Exploring the planet by vehicle is no easy feat; avoiding danger, navigating perilous roads, and dealing with dangerous animals and potentially hostile areas while motivating yourself and your companions through heat, sleet, and occasional suffering. Try doing all of that while filming the adventure – taking the time to maintain your precious equipment, plan content, wake early, travel far, set up cameras, film from various angles, manage the video files, edit, edit, edit (often with poor internet and power supply), upload and then try to keep the attention of a viewing population now accustomed to 10-second reels! I take my hat off to those dedicated few with the passion (and patience) to bring their vision to life and tell their story with candor, courage, humor and humility. The Overlander Film Festival is back in 2023 and now is the time to start working on your submission or eagerly await some amazing overland-style adventure films from around the world.
The Overlander Film Festival is essentially a competition that celebrates storytelling and filmmaking against the backdrop of overland travel. It is a vehicle for those who want to inspire, educate, and entertain, to get their story out to a broader audience. The festival is presented by Expedition Overland, and they are keeping the process simple so that everyone has a chance to share their adventure story. Use what you have (a cell phone or GoPro work great), and get filming.
Filmmakers, no matter their level of experience, are invited to submit Short-Form, Long-Form or
Junior Division films that will be judged primarily on the quality of their storytelling. The festival judges are without parallel in their field of expertise. The 2023 panel is comprised of Clay Croft of Expedition Overland fame, Scott Brady, the publisher of Overland Journal and Expedition Portal, and award-winning filmmaker Rebecca Donaghe.
Award categories include Best Long, Best Short, Best Junior, and Best Cinematography. All films are also eligible for the Best Overall Story Grand Prize Award. Do you need some inspiration? Here are links to the previous winners:
So, filmmakers, how do you submit a film? Simple! Make sure your film follows the submission rules and the steps outlined on the website, and be sure to submit your film by February 28, 2023 (link below).
If you are as excited as we are to watch the submitted films, there are two ways to attend:
1. Watch the winning films, runners-up, and more content online by purchasing a ticket, which will be available this winter.
2. Attend an in-person watch party in your area where available; more information will be forthcoming on the Overlander Film Festival website.
Prizes are to be announced. Go to www.overlanderfilmfest.com and follow on Instagram for more details and filming tips. @overlanderfilmfest
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