About
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL:
Since 2010 Super Gr8 Filmmakers have produced over 300 shorts films, all shot entirely on the beloved Super 8 film format. The idea came in 2010 from a conversation between Tim and Paul regarding a unique assignment from Tim’s days in film school. Later that year, the first collection of Super Gr8 films premiered in Harrisonburg, Virginia and for ten years the festival continued to grow. In 2016 local filmmaker Patrick Fitzgerald joined the team as festival director. After a five year hiatus sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic, Super Gr8 made its glorious return to the silver screen in October of 2025, at Harrisonburg’s own Court Square Theater.
THE FORMAT:
Each filmmaker receives a single roll of film which must be shot entirely in sequence, utilizing in-camera editing only. Audio is submitted separately, and is synced by the festival using a single sync designated point. Each filmmaker sees their completed film for the first time at the premiere along with the rest of the audience, bringing an atmosphere of excitement and spontaneity.
Super Gr8 encourages all who are interested to sign up. The festival's unique limitations help to level the playing field among filmmakers, encouraging healthy competition and collaboration across all skill levels.
Originally a 1960's home-movie format, Super 8 has undergone a major revival in the digital age as filmmakers seek the organic, timeless look of real film. Our partners at Pro8mm develop the film and use modern, high-definition scanners to capture every beautiful detail from these tiny cellulose frames.
Documentary:
“Life is Super Gr8” (2013)
Lurid Pictures, 2013