STUDENT FILM CONTEST -- LINCOLN CENTER / HBO

Here, direct from The Film Society of Lincoln Center, is an announcement for a very, very interesting film making contest for students. Submitted films will be viewed by an especially distinguished panel. The winning film will be used as a trailer before screenings at Lincoln Center. The winning filmmaker, in addition to credit for the film, will receive $5,000 and a trip to New York for the film's premiere, at the 2007 New York Film Festival.

"HBO Films and The Film Society of Lincoln Center are holding a nationwide competition that will provide college students with the opportunity of a lifetime: the chance to create a trailer to precede film screenings at one of the world’s most important cultural institutions. Winner Will Receive Line Credit, $5,000 and Trip to New York For Trailer Premiere at Film Society’s 45th New York Film Festival in 2007.

"The Film Society of Lincoln Center, which has screened the works of countless legendary filmmakers including Jean-Luc Godard, François Truffaut and Stanley Kubrick—and which continues to showcase the work of celebrated and emerging filmmakers from all over the world—will premiere the winning work in the Student Trailer Competition at its 45th New York Film Festival, which will take place Sep 28 – Oct 14 at the Time Warner Center’s Rose Hall. The winning trailer will showcase the Film Society of Lincoln Center as well as highlight its major annual festivals, programs and events.

"The winner will receive a check for $5,000 and a trip to New York for the trailer’s premiere, as well as a line credit at the end of the trailer, which will be shown before every Film Society screening for the next two years. HBO Films producers will professionally finish the trailer.

"Judging the entries will be five respected film industry professionals. The panel includes Mira Nair, noted filmmaker and Director of The Namesake, Monsoon Wedding, Kama Sutra and Salaam Bombay, among many other films; Bob Berney, President of Picturehouse and marketing and distribution chief on several successful US film campaigns, including the triple Oscar winner Pan’s Labyrinth, Prairie Home Companion, The Passion of the Christ, Y Tu Mamá También and My Big Fat Greek Wedding; Nelson George, author, music and culture critic, and filmmaker whose film, Life Support, debuted on HBO on March 10th, 2007; Sam Martin, Vice President of Programming for HBO Films; Marian Masone, Managing Director, Festivals and Associate Director of Programming, for the Film Society of Lincoln Center; and Steve Perania, Creative Director who has overseen numerous major and independent film marketing campaigns.

"Chris Smith, then a senior at Brown University, won the inaugural Student Trailer Competition in 2005. His winning entry has preceded every Film Society screening since it debuted at the 2005 New Directors/New Films Festival, and will continue to do so until the premiere of the 2007 winner’s trailer.

"Through creative use of imagery and words in graphic montage or other means, the 60-second trailer should let audiences know they are seeing a presentation of The Film Society of Lincoln Center. The winning entry will be the one that best conveys the Film Society’s core image and mission, touches upon its major offerings, signals ways to learn more and get involved, and credit its underwriter and creator.

"In addition, the trailer should be layered, dynamic and sophisticated. It should implicitly or explicitly convey that the Film Society, a) has been on the cutting-edge of international film exhibition for four decades; b) offers a wide range of highly-popular and critically-acclaimed programs and events; c) annually brings the best in world cinema and international filmmaking talent to New York audiences; and d) is one of the most exciting, innovative and influential cinematheques in the world.

"All entries must be received by May 31, 2007, and should be submitted to Film Society/HBO Films Student Trailer Competition, PO Box 5076, Blair, NE 68009-5076.

"To submit an entry, film students should visit www.filmlinc.com to print and complete both an Official Entry Form and a Competition Release Form. A complete list of the Official Rules is also available on the site.

"About the Film Society of Lincoln Center: The Film Society of Lincoln Center was founded in 1969 to celebrate American and international cinema, to recognize and support new directors, and to enhance the awareness, accessibility and understanding of film. "