San Diego Asian Film Festival 2006 will once again be showcasing animated short films produced by Asians in a 90-minute all-animation program. All forms of animation (traditional, claymation, stop-motion, flash, CGI, etc) will be accepted for consideration. Films by all animators pertaining to Asian issues and themes will also be considered. Only VHS & DVD preview formats are accepted and the formats for exhibition are Beta and 35mm. For more submission guidelines and entryform, please surf to www.SDAFF.org. A Best Animated Short Film Award will be awarded with prizes to be determined. The year 2006 will be SDAFF's 7th year of celebrating the best in Asian Cinema in sunny San Diego. The goal is to provide Asian filmmakers an outlet to showcase their work in "America's Finest City," while fostering support for the independent film community. Last year, SDAFF screened over 130 films in 8 days with many industry celebrities in attendance. The all-animation program was a resounding success with over 20 animated shorts in the official selection with the poignant

The 2006 Spiritual Cinema Festival-at-Sea will be a week of film, community, beauty, creativity and fun. The festival, taking place on the Holland America Cruise ship, the M/S Oosterdam, will feature 25 hours of screenings and Q&A discussions with filmmakers and special guests over a seven-day cruise through the Mexican Riviera.

The Spiritual Cinema Festival-at-Sea is a floating festival that celebrates films that inspire and take us on a magical journey through the limitless depths of our own hearts and souls.

Registration for our 2006 Spiritual Cinema Festival-at-Sea is now open. Visit www.spiritualcinemafestival.com for more details.

Hosted by the Sundance Institute, the Sundance Film Festival will screen approximately 120 feature films, including world, North American and U.S. premieres. As the premier showcase for American independent film, and an important new platform for international independent film, the festival screens films that embody risk-taking, diversity and aesthetic innovation. For more information, visit www.sundance.org.

The 14th Annual Austin Film Festival is dedicated to championing the work of aspiring and established filmmakers, defined as screenwriters, directors, editors, producers, actors and all artists who use the language of film to tell a story. The AFF furthers the art, craft and business of filmmaking by providing unique cultural events and services, enhancing public awareness and participation, and encouraging dynamic and long-lasting community partnerships. Short films screened in competition at the Austin Film Festival are eligible to be nominated for an Academy Award. For more information, visit www.austinfilmfestival.com.

The seventh annual DIY Convention: Do It Yourself In Film, Music and Books features live music performances, special showcases, film screenings, parties and an extensive lineup of panels and keynote speakers focusing on creating, promoting, protecting and distributing independent film, music, books and other digital media.

This year, the event is producing several special lunchtime showcases in conjunction Bug Music and CDBaby. DIY Music Festival entrants and special guests will be featured at the events, which are open to DIY Convention VIP ticket holders.

Early-bird tickets to the event and film/music festival entry applications are now available online at http://r.pm0.net/s/c?31.ixd4.1.armp.8l6. Entrants to the 2007 DIY Film Festival and 2007 DIY Music Festival receive free admission to the 2007 DIY Convention.

The 2007 DIY Convention will be held at the Egyptian Theatre. For more information, visit www.diyconvention.com.

IFTA Production Conference brings together key players in the independent film and television industries to discuss the impact of the introduction of new distribution technologies and content formats on a global basis. The cost (which includes a continental breakfast & parking) is $60 per person for IFTA members and $90 for non-IFTA members. The conference will run from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm. For additional information, contact Lezlie Brazil at (310) 446-1043 or e-mail: lbrazil@ifta-online.org, or visit www.ifta-online.org.

The Los Angeles Film Festival features world premieres, including independent films and major studio releases, tribute screenings, free outdoor movies, celebrity-filled red carpets, VIP parties and more. Drawing a diverse audience of more than 60,000 attendees, the festival offers interactive programming, family-friendly events and more than 75 features and 60 short film screenings from around the world. Film Independent's Los Angeles Film Festival is presented by the LOS ANGELES TIMES. For more information, call 1-866-FilmFest or visit www.lafilmfest.com.

Hosted by the Sundance Institute, the Sundance Film Festival will screen approximately 120 feature films, including world, North American and U.S. premieres. As the premier showcase for American independent film, and an important new platform for international independent film, the festival screens films that embody risk-taking, diversity and aesthetic innovation. For more information, visit www.sundance.org.

Founded in 2000, The Valley Film Festival, a project of Community Partners, holds the proud title of the first film festival in L.A.'s San Fernando Valley and is designed to bring together established filmmakers, emerging talent, and their audiences on the studio backlot -- just North of Hollywood. First and foremost, The Valley Film Festival promotes filmmakers and production in the fabulous (818). Its signature program, "Made in the (818)" showcases our commitment to keeping production local. As the festival grows, The Valley Film Festival inches closer to realizing 818 -- a foundation for filmmakers and audiences to connect through screenings, panel discussions and workshops. The 3rd deadline closes June 30, with the final deadline July 15. For more information, visit www.valleyfilmfest.com.

The Big Sky Documentary Film Festival is one of the premier venues for nonfiction film in the American West. The festival will screen 100 films, including world and U.S. premieres, classics, rare and experimental works on Montana's largest screen at the historic Wilma Theater in downtown Missoula, Montana. In addition to seven days of screenings, many public and VIP events including panel discussions, galas, receptions and networking roundtables. The competitive event is open to non-fiction films and videos of all genres, subject matter, lengths and production dates. Awards and cash prizes will be given for Best Documentary Feature (over 50 minutes), Best Documentary Short (15-50 minutes), Best Mini-Doc (under 15 minutes) and best documentary about the American West (the "Big Sky Award"). For more information, visit www.bigskyfilmfest.org.