of Sundance – that would be free to enter and attend, focusing on independently produced films made without the Hollywood system. From 1999 – 2010 Tromadance operated concurrently alongside the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah and acted as a true independent alternative to Sundance’s mainstream offerings.
Unlike every other film festival, Tromadance does not charge filmmakers to submit their work and entrance to all screenings and panels are free to the public. There are no VIP reservations or preferential treatment regarding Tromadance’s films or filmmaking panels. The organizers of Tromadance believe films are meant to be seen, especially the work of emerging filmmakers. Art – in all its forms – is for everyone. Tromadance is the first film festival of the people, for the people, and by the people!
After 2010, Tromadance expanded to multiple locations across the country in order to spread the TROMAtic word of truly independent art. The festival has been held in Detroit, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Brooklyn, and New Jersey.
Besides world premiere screenings, such as the first U.S. showing of The Human Centipede in 2010, another highlight of every Tromadance Film Festival is the annual panel discussion. Panels in years past have included industry professionals, such as James Gunn, Ti West, Larry Fessenden, Rose Ganguzza, Bill Plympton, Kevin Eastman, Karen Black, Roy Frumkes, Jason Eisenor, Hery Zebrowski, and more!
Are you a filmmaker who has made something scrappy and freaky? Submit your movie today here!