Amateur filmmakers compete for national awards

Winnipeg – Twelve budding short filmmakers from across Canada will enjoy the premiere of their movies and compete for national awards* during the NSI FilmExchange Canadian Film Festival on March 4 at the Globe Cinema in Winnipeg.

The National Exposure Amateur Movie Contest, presented by the National Screen Institute – Canada in partnership with Movieola – The Short Film Channel, received 70 submissions from across the country. A panel of industry experts narrowed submissions down to 12.

Online voting
From Saturday February 25 through to Friday March 3 – the week before NSI FilmExchange Canadian Film Festival – Movieola will broadcast the 12 finalists’ films. Canadian movie fans are being called on to vote online for their favourite by visiting www.movieola.ca. The results will decide the winner of Movieola – The Short Film Channel Viewers’ Choice Award ($1,000**). Voting opens on February 25 and closes March 3.

In-person voting
On Saturday March 4, during NSI FilmExchange, the 12 films receive their Canadian cinema premiere at the National Exposure Live Final hosted by Canadian actor, Jonas Chernick. Audience votes will decide the winner of the NSI FilmExchange People’s Choice Award ($1,000**).

The full list of 12 finalists (in alphabetical order by title):

Ha by writer/director/producer Robbie Warriner, WINNIPEG, MB

Just Go Home by writer/director/producer Graham Ududec, WINNIPEG, MB

Lust in Translation by writer/director/producer David Eng, TORONTO, ON

Million Way Exchange by writer/director/producer Biron Guthy-Kerr & co-writer Jesse Dahlberg, GOLDEN, BC

My Name Is by writer/director/producer Megan Wennberg & co-writers Jamie Blanchard and Chuck Teed, HALIFAX, NS

Nosepickers Anonymous by director Cory Kinney & writer Danny Mendlow, VANCOUVER, BC

One-on-One by writer/producer/director John Hollinger, EDMONTON, AB

Paradise Hotel co-written, produced & directed by Kristina Durst & Jessie Oliver-Laird, TORONTO, ON

Run by writer/director/producer Matt Zien, WEST VANCOUVER, BC

Shark Hunting by writer/director/producer Jimmy Bustos & assistant director, Richard Hardy, EDMONTON, AB

The Violent Comedy by writer/producer/director Kelvin Redvers, HAY RIVER, NWT

Transition by writer/director/producer John Wilson, WINNIPEG, MB

Tickets for the National Exposure Live Final on Saturday March 4 are $7 from www.ticketmaster.ca or telephone: 204.253.ARTS (2787) or 204.780.3333. Quote event code: ENF0304F. Agency fee applies. students receive a 20% discount (ticket $5.60 with discount).

The National Screen Institute – Canada, with headquarters in Winnipeg, is one of Canada’s nationally recognized film and television training schools. NSI helps writers, directors and producers bring their stories to life and to audiences at home and abroad. Its market-driven programs have led to employment for NSI graduates by giving them a competitive edge — according to the 2005 NSI Graduate Survey, 97% of respondents are working in the industry. 2006 marks the National Screen Institute's 20th anniversary year. Visit www.nsi-canada.ca for more information about NSI.

Movieola — The Short Film Channel launched in 2001, and was the first of six digital services to be offered by Channel Zero Inc. Movieola — The Short Film Channel presents the very best of action, comedy and drama films that can all be enjoyed in under 40 minutes. It’s A Feature Film Experience in A Fraction of the Time™.

The contest was open to all residents of Canada except residents of Quebec, employees (and those persons with whom they are domiciled) of National Screen Institute – Canada, Doowah Design, Movieola — The Short Film Channel and of the corporations, the contest jury, and the advertising and promotional agencies involved in the contest.

The National Screen Institute — Canada operates with ongoing funding from Telefilm Canada through Canadian Heritage, and Manitoba Culture, Heritage and Tourism. Additional support provided by Patrons: CTV and CBC Television and The Brian Linehan Charitable Foundation, Partner: Warner Bros. Entertainment Canada Inc., and financial assistance provided by the Winnipeg Arts Council.

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Notes to editors:
*The $100 jury awards are: Best Actor, Best Director, Best Film from Eastern Canada Best Film from Manitoba, Best Film from Western Canada, Best Film Under 18, Best Screenplay and a new $500 award for Best Overall Film. $1,000 for Movieola – The Short Film Channel Viewers’ Choice Award, $1,000 for NSI FilmExchange People’s Choice Award.

**The $1,000 award winners also receive a copy of Gorilla production software, provided by Jungle Software. Gorilla production software is especially designed for independent filmmakers. It handles budgeting, scheduling, cast, crew, locations, accounting, editing notes and film festival submissions. For more information visit: www.junglesoftware.com

Stills from the films are available.

For more information contact:

Liz Hover
Publicist, National Screen Institute – Canada
Email: liz.hover@nsi-canada.ca
Telephone: (204) 956-7800 ext. 212