New program for young filmmakers
Though age can sometimes be a barrier for young filmmakers trying to get a foot in the industry, there has always been young blood making strides at Sundance. Think Robert Rodriguez and his “El Mariachi”–he was 24 when his seminal film premiered at the fest two decades ago. Now a new program aims at opening doors even wider for filmmakers 18 to 24 years of age. Sundance Ignite is hosting an online short film challenge for this age bracket from Oct. 29 through Nov. 16.
REQUIREMENTS Entries must be originals works and be one-to-eight-minutes long, and explore the theme of “What’s Next?” The program is supported by the computer software company.Adobe and its initiative Project 1234.
All submissions will be entered at the website project1234.com. “Entries will be evaluated for technical excellence, creative interpretation of the challenge, demonstration of an original voice, innovative storytelling, and strong character or subject development,” reads a press release from the Sundance Institute.
'BOLD, RENEGADE, INDEPENDENT' “We are looking for films that are pure, bold, renegade, independent, innovative, next wave, next breed, and stylistically adventurous,” reads a post on project1234.com.
Five winners will be chosen. They will attend a Sundance Ignite Fellowship in 2016, with travel and lodging expenses paid and a stipend for meals. The winner will also get tickets to festival screenings and exclusive Ignite events. Networking and mentorship from the institute alumni.
GET YOUR CAMERA, iPHONE “Sundance Institute has always been defined by the spirit of discovery, and eager to advance original voices of new generations of storytellers,” says Keri Putnam, the institute’s executive director. “By collaborating with Adobe’s Project 1324 and its global community of young creatives, our new Sundance Ignite program asks 18-to-24-year-olds to pick up their cameras or iPhones and show us what's on their minds.” Adobe Chief Marketing Officer Ann Lewnes says, ”We are excited to partner with Sundance Institute to identify and support powerful new voices in the next generation of filmmakers." Adobe’s Project 1324 is an international initiative that supports artists 13 to 24 years of age who use their craft for positive social change. Additional support for the Ignite program comes from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and the College of Visual Performing Arts and Chapman University. – CESAR ARREDONDO