FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I have to be a filmmaker to apply?
Ideally, applicants will have some experience with visual arts, video and/or filmmaking and have developed the skills needed to go through the process of writing and shooting a film. Our competition programme will support with the technical and conceptual development of projects, offering script feedback, pre-production assistance and mentorship. However, a basic understanding of filmmaking and at least amateur level of experience with it is essential.
Can I apply as a student?
Of course. Anyone above the age of 18 is welcome to apply.
Do applicants have to be based in Egypt?
The Two.Five competition programme is designed for applicants based in Egypt, who are physically able to partake in the technical and conceptual preparation as well as pre-production and production sessions. These will take place between mid-February to April 2024.
Exceptions can be made for very strong applications that reflect prior experience in this specific approach to filmmaking.
There is also an option for projects to be submitted to the out-of-competition programme. Further details can be found in the next FAQ.
Do applicants have to go through the competition programme?
Applicants wishing to simply submit a finished project in the form of an exposed Super 8mm film can participate in the out-of-competition programme.
Shortlisted out-of-competition submissions will be screened alongside competition films at the end of May, but will not be eligible for any of the competition prizes.
Can I apply as a team or are applications for individuals only?
You may participate in the competition as a team of two or more, and up to 4 individuals per team will be permitted in the TWO.FIVE competition programme. However, there should be one central person responsible for the project (i.e. the author/director) under whose name the application will be made and to whom the finalist prize, should their project be awarded one, will be presented.
Do I have to know how to use a Super 8?
No, you are not expected to have experience shooting with a Super 8 camera. Super 8 is a simple and accessible format, originally invented for home-movie use. Our technical orientation sessions will familiarize you with the camera and its features, ensuring you are confident enough to use it when the time comes for shooting.
What if my film is a mixture of documentary and fiction?
We understand that films can blur the lines between documentary and fiction, however we ask that you pick one category of the two to which your project leans. Our definition of documentary is quite broad and includes, for instance, docu-fiction, docu-drama and other experimental documentary forms.
Can I apply with any idea or is there specific criteria?
The central criteria in the application stage is the FEASIBILITY of the project within the specific limitations of TWO.FIVE - i.e. a film that can be successfully shot on one canister of Super 8 film (2.5 mins duration) with no post-production. Projects that cannot be achieved within these limitations will be disqualified, regardless of their originality or creative value.
Can I change the idea I apply with at a later stage?
Not really. You should apply with an idea for a film that you are confident and passionate about. Of course, over the course of your script development and mentorship sessions, your idea will develop and evolve, however it shouldn’t vary massively from the idea you initially applied with.
Why is there a fee for entry?
The participating fee of EGP 1500 (per project) for all shortlisted applicants covers the price of the developing and scanning of the Super 8 film on which each team will shoot their movie.
Why do I have to apply with my idea rather than submit a film?
Firstly because the concept of this short film competition is both exciting and challenging in that it doesn’t allow any post-production and expects filmmakers to edit in-camera, shooting their films as they will be screened. To do this successfully (on the first attempt!) will require substantial script development and pre-production. Because we wish each team to reach their highest potential, and produce beautiful films, we have decided to take teams through a short development programme to prepare them, both technically and conceptually, for the Two.Five challenge!
Secondly, Super 8 has only recently been re-introduced as a movie format, and because most of us in Egypt are still unfamiliar with the cameras and technology around it. We don’t wish for this to intimidate or limit access to what is essentially a very creative and enjoyable cinematic exercise. On the contrary, the idea behind using Super 8 technology is to strip filmmaking to its essentials, allowing participants to lean on good storytelling for the true substance of their movies. We therefore wish to give everyone the opportunity to familiarize themselves with Super 8 and feel absolutely comfortable with the medium by the time they are due to shoot their films.
What sort of preparation for shooting my film will you offer?
We have designed a programme - in some ways, a sort of accelerated 6-week film school! - featuring discussions about storytelling and independent film production with filmmakers, as well as script development sessions, pre-production sessions, technical orientation sessions and film screenings.
How many winners are chosen?
Three winning films will be chosen, one in each of the following three categories: Best Film, Most Original Voice, and Audience Award.
What are the prizes for winning films?
The prize for best film will be a fully-funded trip to France to attend the Clermont International Film Festival in January 2025. The prize for Audience award and Most Original Voice will be a Super 8 camera and 5 Super 8 Films gifted by EASTMAN KODAK!