I'm about to make a short. I'm going to shoot it in another country. Shall I do it in English and enter it as an American production or in the language of that country and enter it as a Foreign?

Which one has more chances of been accepted at festivals?

Why not shoot two versions?

If you have the time, money and actors capable of both languages, I agree with mrde50. Those are a lot of "ifs" though.

Well, I don't have to shoot two versions, I can ADR in the other language.

My question is, do I enter as American or Foreign? Which way has a better chance?

Keep in mind that it's a short.

My question is, do I enter as American or Foreign? Which way has a better chance?

Where is your production company located? If it's in the U.S. you'd probably want to enter as American. If your production company isn't in the U.S. go foreign. If you don't have a registered company anywhere, where do you claim residence? Go with that.

Of course... these are just my opinions.

I don't think calling it 'foreign' for the sake of calling it foreign would increase the chances any...

if it's good it'll get in either way.

It's more realistic to use the native language of the country.

The Passion of the Christ resurrected (bad pun) the dead language of Aramaic.

I agree with Indie. I'd use the native language of the country you're shooting in. You can always dub an english soundtrack later.

Thanks for everybody's reply.

The problem it's not in which language to shot. I can make it an American production or foreign production, it will be no problem.

My dilemma it's which one has a better chance to be accepted at festivals. How shall I submit as?

Your chances don't change depending on how you submit. Festivals don't choose "foreign" over "American". Or the other way around. No matter what you do, getting into festivals is harder than it was ten - or even five - years ago. Check the submission history of the top ten - entries have more than doubled in the last few years.

The only thing that will increase your chances are: 1) a name star, or 2) a personal connection in the festival committee.

Your chances don't change depending on how you submit. Festivals don't choose "foreign" over "American". Or the other way around. No matter what you do, getting into festivals is harder than it was ten - or even five - years ago. Check the submission history of the top ten - entries have more than doubled in the last few years.

The only thing that will increase your chances are: 1) a name star, or 2) a personal connection in the festival committee.


I hear ya.