REELpoetry

We’re always adding new features and creative energy from around the globe to elevate the festival. Here’s a small sample of what people are saying “This festival just keeps getting better and better…” ”. “This is a great festival, meticulously organized and hosted…” “What a wonderful festival! I was blown away by the array of poetry films and filmmakers I was exposed to”

UNIQUE AND SPECIAL: People who give us five-star ratings (that’s everyone!) rave about the online REELcafe. Hosted online twice a day by festival director, Fran Sanders, this live Zoom event allows artists and attendees to meet in real-time, network, talk about the day’s screening, or discuss any topic they want. It’s an opportunity for anyone online to connect internationally, talk directly to the curators and presenters, see old friends, make new ones, tell people about your work, and much more. We’d love to meet you there!

NEW! What could be better than video poetry to engage coming generations of tech-savvy youth? We’re delighted to support poets and filmmakers 18 and under at the festival with a new FREE “Young Creatives” program. If you’re a parent or a teacher, please encourage your kids to submit to this free program. See Rules & Terms for details specific to this program.

NEW IN 2025! We’re thinking about categories differently, and curious to see how one category where the poet and filmmaker are the same person and another where the poet and filmmaker are different plays out. Five notable international curators and presenters participating in our past festivals will be judging the submissions. They can’t wait to see your work!

We’re truly excited to see your work, and it’ll be great to meet you online at the REELcafe or in person at REEL 2025!