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Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame and Seattle International Film Festival Group Launch First Annual Science Fiction Short Film Festival

Posted on: Wednesday, 20 July 2005, 09:00 CDT

Film Festival to Award Grand Prize Winner with Opportunity to Develop a Film for the Sci Fi Channel Network

The Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame (SFM) in partnership with the Seattle International Film Festival Group (SIFF), today announced the launch of the first-annual Science Fiction Short Film Festival, to promote and encourage awareness, appreciation and understanding of the art of science fiction cinema.

Beginning today, through November 1, 2005, the Science Fiction Short Film Festival will accept short film submissions, up to 12 minutes in length, that have been produced after 2001 for entry into the competition. Multiple submissions will be accepted according to the entry form rules and regulations found at www.sfhomeworld.org or www.seattlefilm.org.

"Seattle's robust art scene and strong film culture offers opportunities for creative filmmakers to tell stories within the framework of science fiction, and fosters a connection between filmmakers, directors, producers, writers and audiences," said Therese Littleton, SFM spokesperson. "This is a great event to recognize achievement and innovation in science fiction filmmaking and storytelling disciplines and SFM is very proud to be a part of it."

Submissions will be judged based on originality, quality, artistic merit, innovation, voice, style and narrative. Submitted films that range from "soft" or social science fiction to hard science fiction will be accepted. The Festival will not accept horror or fantasy submissions.

A nationally recognized panel of distinguished film, television, literature, and science fiction industry professionals, peers and film critics will review qualifying submissions. A jury, which includes science fiction notables such as Oscar winning director and special effects master Douglas Trumbull, Sci Fi Channel senior vice president of programming and original movies, Thomas Vitale, and internationally recognized film festival jurist and physicist Lawrence Krauss, will view the top selected films in competition during the festival to determine the winners.

The chosen entries will be screened in competition during the festival, which takes place February 3-4, 2006, in Seattle, Wash., at the Cinerama Theatre and JBL Theatre at Experience Music Project. The winning filmmaker will receive a pitch meeting with Sci Fi Channel executives for the opportunity to write and/or direct a two-hour film for the network. Additional prizes, to be announced, will be listed at www.sfhomeworld.org or www.seattlefilm.org. The grand prize winner will be announced in early January.

"Short films provide the perfect opportunity to showcase emerging new talent," said Carl Spence, programming director of SIFF. "The Science Fiction Museum is a perfect organization for us to partner with and we are excited about launching one of the only film festivals dedicated to sci-fi filmmaking."

The Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame is a Seattle museum that archives and exhibits great works of science fiction film and literature, and serves as a cultural center for current cutting edge science fiction programming and education. The Seattle International Film Festival Group produces the largest film festival in the United States. The organization, which recently wrapped its 31st -- and most successful -- festival, is known and respected for its long history of film excellence. The unique partnership between these two organizations gives the Science Fiction Short Film Festival a film-literate audience and provides an ideal forum for filmmakers to show their work in a high-visibility environment.

Official entry form, rules and regulations and FAQ information is available online at www.sfhomeworld.org or www.seattlefilm.org.

About the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame

The Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame (SFM) is the world's first science fiction museum, presenting visitors with thought-provoking, entertaining experiences that promote awareness and appreciation of science fiction while paying homage to notable SF creators and their creations.

About the Seattle International Film Festival

The Seattle International Film Festival Group (formerly Cinema Seattle) is a year-round non-profit organization that celebrates the culture and art of the moving image through filmmaking and film-going experiences of exceptional merit and diversity that inform, educate and entertain. The 32nd Seattle International Film Festival is scheduled for May 18 thru June 11, 2006.

Source: Business Wire

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