Dan Savage to Offer Pot-Oriented SPLIFF Film Festival in 2019

SEATTLE, WA—It's been pretty clear for at least a couple of years that, thanks to government oppression of both, porn and pot have formed a bond that harks back to the days when both were targeted by law enforcement, even though porn theoretically had Supreme Court protection and several states have now done the same for cannabis. Now, stories abound of adult boutiques catering to both forms of adult entertainment—and sexual rights activist/advice columnist Dan Savage, creator of the porn-friendly HUMP! Film Festival, is taking the plunge himself with his creation of the SPLIFF Film Festival."The SPLIFF Film Festival is where filmmakers, artists, animators, and potheads will share original film shorts exploring stoner themes," Savage wrote in an email to HUMP! supporters. "From serious takes on pot culture to half-baked comedy to mind-blowing weirdness—they will all have a home at SPLIFF!"Admittedly, the festival is still a little ways off. Tickets won't go on sale until sometime this fall, and the festival will begin playing in Seattle and Portland in April of 2019—but the reason for Savage's announcement was to give filmmakers, amateur and pro, the opportunity to get started on their short (maximum length 4:20 minutes) films in plenty of time."We’re looking for creative types of all stripes to entertain, challenge, and amaze SPLIFF audiences with short films ... that examine and/or celebrate recreational marijuana use and its liberating effects on our imaginations, appetites, libidos, and creative energies," Savage wrote.But he doesn't expect these filmmakers to ply their craft for no reward. The festival will be awarding prizes ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 in the following categories: Trippiest film, Funniest film, "Stupidiest" film—and of course, the top prize, Best in Show."All winners are decided by secret audience ballot," Savage notes. "Films may qualify in more than one prize category."Let's face it: It's a festival whose time has come—and to prove it, check out the trippy short here.