The six-day conference will debut the results of the GSTA recently released Economic Impact Study, a comprehensive examination of the quantitative and qualitative factors that affect how large format films are produced, distributed and exhibited. The conference will also feature up to 12 new giant screen films and 4 short films and will introduce a nightly "wrap party" for attendees to network and expound on the events of the day. Other conference favorites will include Films-In-Development and Films-In-Progress, Technical Sessions, Roundtables, Developing Members Workshop, and the GSTA Achievement Awards.
The Giant Screen Theater Association is a nonprofit association dedicated to the worldwide growth of the large format film industry by supporting the developers and presenters of giant screen film experiences. Its goal is to be the global forum for producers, operators and suppliers of the large format film industry and to foster its growth and development in both the educational and commercial sectors.

Join the Vancouver Film School (VFS) for a presentation of their 3D, classical and Maya programs; see award-winning student work; bring your portfolio for review and meet the roadshow team. The evenings will include refreshments and prizes. The VFS roadshow team will be in Dallas on July 16 at the Sheraton Suites Market Center Hotel from 6-9pm; in
Austin on July 17 at the Sheraton Austin Hotel and Conference Center from 6-9pm; in
Houston on July 18 at the Sheraton Brookhollow Hotel from 6-9pm; and in
Denver on July 20 at the Westin Tabor Center Hotel from 6-9pm. RSVP to rebecca@vfs.com or call 1-800-661-4101

The International Animated Film Society - ASIFA-Hollywood welcomes its members to its monthly screening. The screening will begin at 7:30 pm.

Mati Kutt has worked in animation for over 25 years, perfecting several unique styles and techniques. His award-winning films have been shown internationally. His presentation will include excerpts from his uniquely original, personal and powerful drawn, painted and puppet animation films as well as additional samples of Estonian animation. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. at RMCAD. RSVP by June 25, 2001.

The Los Angeles Guild of Puppetry is holding its first Puppet Short Film and Video Festival. See some of your favorites, some oldies, some you've never heard of and have some lovely Japanese food too! Admission is free. The event will run from 7:00 pm to approximately 9:30 pm. Material is not suitable for children. If you are interested in submitting a short for next year, please contact the organizers.

The World Animation Celebration presents the only West Coast screening of "Mutant Aliens," Bill Plympton's new animated feature that premiered at the 2001 Sundance Film Festival. This sci-fi comedy about totally evil but cuddly aliens coming to Earth to get their revenge won the Feature Film Grand Prix at the 2001 Annecy Animation Festival. Bill Plympton, who did all the animation, will be present at the screening. He will also be signing copies of his graphic novel of "Mutant Aliens." The first 50 attendees will get special collectible viewers with raunchy stills from the film.

The event will take place at 9:45 pm at the Egyptian Theater, 6712 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles. For more information visit www.wacfest.com or www.awn.com/plympton/

The Vancouver Film School (VFS) is holding a three hour presentation that includes detailed descriptions of their classical, 3D and Maya programs. Student works will be shown and portfolios will be reviewed. The presentation will be held at the Sheraton Pasadena Hotel, 303 East Cordova Street, Pasadena, on Saturday, August 11 from 2-4pm. The event will include refreshments and prizes. RSVP to rebecca@vfs.com or call 1-800-661-4101

The RICA (Rencontres Internationales du Cinema d'Animation) is a competitive festival promoting animated film and filmmakers. For its 4th edition the festival will present 250 short and feature films. The official competition will include several feature films and about forty shorts. Five prizes will be awarded, including: the International Jury Prize, Children's Jury Prize and Best Feature Film Prize. Film formats for submissions are: 35 mm (preferably), 16 mm and BetaSP (No Digital Beta). There is no entry fee. The festival will feature animation from all over the world, with a focus on German animation, a retrospective of African animated films and a special tribute to the Char Studio and Andre

Renowned character animation artist Nancy Beiman has worked as a character designer, storyboard artist, producer, animator, director, illustrator, caricaturist and animation teacher for studios in England, Germany, France, Denmark and the U.S.A. Her independent film YOUR FEET'S TOO BIG won a Cine Golden Eagle. Her articles on animation appeared in CARTOONIST PROFILES. Nancy Beiman is currently teaching animation at the SCAD. She will be at RMCAD for a 3-day in-class participation and the ASIFA-Colorado presentation of her work. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. at RMCAD.

KINETICA 3 will feature the rarely seen films of Hy Hirsh and the Beat Generation filmmakers of the 1950s, in addition to more contemporary works. The screening is being sponsored by The Division of Animation and Digital Arts of the School of Cinema-Television at the University of Southern California. The screening will take place on campus in the Norris Theater beginning at 7 pm.