LEVEL13.NET and DIRECTV are inviting all aspiring animators to participate in their first co-sponsored Animated Film Festival. The deadline for submissions is September 28. Winners in three categories will be selected by a panel of judges in the field of entertainment, animation and broadcasting and will be announced in December. The winners will receive a US$2,500 cash prize. The three categories are 2D animation, 3D animation and experimental animation. Selected films will be aired on the DIRECTV FREEVIEW event series scheduled to air in December 2001 and as a part of the BLOCKBUSTER TICKET. "We are very excited to present this first animation festival with DIRECTV and we encourage all aspiring animators to participate," said Jay Francis, vice president and general manager of LEVEL13.NET. "Tapping into new talent is essential for us and we look forward to offering both up and coming and working animators a unique opportunity to reach a nationwide audience." Details for submissions can be found at www.level13.net.