TikTok has taken the world by storm in recent years. It is the new and improved Musical.ly and, in a few years, it might even be the new YouTube. The social media platform is positioning itself to be one of the top social network services. TikTok hosts short-form videos, allowing users to share entertaining 30 seconds (up to 3-minutes) clips. Additionally, users can utilize a variety of filters, sounds, and music to enhance their videos.
For the most part, TikTok is a fun way to pass the time. Users scroll through and chuckle at both teens and adults participating in whatever the hottest trends are. Whether it is “I’m Just A Baby,” “Isn’t This Easy,” or “This Is What Dreams Are Made Of,” TikTok videos give audiences something they can laugh at or relate to. All in bite-sized form. However, as the app ages, it has resulted in the rise of a number of TikTok stars who are pushing the limits on what they can do with the app.
We’ve got users like Kallmerkis, whose videos of imagining what it’s like to have a toddler, turned into a full-fledged plot with her portraying a whole cast of different characters. Additionally, users like That Tall Family have brought a form of family vlogging to the platform. Meanwhile, social media stars like Brent Rivera, have also migrated to TikTok and modified their content for the platform. And now, TikTok users have another unique way to truly show off their skills.
The TikTok Short Film Contest at Cannes Film Festival
Earlier this month, TikTok announced that they were partnering with Cannes Film Festival this year. This means that TikTok will be exploring the behind-the-scenes of the festival, giving users actor interviews, red carpet footage, and much more. It was in celebration of this partnership that TikTok announced their global Short Film contest.
The contest is open for entries from March 15 to April 8. TikTok users are invited to create and submit a scripted 30 second to 3-minute long short film. Three judges, with careers in the film industry, will select three finalists from the submissions. These three finalist will be invited to attend the TikTok Awards Ceremony, and also, be invited to attend exclusive screenings at the Cannes Film Festival. In addition to this, they will receive a cash prize of up to 10,000 euros.
This opportunity will certainly appeal to budding filmmakers. The Cannes Film Festival has been held annually since 1946 and previews films from all around the world of all genres. However, not just anyone can get into this festival, and it is reserved for film industry professionals only. For those that do attend the festival, it tends to be a great marketplace for exchanging ideas, viewing films, and signing contracts. The festival could be a great “foot in the door” for amateur film creators.
How to enter and who will judge
Entry for the TikTok Short Film Contest is pretty simple, however, it does require adherence to several guidelines and rules. For one, the video needs to be in the range of 30 seconds to 3 minutes, and it must be scripted. It cannot be a music clip, stand-up video, or personal vlog. Hence, it must be an actual short film with an attached genre. Additionally, all content must be 100% original and cannot infringe on any copyright laws. All participants who appear in the videos must be 18 years or older. Users who meet all these requirements can simply fill out an online application to enter.
TikTok has already announced its panel of judges, and it is quite a prestigious lot. The judges will be Cambodian film director, Rithy Panh, Sudanese filmmaker, Basma Khalifa, French videographer, Camille Ducellier, Senegalese screenwriter, Angele Diabang, and Senegalese TikTok creator, Khaby Lame. These judges will be seeking a Grand Prize winner, as well as a winner for Best Script and a winner for Best Editing.
The TikTok Short Film Contest is the first of its kind and we can’t wait to see what creative short films will come out of it.
(feature image: MANJUNATH KIRAN/AFP via Getty Images)
