The Silver State Film Festival unveiled its plans for its 2021 festival, marking its return to in-person events.The festival, which is hosted by the Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV, is a host for dozens of independent films. These films are created by independent creators with the festival providing an opportunity for unknown filmmakers to get eyes on their work. The festival takes submissions from all over the world to build its lineup each year. It also includes sections of shorts, documentaries and features. Films will compete for a variety of awards given out by both audiences and the jury.
Festival representatives are anticipating a return to theaters for the festival’s fourth year. “We’re optimistic that the festival will be an in-person event, and we will have it on the ShortsDaily Roku Channel if need be,” says festival director Jon Gursha. ShortsDaily hosted 2020’s festival, which was moved later in the year and onto virtual platforms due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The festival hosts are anticipating a huge turnout as the festival arrives back in theaters. “People want to come back to Las Vegas and experience the Silver State Film Festival and the city of Las Vegas,” says Gursha. “Our messages are full of inquiries.” Festival Programmer Peter Greene says that he is looking forward to welcoming guests once again.
“We’re excited [to] host everyone at the Century Orleans 18 and XD [theater], it’s fun seeing everyone in the theatre and on the Casino property during the festival,” says Greene.
Regular submissions have closed, but the festival is still taking late submissions through FilmFreeway until Aug. 20. The event takes place Sept. 8-15.
More information, including a full list of last year’s winners, visit silverstatefilmfestival.com.
Highlights of the 2020 Silver State Film Festival include:
“Used and Borrowed Time”
Directed By: Sophia Romma, Producer: Renee Lekach, Sergio Voronin
An actress transports back in time to experience her family’s white supremacy firsthand, falling in love with a civil rights activist. This three and a half hour long epic won the festival’s Best Editing Award.
“Covert Activity”
Directed By: Fiona Lincke, Producer: Frank Dion
A young man upends his boring life by deciding to make a film about his mother’s past as a spy. He and his friend team up to film their movie undercover at work. This film won the audience prize for Best Narrative Short.
“Gam Cam Grrl”
Directed By: Michael Paul Girard
A brilliant hacker is lured to Moscow by a woman who needs his help pulling off a fantastical crime. Director Michael Paul Girard won Best Director of a Feature Film.
“From The Ocean”
Directed By: Bide Yuan, Producer: Jingyao He, Jiayi Li, Yongkang Yuan
A couple live on an island in peace until a mysterious message in a bottle washes up on shore. Writer and director Bide Yuan took home the festival’s award for Best Narrative Screenplay.
“Pink Opaque”
Written and Directed By: Derrick Perry
A film student faces a hard time graduating as a reconnection with his uncle and a budding romance change the trajectory of his life. This film was the winner of the audience award for Best Feature.
These films and more can be found on the ShortsDaily ROKU Channel.
By Ben Lindner