Whistler Film Festival Annnounces Its Third Annual Short Film Competition Presented by Citytv

Scriptwriting competition call for "Innovation" projects from culturally diverse B.C. screenwriters

Whistler, BC (August 23, 2006) - The Whistler Film Festival (WFF) is seeking submissions from established and emerging culturally diverse B.C. screenwriters for its theme-based Short Scripts competition presented by Citytv. "We're excited to offer the Short Scripts competition as it provides a great opportunity for filmmakers to develop their skills, contacts and projects" says Whistler Film Festival Director of Programming Bill Evans. B.C. screenwriters are asked to submit an eight-minute short film script on the theme "Innovation". The scriptwriter must be of a visible minority or of Aboriginal heritage to be eligible.

The deadline for entries is October 4, 2006.

A jury will choose three semi-finalists to participate in two-minute pitch sessions and have live readings of the three scripts at WFF's Filmmaker Forum, presented by Bell. Following the readings, there will be an analysis of the scripts by a panel of guest judges. One project will be selected and awarded a $5,000 development prize from Citytv and the Cinecity Initiative, the opportunity to work with the broadcaster in regards to potentially pre-licensing the project and learn the ins and outs of short filmmaking in Canada.

"The Short Scripts competition provides Citytv the opportunity to seek out new talent" says Prem Gill, Citytv's Director of Multicultural Programming and Public Affairs. "Each year the caliber of scripts and creativity gets better and better. We are very proud to be part of this project". The winner will be announced at the Whistler Film Festival Awards Brunch on Sunday, December 3. The six annual Whistler Film Festival, presented by American Express, runs from November 30 to December 3, 2006. For guidelines and an application form, visit www.whistlerfilmfestival.com