About
Philadelphia Stories features captivating stories which illuminate and celebrate the Greater Philadelphia region, as seen through the lenses of local filmmakers.
Embarking on its 8th season, Philadelphia Stories is dedicated to the promotion of film and video programs by our region’s independent producers. Works range from social issue documentaries to thought-provoking short narratives, creative animation and experimental programs. Philadelphia Stories favors stories and ideas that reflect the diversity in interests found in our region, including those that reach across gender, class, age, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity and economic background. Projects can be entertaining, innovative and educational.
Philadelphia Stories provides filmmakers the opportunity to get their projects funded, and broadcast on TV in Philadelphia. In addition, 5-Minute programs get additional screening opportunities on www.mindtv.org!
In 1999, WYBE-TV 35 (MiND TV ) received a generous grant from the Philadelphia Foundation to create a 13-hour television series called Philadelphia Stories, to feature works by the region’s independent film and video makers. The idea was to provide funding for new projects; projects that required finishing funds, and the third category: finished projects (acquisitions). This collection of Philadelphia centric programming would debut on the WYBE air-waves.
Over the years, the funding categories have varied to include commissioned works in a “Close-Up” category, and most recently the “5 Minutes” category. The 5 minute programs have the added benefit of additional exposure on MiND TV and in the MiND on-demand library at MiNDtv.org.
Philadelphia Stories has supported the work of emerging artists as well as that of more established Video Producers. It has featured outstanding student films and videos from areas colleges and universities, including collaborative projects by members of media arts organizations like Big Picture Alliance, Termite TV Collective, and Scribe Video Center.
Many Philadelphia Stories funded projects have had a life beyond the series, and have gained new fans and awards at festivals across the country and abroad.
Please take note that the process has changed.
Categories
Note that Philadelphia Stories is now only accepting completed submissions. The categories of Fully-funded and partially funded are no longer available. Programs must be complete and follow the guidelines for either 5 minute or Long Form submissions.
5 minute: All submissions must be COMPLETED PROGRAMS. They must follow the 5 minute submissions guidelines. If selected these programs are also added to the MiND library and will be available on line as well as broadcast for 2 years on MiND TV. Selected programs will receive an award for being selected as part of Philadelphia Stories.
15 & 30: All submissions must be COMPLETED PROGRAMS. They must follow the Long Form submissions guidelines. If chosen, the Filmmaker will receive an award for being selected as part of Philadelphia Stories.
Submissions
All submissions to MIND’s Philadelphia Stories Series must be COMPLETED Productions. Partial projects will not be considered. Eligible program submissions will be reviewed by the MiND team. Filmmakers of selected programs will receive a monetary award for their work. All questions about Philadelphia Stories can be sent to philadelphiastories@mindtv.org.