• WHAT IS THE BIG MUDDY?

    - The Big Muddy Film Festival, based at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale Illinois, is the longest-running student-organized film festival in the United States. The Big Muddy is dedicated to supporting the work of emerging and accomplished filmmakers and video artists.


  • WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT THIS YEAR'S BIG MUDDY?

    - The fest is organized into four categories: documentary, experimental, narrative, and animation. Every type of theme is encouraged, however, this year we are seeking to highlight works of Queer Cinema.


  • IS THERE A PRIZE AT THE BIG MUDDY?

    - The Big Muddy provides upwards of $4,000 dollars in cash awards to the best works in competition in each category. It also selects two films for the Audience Choice Award and the John Michaels Award. the John Michaels Memorial Film Award, an integral part of the festival, highlights films and videos that address peace, justice, community action, and environmental issues.


  • HOW DO I SUBMIT TO THE BIG MUDDY?

    - Each work must be accompanied by an entry form and fee. You can submit directly to Big Muddy headquarters or through the Withoutabox website. The entry fee is waived for past jurors. We will email you after receiving your submission.

    - All works must have been completed after January 2008. Entries must be in English or have English subtitles. Films that have been previously submitted to The Big Muddy are not eligible. If you wish to submit two or more films, please use separate entry forms and DVDs. No works-in-progress will be accepted. The Big Muddy Film Festival does not assume any responsibility for damage or loss.


  • WHAT FORMAT SHOULD I SUBMIT TO THE BIG MUDDY?

    - Preview copies must be on DVD in NTSC format. Mini DV and 16mm prints will be accepted for festival screenings.


  • HOW ARE FILMS SELECTED FOR THE BIG MUDDY?

    - The pre-screening committee selects films to be in the competition. A panel of three artists or critics of national and international recognition, including an artist from the Midwest, determines the winners in competition. Past judges have included Jim Jarmusch, Naomi Uman, Jonathan Caouette, Usama Alshaibi, Sarah Elder, Jay Rosenblatt, Jean Sousa, Barbara Hammer, Suzan Pitt, Robert Frank, James Benning, Santiago Alvarez, Trinh Minh-ha, and Christine Choy. Votes from the audience determine the Audience Choice Award.