HAPPY EASTER

Easter is a 2,000-year-old Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and marks the arrival of Spring. For many, Easter is all about chocolate bunnies, dyed eggs, and bouquets of daffodils and lilies, but the holiday is one of the most important observances of the year for Christians around the world. 

Easter is also significantly associated with the exodus of the Jews from Egypt as depicted in the Old Testament and the Jewish holiday of Passover. The Last Supper, which took place the night before Jesus was arrested, is also linked to these events. 

The Sunday before Easter is called Palm Sunday. It commemorates and celebrates the day Jesus arrived in Jerusalem when his followers greeted him by laying palm leaves at his feet to demonstrate their reverence for him. In many churches, the observance of Easter begins on the night of Holy Saturday, just before Easter Sunday. This religious service is known as the Easter Vigil. 

Religiously, Easter is celebrated by Christians in several ways, including the baptismal rite and traditional liturgy observed by Catholics on the night of Holy Saturday, or the sunrise practices on Easter Sunday favored by Protestants. 

Over time, many pagan celebrations have been merged with Easter to welcome the season of spring. These relatively modern traditions include the Easter bunny — a figure associated with spring, who brings colorful eggs symbolizing new life. The origins of the concept of the Easter bunny have been disputed, but many agree that it started in Germany.

Either way, the kids always look forward to his arrival, (as seen by the movies) and decorating eggs, consuming candy, and community Easter egg hunts have become a huge part of the evolved Easter holiday. LEARN MORE 

THE ART OF PRODUCTION & DESIGN

The Art of Production Design Oscar Panel, hosted by the ADG, SDSA and Variety, happily returned to an in-person event this year. Held locally at the Regal Sherman Oaks Galleria Theater, the event also streamed live globally. WATCH NOW

The TV/Theatrical Agreement Explained.

"What’s my rate?" If you don’t know what you're paid and why, then you need to watch this webinar. Join us as we take a look at the TV/Theatrical Agreement and break down the different pay scales for performers. This program will cover pay rates for different schedules, working conditions you should expect, the difference between theatrical and television pay rates and more! WATCH NOW

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Tax season is upon us!

But don’t panic, we have you covered, watch the video HERE. Please download the tax preparation worksheets available at sagaftra.org/taxprep .

2024 Writers Guild Awards

LOS ANGELES 

 The Writers Guild Awards honor outstanding achievement in writing in film, television, new media, and additional awards categories. The 2024 Writers Guild Awards Los Angeles ceremony will be held at the Hollywood Palladium on April 14, 2024.

WHERE: The Hollywood Palladium -- 6215 Sunset Boulevard. READ MORE

SCREEN SCOTLAND

"Unlimited" awards 15 disabled artists and companies with UK and International Open Awards 2024

Unlimited have announced the names of the 15 projects who will receive between £15,000 to £80,000 to create new work. These projects span a diverse array of artforms, from dance to photography and beyond. Audiences can anticipate groundbreaking performances, thought-provoking exhibitions, and boundary-pushing international collaborations that challenge perceptions and inspire change.  here.

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The National Lottery Film Festival & Screening Programme Fund is now open for applications. The fund is for organizations who are looking to produce film festivals and screening programs in Scotland for a public audience before 31 August 2025.

 Creative Scotland website.

20 Years Of Motion Pictures And Jordan's Production Is Thriving

On its 20th anniversary, the Royal Film Commission – Jordan is celebrating two decades of increasingly active production that started in 1957. The country's multilingual film crew is highly professional, and the government supports the industry. The incentive programs can save up to 56% of the expenses. Finally, a 32,000 ft² professional studio will open soon in the capital Amman.

Learn more about Jordan.

Call for Proposals Now Open Year Round

Vision Maker Media is thrilled to have its open call for;

• Public Media Fund,
• Creative Shorts Fellowship,
• Finished Acquisitions
• Native Youth Media Projects
• Special Media Projects

Funding is open year-round! By empowering Native communities to tell their stories through film, we can cultivate a more diverse, more understanding world. Apply to have your film funded at Fund Your Film!

Surfalorus Film Festival - Early bird Deadline 4/5/2023

Anthem Libertarian Film Festival – Deadline 4/6/2023

Georgia Film Festival - Early Deadline 4/7/2023

Real to Reel International Film – Deadline 4/14/2023.

American Youth Film Festival – Deadline 4/15/2023

Bronze Lens Film Festival – Deadline 4/15/2023

Cucalorus Film Festival – Deadline 4/28/2023

Washington West IFF – Deadline 4/28/2023

Mtn Craft Film Festival – Deadline 4/30/2023

WORLD FILM FEDERATION members, we just wanted to take a minute to have all members update their information on the site. The members section will host your picture and contact info, job category, etc., so if there is nothing there, then there is nothing there.

Here are some of the benefits of being a Federation Member so check it out.

Roy W. Dean Short Film Grant

Dedicated to helping independent filmmakers fund their films, From the Heart Productions created the Roy W. Dean Short Film Grant in response to the explosion and popularity of short form content.  The newest entry in our Roy W. Dean Grants for independent filmmakers is specifically for narrative fiction shorts, live action or animated, that are 40 minutes or less in length.  

As with their other other Roy W. Dean Film Grants, the films need to be unique and make a contribution to society. SHORT FILM Grant Deadline – April 29th

WORLD FILM FEDERATION is dedicated to bringing the Independent Film Market into one Global Community with members, like you taking decisive action with courage, determination and enthusiasm to achieve career success.