Apart from a minimalist festival, "Kota 2023" has been conceived as an event in which the authors would be encouraged to create a piece on a given topic. It is to be announced a whole year in advance, but would NOT BE COMPULSORY (these films would form a separate category). As regards the topic, the one chosen for 2008/09 is to be:

* You could send all sorts of materials belonging to these categories, apart from commercials. This would involve experimental, films shot in a single take, one-minute films, documentaries, music videos, etc... As regards the single-take films, you could manipulate the sound to your own liking, although we do recommend it be as authentic as possible, i.e. originating from the location in which the scene is set. The same goes for the opening and closing credits. We would consider a single take the one beginning after the title sequence and ending before the closing credits. All editing in it is forbidden, except using the features offered by the camera itself (of course, fades are not allowed as well, and any attempt of manipulation will be sanctioned by not airing the film in question :-)
** Your film could be slightly longer (but no more than 45 minutes, i.e. half the length of an average feature film) and will be shown should it pass preselection. You do not have to re-edit.
*** In the Republic of Macedonia certain topics as homo/bisexuality are still covered by a veil of mystery, even though widely practised. The purpose of this category is just that: to break the taboos and discuss them openly. It is quite odd that male homosexuality is regarded as something extremely unwelcome, while the female one as a desired sort of orientalism (from a male perspective).
**** There are wonderful Macedonian artists, but only a handful venture in the domain of animation and no one has even attempted creating cartoons. This category represents a challenge of a sort, an attempt to create something either individually or in collaboration.

All materials must be in either English or Macedonian, that is, translated (subtitled) in Macedonian or English. This also goes for the minorities living in Macedonia. Otherwise, they will not be accepted.

One author/school/club may send more than one film (on the same DVD if they wish), produced in 2007, 2008 or 2009. (You might also send us older- dated films, however if favored will be scheduled for screening during the accompanying events clearing out of the official program.) Also, more authors can send their films on a same DVD and/or in the same package.

Each film should be accompanied by a filled-in application in a hard copy, which could be downloaded and printed from the following link: Participant application for the "Kota 2023" film festival. Also, we kindly ask of you to forward it as an attachment to one of our e-mail addresses so we would know what to expect.

The films will not be returned to their authors. Shipping costs are to be covered by the applicants themselves.

The organizer retains the right to air part of the films in order to promote the festival in the media.

The organizer provides no financial compensation for airing the films on the festival or for promotional purposes.

Film Festival "Kota 2023"
Igor Spasovski
P.O. Box 748, 1000 Skopje
Republic of Macedonia (FYROM)

PS: If the DVD delivery poses a problem for you, please send us an e-mail so we can investigate if it’s possible to somehow download your film(s). You’ll have to write down the size of the file(s). All film(s) must be in DVD (PAL) format.