Springfield’s grown up quite a bit in the past few years when it comes to developing a film community. The upside is getting to see a great many clever — and oftentimes, groundbreaking — shorts produced right in our own backyard. That’s what shorts are for: experimentation, developing new production AND storytelling techniques, opportunities for local talent in front of and behind the camera to stretch.

But here’s the thing…

Springfield isn’t just a one ‘art’ town. Besides film, there’s a serious music community here ranging from up and coming trends to bluegrass to classical, etc. There’s singers in this town who can perform acapella in such perfect pitch that you gotta wonder if there’s something in the local water. There’s also insanely funny improv groups who, if given the right motivation, could create a symphony of sound effects that would put STOMP or Michael Winslow to shame.

That’s where the ‘Hardly Silent’ Film category comes in. It’s an opportunity to break out of the traditional short film style and create a visual element accompanied by live sound that enhances the experience in a way unique to Springfield.

So consider crafting a short – no more than 5 minutes – which allows for an entirely different audio experience. If you’re having trouble coming up with the live sound element, contact our Music/Sound Coordinator at slff.music AT gmail.com and when you’re ready, visit festival site at http://www.springfieldlittlefilmfestival.com to submit your film.

Think of it this way, you have the next ten days to focus only on the visuals.

Imagine the possibilities.