Creative Placemaking Communities and Community LIFT are curating our first ever submission-based film program and we are inviting you to submit short films for consideration.

 

Building Bridges on Screen: Documentary Stories of Place in the South, is a multi-documentary program that uses the unique storytelling power of film to highlight the impactful work of creative placemakers in the South and Appalachian regions and to inspire more creative placemaking efforts in the future.

 

We are seeking short documentaries (up to 20 minutes) about public art projects, revitalization efforts, and other programs that positively impact their communities. You may submit a film from any part of the U.S., although preference will be given stories focused in the South or Appalachian region.

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To apply, use the application below to submit your film.

 

Deadline to apply is Friday, March 20, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST>

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Film Formats

Please submit your film submission via a weblink ONLY.  

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Submitted films should be no longer than 20 minutes in length. If selected, you will be asked to provide your film in an MP4 or MOV file at 1080p resolution to be prepared to show on screen.

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Application & Review Process Requirements:

‍Your application should include a summary of your film, along with credits for the producer, filmmaker, camera and other participants. Please include a statement why your film fits the themes outlined below. 

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Acceptance will be based on completeness and quality of the application, as well as the following scoring criteria: 

1. Relevance to the Summit mission of offering professional development and educational opportunities for attendees through showcasing your project through film

2. Have a significant connection to arts and culture and.or projects related to creative placemaking, including architecture and design, public art projects, community based art installations, and artist-led projects

3. Multi or interdisciplinary collaboration (to include multiple voices and perspectives)

4. Originality/Uniqueness

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Applications will be evaluated and scored by Summit Film Curator.

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• Submit ONLY one application.  Additional applications will be automatically disqualified 

• Incomplete applications will not be accepted

• Applicants will be notified of final decision no later than April 1, 2026.

• Please note: You do not have to register to attend the Summit for your film to be shown. We encourage you to register and will offer a 40% discount for up to 3 participants in the making of the film.

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 Tips to submitting a strong application:

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• Have a strong and compelling title - choose an engaging and concise title that clearly describes your film

• Be complete and comprehensive - To make your application more compelling, avoid including placeholder information. Provide adequate details about your film content so the Summit Film Curator can understand your vision

• Make sure your proposed format fits into the Summit criteria

• Check your application prior to submitting by reviewing for clarity, completeness, and spelling and punctuation errors

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Applicant agrees to the following terms and conditions when submitting an application to present their film:

• If selected to present, agree and sign a contract provided by CPC

• Applicant must manage all contributors and negotiate any intellectual property rights to recorded content

• Provide digital headshot images and bios of filmmakers and producers. Headshots should be 3/4 or shoulder-level images with no additional people.  Bios should be no more than 75 words

• In the event of any changes, provide CPC with a minimum of three-weeks’ notice

• Agree to allow CPC and Community LIFT to use your images and content to promote the film program

 

We look forward to receiving your application!

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