BENNINGTON, VT — Catamount Access Television of Bennington (CAT-TV) proudly announces the launch of its inaugural 1-Minute Film Festival, an exciting new platform for local voices to shine. This community-centered event invites storytellers, artists, and aspiring filmmakers from across the region to create and submit original one-minute films centered around the theme “HOME.”
The festival is open and actively accepting submissions through October 10th, 2025, with all submissions culminating in a live screening and gala event this fall at the Bennington Theater, where prizes will be awarded, films will be screened, and creativity will be celebrated.
“This is exactly what community media is about, providing space for expression, creativity, and local connection,” said Lisa Byer, Executive Director of CAT-TV. “It’s a shining example of how local media can partner together and create interactive opportunities for the community and beyond. This film festival will showcase the immense talent we have in our region while elevating storytellers of all ages.”
The CAT-TV 1-Minute Film Festival is designed to spotlight and celebrate the rich history, culture, and creative energy of the Shires of Vermont, Southern Vermont, and neighboring towns. Through the lens of a camera and the spark of imagination, participants will interpret what “HOME” means, be it a physical space, a moment in time, or a state of being.
How It Works:
Who Can Submit: Anyone aged 13 and up living within 50 miles of Bennington
Theme: “HOME”, interpreted freely by the filmmaker
Submission Period: Now till October 10, 2025
Submission Platform: https://www.catamountaccess.com/filmfest
Entry Fee: $30 per submission or $50 for two entries
Equipment: Use your own camera or phone, or borrow CAT-TV’s equipment
Screening Event: Fall 2025 Gala at Bennington Theater (November 8)
Submissions will be judged by a panel of local educators, artists, and media professionals. The Film Festival Committee, led by CAT-TV Production Manager Mike Cutler and including representatives from Southwest Tech, Bennington Banner, and other regional media partners, will oversee the festival’s organization, promotion, and judging.
Prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place, as well as an audience choice award.
Beyond the awards, the true prize is the spotlight, an opportunity to amplify emerging voices, ignite youth engagement, and foster creativity across generations. Special encouragement is being extended to high school and college students, as well as those new to the medium of film.
The festival will be made possible through strong community collaboration, as Cat-TV is currently seeking sponsors. The Bennington Banner serves as the official Media Sponsor, while Bennington Theater steps up as our Partnering Host. The Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce is an Event Sponsor. CAT-TV is also working closely with Southwest Technical School and area schools to offer youth support, mentorship, and promotional reach.
“The 1-Minute Film Festival is not only a call to creativity, it’s a call to community,” said Cutler. “It’s about discovering what binds us, through film, through story, and through the powerful idea of ‘home.’”
For more information, to enter the festival, or to become a sponsor, visit www.catamountaccess.com or follow CAT-TV on social media. Submissions are now open.
