Home Box Office announced it is now accepting entries for its 10th Annual HBO Short Film Award at Film Life's 2007 American Black Film Festival (ABFF). The competition honors the writing and directing talents of Black filmmakers. A grand prize of $20,000 will be presented by HBO at the ABFF, taking place in Los Angeles, Oct. 25-29, 2007.
The HBO Short Film Award has been presented as part of the ABFF's competitive film showcase since its inception in 1998. This year also marks the 10th anniversary of HBO as founding and title sponsor of the festival.
"HBO has long had a reputation of embracing Black stories and Black filmmakers," said Olivia Smashum, evp, affiliate marketing at HBO. "We are extremely proud of our role at the ABFF and the opportunity that the festival continues to give us to nurture new talent."
Five films will be chosen by a panel of industry professionals based on artistic excellence, with the finalists participating in a special screening and final round of competition at the festival. The grand prize of $20,000 will be awarded to one filmmaker by HBO at the ABFF's awards press conference. A prize of $5,000 will also be given to each of the four runners-up.
"Over the years HBO has provided an unprecedented platform for many African Americans in film; in front of and behind the camera," said Jeff Friday, ABFF co-founder. "The HBO Short Film Award is just another example of their commitment to artistic diversity. The competition is the cornerstone of the ABFF film program and has unveiled some truly talented artists."
The HBO Short Film Award competition is open to U.S. and international filmmakers of African descent, 18 years of age or older, who have directed and/or written a short film of 20 minutes or less. All films must have been produced after Jan. 1, 2006 in English or contain English subtitles. Deadline for entries is Wednesday, July 11, and all entries must arrive at the ABFF office postmarked by that date.
Additionally, all entries must qualify as a festival premiere, with no festival screenings planned through the scheduled ABFF screening dates. Short films that have won awards at other festivals or those that have previously been submitted to the HBO Short Film Award competition, under its current or any former title, are not eligible. Films must also not have had previous cable broadcast screenings.
Submissions will be accepted on DVD only, accompanied by official HBO/ABFF entry form, $40 submission fee and other pertinent materials. For entry forms and rules and regulations, visit www.abff.com.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
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