Asheville – Music Video Asheville is set to return for its 17th year on September 10, 2025, showcasing the creative collaborations between musicians and filmmakers. “This event was invented by musicians, and the filmmakers are the ones submitting the films and helping bring the artistic visions to life,” said Jenny Greer Fares, the festival’s founder.
Call for Submissions and Judging Process
The festival invites bands from Asheville and beyond to submit their original music videos by July 31. The event typically receives around 100 submissions, with approximately 30 selected as finalists for the awards ceremony. “We are looking for a great song with memorable visuals,” explained Josh Blake, MVA Producer. He noted that the judging panel consists of over 30 experts from the music and film industries who evaluate each video based on various criteria. “At the end of the process, we have a clinical and non-nepotistic ranking of how the videos were rated,” he added.
The selection process emphasizes quality and creativity. “If the video works in favor of the song, matching the vibe the artist was going for with lyrics and production, it will be selected,” Blake stated. He highlighted that both narrative-driven and artful collage videos are welcome, as long as they resonate with the song’s essence.
Supporting Local Artists and Community
Music Video Asheville has evolved significantly since its inception. “When I produced the first events, artists told me they noticed a substantial bump in attendance at shows after the event,” Fares recalled. The festival has grown from humble beginnings to a prominent platform for local talent. “Today, with the red carpet and production value way beyond my wildest dreams, it is a place to see and be seen,” she remarked.
The festival not only showcases local talent but also fosters connections within the industry. “MVA is a place for new filmmakers to cut their teeth and connect with the industry here,” Fares explained. She emphasized that winning an award can boost an artist’s confidence to continue pursuing their craft. “This is what makes community and culture thrive,” she added.
This year, two new awards have been introduced to recognize talent beyond Asheville. The Judge’s Choice award will be supported by Aloft + Moxy Hotel, providing accommodations for out-of-town judges. The People’s Choice award allows audience members to vote for their favorite video via text during the event. “This prize is all about local love,” Fares noted.
The festival aims to elevate Asheville’s profile in music video filmmaking. “We are working hard to get some heavy-hitters to have a look at our talent pool,” Blake stated. The event serves as a celebration of the diverse musical genres present in Western North Carolina.
As Music Video Asheville prepares for its upcoming event, it continues to highlight the importance of collaboration between musicians and filmmakers. “Filmmaking is very collaborative and so is music making. We want to celebrate those collaborations and Asheville’s culture,” Fares concluded.
The festival promises an exciting lineup of original music videos, with hopes of fostering community engagement and supporting local artists in their creative endeavors.