Film Festival Calls For Submissions

The Tobacco Harm Reduction Film Festival will take place in a hybrid format between May 26 to June 1, 2025. The in-person screenings will happen in Porto Alegre, Brazil, with free online access, mainly aimed at engaging audiences across Latin America.

The organisers say: “The THR Film Festival provides a one-of-a-kind platform for cinematic works that delve into the complexities of tobacco harm reduction: its impacts, controversies, and potential solutions.

“Through the art of storytelling and visual narrative, the festival aims to inform, provoke thought, engage audiences, and spark essential dialogue about how societies can navigate the tension between tobacco consumption and public health.

“In line with its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, the festival ensures free entry, removing economic barriers for participants.

“While the event is non-competitive, outstanding films will not go unnoticed—special mentions or invitations to participate in associated events may be awarded, recognizing the talent and creativity of filmmakers.”

Four categories for the submissions:

1. Feature Films (60 minutes or longer)
2. Short Films (under 30 minutes)
3. One-Minute Films (60 seconds or less)
4. Documentaries

Submission criteria:

• Language Requirements: Films not in English or Spanish must include subtitles in one of these languages
• Projection formats include ProRes, H264, and MP4. Exceptions may be considered upon prior agreement with the organising committee.
• Submissions are open via FilmFreeway until March 14, 2025, at 11:59 PM. Filmmakers are encouraged to submit multiple projects with no limit on entries.

The organisers add: “The THR Film Festival is more than a showcase —it is a call to action. The festival aspires to drive meaningful conversations and amplify solutions to the global tobacco crisis by merging the transformative power of cinema with the urgency of harm reduction strategies.

“Through compelling narratives, the event invites audiences to reflect on the complex intersections of public health, global policy, and personal stories, harnessing cinema as a tool for social change.”

References:

• The Tobacco Harm Reduction Film Festival - https://filmfreeway.com/thrfilmfestival

Photo Credit:

• Banner image generated using AI

Dave Cross

Journalist at POTV

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Dave is a freelance writer; with articles on music, motorbikes, football, pop-science, vaping and tobacco harm reduction in Sounds, Melody Maker, UBG, AWoL, Bike, When Saturday Comes, Vape News Magazine, and syndicated across the Johnston Press group. He was published in an anthology of “Greatest Football Writing”, but still believes this was a mistake. Dave contributes sketches to comedy shows and used to co-host a radio sketch show. He’s worked with numerous start-ups to develop content for their websites.