New Audiobook Category for Festivals

Maeya Culture Exchange Group’s three annual festivals are known for their celebration of a wide variety of art forms. Films, music, and illustrations are all welcomed. We are excited to announce a new category: audiobooks!

Audiobooks are currently the fastest growing publishing format. They are accessible for people who have difficulty reading traditionally, such as the blind, language learners, and even busy commuters! Technological developments have lead to new innovations in audiobook production. We want to honor and recognize the incredible voice actors and production teams working hard to bring these stories to life. Past festivals have featured picture books and graphic novels. We are eager to continue our support of the publishing community.

Each festival has its own submission criteria, reflecting its own unique focus. Universe Multicultural Film Festival (UMFF) accepts internationally produced audiobooks, with themes of multiculturalism and diversity. Works submitted to San Diego International Kids’ Film Festival (SDIKFF) must be made with a family and/or child audience in mind. Epic Animation Comic Game Fest (EACG) invites audiobooks with innovative uses of technology.

Audiobooks will be judged based on the quality of their performance, direction, production, and content. The jury will consist of actors and professionals with audiobook production experience.

Accepted entries will receive two complimentary passes to the festival, including access to all film screenings, industry panels, mixers, the film market, and red carpet.

Entries must consist of a 5 to 20 minute sample of the audiobook. Mp3 format is preferred, though we also accept wav, flac, and aac. An accompanying book cover or artwork is recommended. Entries may be submitted at FilmFreeway. Submissions for UMFF and SDIKFF are open. The deadlines are May 25 for UMFF and July 31 for SDIKFF.

Visit the festival websites for more information-

UMFF: https://umfilms.org/
https://filmfreeway.com/UniverseMulticulturalFilmFestival
SDIKFF: https://sdkidsfilms.org/
https://filmfreeway.com/SDIKFF
EACG: https://eacgfest.org/
https://filmfreeway.com/EpicACGFest