Austin Film Festival...call for entries! Screenplay, Teleplay & Film Competitions!

The Austin Film Festival has put out a call for creative artists to submit their work for screenplay, teleplay, and film competitions for the upcoming Festival slated for October 22 - 29th (2009).

The Austin Film Festival's mission is to further the art, craft, and business of screenwriting and filmmaking by providing unique year-round cultural events and services, enhancing public awareness and participation, and encouraging dynamic and long-lasting community partnerships.

Founded in 1994, the Austin Film Festival (AFF) was the first organization of its kind to focus on the writers’ creative contribution to film.

AFF originally consisted of the prestigious "Heart of Film" screenwriters conference (a forum for craft development, inspiration, and the networking and launching of careers created for screenwriters) which was historically under-represented.

AFF has since grown to serve filmmakers and all of Austin’s arts community.

Today, the festival encompasses a wealth of year-round programming dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the art and impact of storytelling.

Deadline Screenplay Competition: June 1st (2009)
Deadline Teleplay Competition: June 1st (2009)
Deadline Film Competition: July 3rd (2009)

Guideline Info: www.AustinFilmFestival.com

*The Austin Film Festival is a not for profit 501c3 corporation.

http://www.julianayrs.com

Arab Film Festival...Los Angeles!

Well, the "Los Angeles Latino Film Festival" wound up a successful week at the Arclight Theatre...

As we anxiously wait for the "American Film Institute Festival" in early November, will we have to settle for second-run films at the local discount movie-houses?

Maybe not!

Why not venture out and take a gander at some intriguing new films from the Arab world of filmmaking?

For the first time, Los Angeles will play host to a series of films - written, directed, and/or produced by Arabian artists.

Scheduling dates: October 31st thru November 4, 2007

The mission of the Arab Film Festival (AFF) is to enhance public understanding of Arab culture and to provide alternative representations of Arabs that contradict the stereotypical images frequently encountered in the American mass media.

The Arab Film Festival screens films from and about the Arab World that provide realistic perspectives on Arab people, culture, art, history and politics.

The spotlight will shine on Tunisia, Lebanon, and Palestine.

Films that are causing pre-screening buzz are "Falafel", a University Student's nocturnal adventures in Beirut.

On first impression, "Falafel" is a stylish young party movie filled with comedy and sexual chemistry, but just below the surface, it possesses a subtle analysis of the ways in which the Lebanese war still lingers in the lives of those barely old enough to remember it.

And, then there is a second option: Ashura: Blood and Beauty...

"Blood and Beauty" is a contemporary look at the 1300-year-old Ashura Muslim ritual that demonstrates that a mix of modernity and tradition in Lebanon has made Ashura a platform for young people to meet each other.

This short documentary reveals a side to Ashura that the world has not yet seen, a side that is not bloody and violent, but rather ambiguous and compelling.

Screenings will be held at the Writers Guild Theatre and other local venues within shouting distance of each other.

For ticket info: aff.org