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Calling all passionate film enthusiasts — after 15 years of nurturing Fresno’s filmmaking community, Swede Fest will have its final edition on Friday, Nov. 17 at The Tower Theatre in Fresno.
Festival organizers are now seeking entries for the final festival. Film enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to submit a “sweded” film for the event, described as “everything to do with weird, homemade remakes of popular films.”
Swede Fest was created in August 2008 by co-founders Roque Rodriguez and Bryan Harley. Since then, it has hosted festivals in multiple cities.
Over the years, the festival has provided a platform for aspiring creators worldwide. Swede Fest has received hundreds of entries and has spawned sister festivals on the East Coast.
The festival’s nonprofit fiscal sponsor is CMAC, the Community Media Access Collaborative.
“A sweded film is a summarized, low-budget re-creation of your favorite movie,” said Harley, one of the co-founders of the Swede Fest, in a press release. “Sweding takes the best and worst movies that come out of Hollywood and combines them with the creativity and ingenuity of their greatest fans.”
Film submissions are due by Monday, Nov. 6 at 11:59 p.m. There is no cost to enter. Each film must be no longer than four minutes and be suitable for all ages.
The screening event will occur at the Tower Theatre Nov. 17. Doors open at 6:30 pm, films start at 7 pm. The event is free to attend.
“It’s been a joy to present Swede Fest for the last 15 years. While this will be the last festival, we want our supporters to know that we will continue to find ways to lift up local creators and showcase their talents. We aren’t going anywhere. We can’t wait to share more about our plans for next year. But for now, I hope to see lots of submissions for Swede Fest 23,” said Harley.
For more information about Swede Fest, how to submit, and how to watch sweded films from past editions, visit www.swedefest.com.