Film Score Fest, hosted regularly in St. Paul and newly-announced in Denver, pairs filmmakers and composers to create an original short film in four months or less.
The twist? They’re paired at random, with composers writing music in response to their partner’s film – that will be played by a live orchestra at each showing!
The result is a one-of-a-kind audience experience and a celebration of filmmakers, animators, and all types of music-makers of all styles and skill levels. Because there’s no fee for artists to participate, Film Score Fest is the only festival where audiences can experience the perspectives of some of the wildly creative, talented artists in our own communities. Whether you can’t stay away from a symphony or aren’t sure of the difference between a violin and a viola, this is the festival for you!
Anyone can participate for free, including you!
At a Glance
- 9 festivals since 2014 at Landmark Center, The Science Museum of MN, Mears Park, and History Theatre
- 300-500 audience members attend each festival
- Over 200 short films with original scores have been created for Film Score Fest
- 16-musician orchestra and conductor, plus guest musicians
- $500 BIPOC scholarships awarded to 6 creators in 2025 and 5 creators in 2023
“The idea of showing newly made films by local filmmakers with a live orchestra is something that is so special and revolutionary that it must happen again, and grow!”
-John Akre, Film Score Fest participant
History
Film Score Fest began in 2014 as a collaboration between the MNKINO video-making community, led by Oanh Vu, and the Composer Quest music composition community, led by Charlie McCarron. Both organizations held bi-monthly challenges open to creators at all skill levels, and one of their challenges turned into Film Score Fest.
The festival has grown into a premier film and music event for local creators to participate in, resulting in the creation of close to 200 new films over the years. In 2021, 18 short films were premiered for nearly 500 audience members at Mears Park.
Participating Artists
Film Score Fest is the only festival where filmmakers and composers are randomly paired to create new films with live orchestral scoring. Thanks to consistent funding from the St. Paul Cultural STAR Grant, MRAC, and audience donations, Film Score Fest has always been free to enter as a creator.
Film Score Fest has screened short films by artists of all styles and skill levels, from a 5-year-old’s first stop-motion animation to 64-year-old’s personal search for peace. Each year, Film Score Fest pledges that at least half of the films screened are created by an artist with a marginalized identity.
In 2023, five BIPOC Minnesota filmmakers were selected for a new scholarship. Five $500 scholarships were awarded to help filmmakers fund production costs for their Film Score Fest short film.
Leadership
Charlie McCarron – Co-founder and Executive Director
Oanh Vu – Co-founder and Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Kurt Hattenberger – Music Director
Partner Organizations
- History Theatre – Screening Venue Host
- Saint Paul Neighborhood Network – Promotional Sponsor, Film Music Meetup Host
- FilmNorth – Promotional Sponsor, Fiscal Sponsor
- MN Women in Film and Television – Promotional Sponsor
- Nice Moves – Promotional Sponsor
- Twin Cities Film Fest – Promotional Sponsor
- Twin Cities Media Alliance – Promotional Sponsor, DEI Consultation
- Studio Upgrade – Video Documentation and Livestreaming
Grant Support
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
This activity is supported, in part, by the City of Saint Paul Cultural Sales Tax Revitilization Program.
