Claire Nickell sat down with Dineta Williams-Trigg for Slice of SciFi to talk about A Night of Misfit Films festival, “the best kept secret in the valley”.

What: A Night of Misfits Films
When: November 26-28, 2021
Where: High Octane Pictures, 9096 E Bahia Dr Suite 103, Scottsdale AZ 85260

Q: How did this festival come about?
A: Frustrated with a lack of representation and diversity within the film industry, and with the expensive and time-consuming process of submitting films to festivals, Dineta took it upon herself to do something about it. This led to the creation of A Night of Misfit films as well as her own production company, Full Figure Productions (tag line: “because not everyone is a straight line”). Both the festival and company are dedicated to casting people from underrepresented and intersectional groups who have been historically absent from mainstream film making. The goal is ultimately to create a space that displays the fullness of experience of these perspectives and communities.

What kind of movies are shown?
Dineta has grown A Night of Misfit Films over the last 6 years. The festival showcases short films across a range of genres — horror, sci-fi, comedy, drama, and international — with intentional space created for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ film makers.

What makes this festival unique?
The festival is intentionally scheduled for the weekend after Thanksgiving as a space for adults to do adult things outside of the stress and activities of the holiday season. Food (appetizer sized bites), beer and wine (“come and get your drink on”), are served alongside standard movie fare of popcorn, candy, soda and water. Because of potential adult content, and because Dineta does not censor the film makers, this event is for those 18 years and older.

What else do you want to tell us about your festival?
A Night of Misfit Films is the best kept secret in the valley, and I would like that to change. I want everyone in the Valley to know about it. I can promise you a wonderful time. I can promise you beautiful films from all over. I can promise you wonderful films from Arizona, because Arizona is not LA, we’re a special brand of film maker here, we have talent, we have class, we have grace. Please come out and support us, not only your local Arizona filmmakers but independent filmmakers all over the world.

Friday night (horror and sci-fi):
5:00-7:00pm: networking and socializing
7:15-11:00pm: film showing

Saturday night (comedy and drama)
5:00-7:00pm: networking and socializing
7:15-11:00pm: film showing

Sunday (international)
12:00-1:00pm: networking and socializing
1:00-5:00pm: film showing
5:00-6:00pm: awards ceremony with raffle and networking

Connect with A Night of Misfit Films:
Facebook: anightofmisfitfilms
Instagram: @anightofmisfitfilms
Twitter: @ANOMFF
Film Freeway: https://filmfreeway.com/ANightOfMisfitFilms

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A Night of Misfit Films Film Festival, presented by Full Figure Productions announces the sixth edition of A Night of Misfit Films Film Festival held at High Octane Picture Studios 9096 E Bahia Dr. Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Founded by Dineta Williams-Trigg a filmmaker and actress and co-directed by Gauthier Raad, A Night of Misfit Films came out of a desire to see more diverse content in the Valley of the Sun community. The festival celebrates the artistic talent of all filmmakers and artists by focusing on original content that has not been screened at other festivals.

A Night of Misfit films is in association with the Lebanese Independent Film Festival – LIFF, WIFF – The Worldwide Independent Film festival and Fantasy Film Festival in Paris.

Awards & Prizes
Best Horror (no longer than 15 min)
Best Drama (no longer than 15 min)
Best Sci-Fi (no longer than 15 min)
Best Comedy (no longer than 15 min)
Audience Favorite (no longer than 15 min)
Arizona Filmmaker Award (no longer than 15 min)