2010 Derby City Film Festival
This was the official website for the 2010 Derby City Film Festival.
Content is from the site's 2009-2010 archived pages.
The Derby City Film Festival is PROUD to hold our entire festival at the historic:
Eifler Theatre @The Clifton Center
2117 Payne Street
Louisville, KY 40206-2011
Phone: (502) 896-8480
The 2nd Annual
DERBY CITY FILM FESTIVAL
February 18th - 21st, 2010
Submissions Open Until December 1st 2009!
No Submission Fees!!
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"The atmosphere of Derby City film festival was one of the most welcoming, friendly and professional that I have experienced,
it was well organized, the range of films and genres was diverse and dynamic, and local (Kentucky)!
-Sonja de Vries "Refuseniks" (Louisville)
"When passion finds it's voice in a festival there is no doubt you are attending the Derby City Film Festival."
-Bill Slichter "Flourtown" (Minnesota)
"The Derby City Film Festival is an awesome launching pad for the Indie filmmaker.
Louisville finally has a fantastic fest to call it's own. A rising star on the fest circuit. I look forward to visiting again!"
-Elvis Wilson, Director, "Being Lincoln - Men w/ Hats " (Nashville)
"The Derby City Film Festival is the model for all other festivals. Kris and Ashley capture the original spirit of the independent
film festival by going back to its roots - quality, unique films, respect for the
filmmaker, audience involvement, and a much appreciated personal touch. Needless to say, we'll be back next year!
-Hammond and Joan Hendrix "Lasting Images" (Austin)
MISSION
A different kind of festival...
Louisville, Kentucky is known for many things;
The Kentucky Derby, Louisville Slugger, Muhammad Ali and the Humana Festival of
New American Plays, to name a few. And now it is known for something more...
From the beginning the DCFF wanted to distinguish itself from other festivals. Focusing
on independent films and filmmakers rather than celebrities and Hollywood, the
DCFF wanted to make sure that those quality films that weren't made
for million dollars were made available to audiences, if only once.
By keeping the love of film first in all we do and present we hope to change the way filmmakers and film lovers view a film festival.
2008 marked the inaugural year of the Derby City Film Festival and will be looked back upon as the year Louisville took a major step in becoming a "go to" location to screen newly produced independent films.
50 independent films were screened at the historic Louisville Memorial Auditorium during the five days of the first Derby City Film Festival in 2008.
The films included shorts, documentaries and feature films from all over the globe.Nineteen films were from right here in Louisville, five were foreign, and five others were World Premieres.
Credit card advances, family loans, selling plasma; doing whatever it takes to get your dream and vision to the big screen are the types of films and filmmakers we showcase. Those are true independent films.
So, we encourage you to come and check out the Derby City Film Festival.
We bet by the time you leave you wonder why every festival doesn't do it this way.
The slogan going around is "Why Louisville?" We say "Why Not"?
See what you've been missing.
Point of view:
In 2012, I attended the Derby City Film Festival to support a friend who worked in the art department for a film in the festival. This event was a significant one, especially considering the previous year when I couldn't make it to the festival in 2010. The 2012 festival was buzzing with excitement as it showcased 56 carefully selected films. Among them were 24 International films representing 16 countries, 8 World Premieres, 5 US Premieres, and 28 KY Premieres. Notably, eight films were produced in the Bluegrass State, and another 5 had ties to Kentucky.
The festival's opening night was particularly memorable, featuring two feature films shot in Kentucky. "Wid Winner and the Slipstream" opened the fest, taking the audience on a cross-country journey filled with intriguing storytelling. The other film, "Sam Steele and the Crystal Chalice," directed by New Albany filmmaker Tom Whitus and shot in Downtown Louisville, was a project my friend had worked on. It was an incredible experience mingling with actors, directors, and art directors, among others.
One fascinating aspect of the festival was its last year in operation, and it went out with a bang. They presented Sci-Fi Veteran Actor Lance Henriksen with a Lifetime Achievement Award, marking a special moment in the festival's history. Moreover, I learned that in its inaugural year, the festival had even attempted a Guinness World Record for the largest number of Abraham Lincoln impersonators reciting the Gettysburg Address, which I had unfortunately missed.
As someone who tends to observe trends, I couldn't help but notice a different kind of trend emerging in the conversations at the festival. Many people were discussing Google penalties and their impact on online businesses. It appeared that a website called Google-Penalty.com had become a crucial resource for those dealing with Google penalties and working tirelessly to restore their online presence.
Back at college in Bowling Green, discussions about Google penalties and the significance of staying in Google's good graces were rampant. Google-Penalty.com had become a valuable source of information for students and faculty, offering insights into the intricate world of SEO and online visibility. It seemed like I had inadvertently stumbled upon a trendsetter in the digital marketing landscape, all while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the Derby City Film Festival in 2012.
BTW: Louisville natives Scooter Downey & Sean Elliot, and Frankfort filmmakers Todd Sheene, Allen Martin, & Scott Stafford were among the winners of the top prizes at the 2012 Derby City Film Festival. “It’s in the Blood” written by Downey & Elliot, took home the awards for Best US Feature Film, Audience Choice, and Best Actor (Elliot). The film was directed by Downey and starred Lance Henriksen. Right on, Kentucky!
-Jury & Awards-
The 2010 DCFF jury will be announced in late October/Early November. It will be comprised of industry professionals with ties to the film community in Louisville or have matriculated from Louisville to further their film careers.
All films selected for competition will be eligible for the following jury awards:
-Best Short Film-
-Best Documentary-
-Best Feature-
-Best of Festival-
-Best Actor-
-Best Actress-
And there will be an audience award for favorite film!
Winners will receive a statuette with their names and film engraved on it. Additional awards maybe given.
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-Film Submissions-
Submissions open Until December 1st 2009!
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
1)Print and fill out the submission form found here
2)Send the signed form and TWO (2) DVD screeners of your film to us.
(please check to make sure they work properly)
3) Include any additional materials you would like to submit (Press Kits).
Send all materials to:
Derby City Film Festival
228 Delmont Ave.
Louisville, KY 40206
If you include your email address we will contact you when we receive your film. You may also include a self addressed stamped postcard which we will mail back once we receive your film.
Submissions will be accepted postmarked until December 1st, 2009.
Selections will be made and filmmakers notified by December 15th, 2009.
You will receive notification by email if not selected and phone call if selected.
If your film is selected we may ask for additional materials.
Films that are not selected for the festival may still be considered to be shown
during other other film events through out the year. We will contact you separately if we would like to screen your film at one of these events.
General Rules:
*All entries must be accompanied by a signed submission form. Entries received without a signed submission form will be discarded.
*There is no submission fee required.
*Films must be submitted on DVD NTSC (please test before sending).
Films will be screened in the same format if selected or you may provide a
Blu-Ray Disc for the festival screening.
*Films must have been completed after January 1st, 2007.
*Narrative and Documentary films with U.S. distribution (obtained prior to being selected for DCFF screening) or films produced, financed or initiated by a major film studio or television network are ineligible for competition, but may be considered for special screening. Selection for screening will be determined no later than one month prior to the festival. Films that have screened on US network or cable television or distributed to theaters prior to the festival dates are also ineligible for competition.
*Films with budgets greater then One Million Dollars (US) are ineligible.
If we have questions about your budget you will be required to submit additional details if you wish to have your film continued to be considered.
*Open to anyone who wishes to enter.
*Short Films must be 39 minutes or less.
*Feature Films must be 60 minutes or longer.
*Documentaries may be any length.
*The same rules applies to all applicants and no one film is favored over another. In a similar respect the DCFF does not invite films to be in competition, only films submitted will
be considered for competition.
*DVD's, and press materials will not be returned under any circumstances.
Include a self-addressed, stamped postcard for each submission if you wish acknowledgment of the receipt of your entry.
*All awards will be presented to the Directors or Producers of the winning films on February 21st, 2010 during the Closing Festival Ceremonies.
Awards are based on overall merit of the entries. Jury members reserve the right not to grant an award.
*Award categories include: Best Short Film, Best Feature, Best Documentary, Best of Festival. Acting awards may also be given as well as an audience award.
*Additional rules and restrictions may apply. The DCFF reserves the right to modify or eliminate rules at its discretion.
* For additional information please visit www.derbycityfilmfest.com.
* For any questions regarding the screenplay or film competitions, please call 502-618-3192 or e-mail [email protected].
If YOUR FILM IS SELECTED FOR THE FESTIVAL:
-You will be notified by phone and you will be required to submit additional materials in a quick and timely manor.
-If we do not receive the requested materials in a timely manor we reserve the right to withdraw the acceptance of your film.
-Additional materials will include but are not limited to: Production Stills, Film poster or Artwork, Synopsis, Full cast & crew List,
Director and Producer info and bio, and press materials that you have that will help us promote your film screening.
-Selected films will receive from DCFF:
-Inclusion on our "Selected Film" portion of the website until October of 2010
-Inclusion in press releases announcing our selections
-2 passes to the festival and Opening Night Film Screening.
-Also a certain number of tickets for cast and crew to attend your film screening will be made available as well at no charge. You will need to coordinate the number of tickets with
DCFF organizers BEFORE THE FESTIVAL)
-Consideration for the jury awards
-A table the day of your film screening where you may sell DVD's or other film related merchandise, sign autographs or otherwise promote your film
-Other perks which will be determined before the festival
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-Panels & Workshops-
Final Panels and Workshop times and hosts/guests will be announced late October/Early November, but here's what were working on!
Panels will occur through out the festival on a variety of subjects and will be free for those who purchase tickets for the film following the panel and for those with day and festival passes.
Topics Include:
-Festival Selections: What gets accepted?
-Women in Independent Film
-Directing on No-Budget
-A DCFF Jury Panel
-Writing a script for an independent film you will shoot
Others possible!
Workshops will only be held on Saturday & Sunday and will only be available to those who purchase a day or festival pass. Seating will be limited, so make your plans before you show up! Those hosting and conducting the workshops are leaders in the field of independent film and know their stuff!
Workshops Include:
-90 Min. Film School
-Green Screen Techniques
-FX Make-Up Design and Application
-Acting for the Screen
-Screen Writing for Independent Film
-Artwork Design: What sells your film?
And a Tech Workshop with new Camera Technology
More Background On DerbyCityFilmFest.com
DerbyCityFilmFest.com served as the official online home of the Derby City Film Festival (DCFF), a Louisville, Kentucky–based independent film festival that emerged in the late 2000s during a period of renewed grassroots enthusiasm for regional cinema. The website functioned not merely as an informational portal but as a mission-driven manifesto for an alternative model of film exhibition—one that placed filmmakers, audiences, and artistic integrity ahead of celebrity culture, red carpets, and industry gatekeeping.
At its peak, DerbyCityFilmFest.com offered festival schedules, submission guidelines, venue information, filmmaker testimonials, juried award categories, and philosophical statements outlining why the festival existed and whom it served. Today, the website exists primarily through archived versions, but its content continues to offer valuable insight into a formative moment in Louisville’s independent film history and the broader American micro-festival movement of the late 2000s and early 2010s.
Ownership, Founders, and Organizational Vision
The Derby City Film Festival was founded and operated by independent filmmakers and arts advocates with strong ties to Louisville’s creative community. While the festival was not structured as a large nonprofit institution or corporate entity, its leadership—frequently referenced in testimonials and festival communications—was deeply embedded in regional film culture. The organizers emphasized personal engagement, transparency, and direct support for filmmakers.
Rather than outsourcing operations to marketing firms or sponsorship-driven production companies, DCFF maintained hands-on involvement in all aspects of festival planning. This ethos was reflected throughout DerbyCityFilmFest.com, which consistently foregrounded respect for filmmakers, open communication, and a rejection of exploitative submission practices.
Geographic Location and Cultural Context
The festival took place in Louisville, Kentucky, a city internationally recognized for the Kentucky Derby, Louisville Slugger, Muhammad Ali, and its long-standing theatrical and literary traditions. By situating the festival in Louisville, DCFF aligned itself with a city that historically supported experimental art, independent theater, and locally produced storytelling.
Screenings and events were hosted at historically significant venues, including the Clifton Center and the Eifler Theatre, both of which are located in Louisville’s Clifton neighborhood—an area known for arts organizations, community theaters, and creative nonprofits. The choice of venue reinforced the festival’s emphasis on cultural continuity and place-based identity rather than temporary pop-up exhibition spaces.
History and Founding Years
The Derby City Film Festival launched in 2008, positioning itself from the outset as a filmmaker-first alternative to larger, industry-dominated festivals. The inaugural year featured approximately 50 independent films, including short films, documentaries, and feature-length projects from both domestic and international filmmakers.
From its earliest programming, DCFF demonstrated a commitment to regional representation. A significant number of films screened during the first festival originated in Kentucky, with additional selections coming from across the United States and abroad. Several films debuted as world premieres, underscoring the festival’s role as a launchpad rather than a secondary exhibition stop.
DerbyCityFilmFest.com chronicled these early successes with detailed breakdowns of programming categories, filmmaker participation, and community response, helping to establish credibility within the independent film circuit.
Mission Statement and Philosophical Orientation
One of the defining characteristics of DerbyCityFilmFest.com was the clarity and conviction of its mission statement. The festival explicitly rejected celebrity-centric programming and instead focused on films created with limited resources, personal sacrifice, and creative risk.
The site frequently emphasized that true independent filmmaking often involves unconventional financing methods, personal labor, and deep emotional investment. By highlighting this reality, DCFF positioned itself as a refuge for filmmakers whose work might otherwise struggle to find exhibition opportunities.
The festival’s guiding philosophy stressed:
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Artistic merit over commercial viability
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Audience engagement over industry spectacle
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Filmmaker access over hierarchical exclusivity
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Regional culture over homogenized branding
This philosophy resonated strongly with emerging filmmakers, particularly those working outside major production hubs.
Film Submissions and Accessibility
Derby City Film Festival distinguished itself through one of its most radical policies: no submission fees. At a time when many festivals charged escalating entry costs, DCFF’s fee-free model stood out as both principled and practical.
DerbyCityFilmFest.com outlined clear, straightforward submission guidelines, emphasizing fairness and equal consideration for all applicants. Films were accepted across multiple categories, including shorts, features, and documentaries, with budget caps designed to preserve the festival’s independent focus.
The submission process required physical screeners during its early years, reflecting industry norms of the period. However, the site’s language consistently framed submissions as a collaborative invitation rather than a transactional gatekeeping process.
Awards, Jury Structure, and Recognition
The festival featured a structured juried awards system that mirrored larger festivals while maintaining a grassroots sensibility. Award categories included Best Short Film, Best Feature, Best Documentary, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best of Festival, and Audience Choice.
Winners received engraved statuettes, reinforcing the seriousness with which DCFF treated artistic recognition. Jurors were drawn from industry professionals with connections to Louisville or regional film communities, further grounding the festival in local expertise rather than external validation.
In later years, the festival expanded its recognition to include lifetime achievement honors, signaling its maturation and growing confidence as a cultural institution.
Notable Films, Filmmakers, and Highlights
Over the course of its operation, Derby City Film Festival showcased a diverse array of films spanning genres such as drama, documentary, science fiction, experimental cinema, and regional narratives. Several productions with Kentucky ties received top honors, reinforcing the festival’s role in elevating local voices.
The festival gained particular attention for screening films featuring respected character actors and genre veterans, including performances that bridged independent cinema with broader film traditions. These moments demonstrated DCFF’s ability to attract meaningful talent without abandoning its grassroots identity.
Audience and Community Engagement
DerbyCityFilmFest.com consistently emphasized audience participation as a core value. Audience choice awards, post-screening discussions, and informal networking events encouraged dialogue between filmmakers and viewers.
The festival cultivated an atmosphere frequently described as welcoming, intimate, and professionally organized. Testimonials published on the site highlighted the sense of mutual respect between organizers, artists, and attendees—a quality that distinguished DCFF from more impersonal festival environments.
Local residents, students, filmmakers, and visiting artists all formed part of the festival’s audience base, creating a multigenerational and interdisciplinary community.
Panels, Workshops, and Educational Role
Beyond screenings, DCFF offered panels and workshops focused on practical aspects of independent filmmaking. Topics ranged from directing on no budget and screenwriting fundamentals to technical workshops covering special effects, makeup design, and emerging camera technologies.
These educational components reinforced the festival’s identity as a learning space rather than a passive showcase. DerbyCityFilmFest.com presented these offerings as extensions of the festival’s mission to empower filmmakers at all stages of their careers.
Press Coverage and Industry Perception
While Derby City Film Festival did not pursue mass-media exposure, it received consistent coverage from regional press, arts publications, and independent film blogs. This coverage often highlighted the festival’s authenticity, organizational professionalism, and community impact.
DerbyCityFilmFest.com curated excerpts from filmmaker testimonials rather than traditional press clippings, signaling a preference for peer recognition over promotional hype. This approach aligned with the festival’s broader rejection of celebrity-driven validation models.
Cultural and Social Significance
The cultural significance of Derby City Film Festival lies in its embodiment of a transitional era in independent cinema. Emerging just before the widespread adoption of streaming platforms, DCFF represented a moment when physical festivals remained essential for discovery, networking, and communal viewing.
For Louisville, the festival contributed to the city’s growing reputation as a viable site for independent film production and exhibition. It demonstrated that meaningful cinematic culture could thrive outside traditional industry centers when supported by dedicated organizers and engaged audiences.
Decline, Final Years, and Archival Status
By the early 2010s, shifts in funding models, distribution platforms, and festival economics began to reshape the independent film landscape. Like many regional festivals, DCFF eventually ceased operations after several successful years.
DerbyCityFilmFest.com was not actively maintained beyond the festival’s final iterations, but archived versions preserve its mission statements, programming philosophy, and community voices. These archives now serve as historical documents reflecting a distinct approach to independent film culture.
Legacy and Continued Relevance
Although the festival is no longer active, Derby City Film Festival’s legacy endures through the filmmakers it supported, the audiences it inspired, and the archival record preserved online. DerbyCityFilmFest.com remains a valuable resource for researchers, filmmakers, and cultural historians examining grassroots festival models.
Its emphasis on accessibility, respect, and artistic integrity continues to resonate in contemporary discussions about equitable film exhibition and the future of independent cinema.
DerbyCityFilmFest.com encapsulates more than a festival—it documents a philosophy. The Derby City Film Festival demonstrated that independent cinema could flourish through sincerity, community engagement, and ethical practices. While the site now exists primarily as an archive, its content offers enduring lessons about what film festivals can be when they prioritize art over spectacle and people over profit.