Timed film contest to expose talent
HA NOI — Ha Noi will be included in the world's largest timed filmmaking competition, 48 Hour Film Project.
It is the first time Ha Noi has been included. Other first-time locations are Osaka, Mexico City, Sao Paulo and New Dehli, bringing the number of cities competing in the competition to nearly 90.
From writing and casting to shooting and editing, the project challenges filmmakers worldwide to make an entire film in 48 hours.
Since its 2001 launch in Washington DC by filmmakers Mark Ruppert and Liz Langston, the project has attracted more than 130,000 participants producing nearly 9,000 short films. Last year, a record 45,000 filmmakers made 3,500 films in 84 cities. Vietnamese filmmakers made more than 40 films in the competition last year. This year, the project will take place in Ha Noi on September 9-11, while in HCM City on October 14-16.
"With the inclusion of Ha Noi we hope that the number will rise to almost 100 this year," said project producer in Viet Nam Ross Stewart.
The completed films will be screened nationwide in the MegaStar cinema network.
Prizes will be awarded for Best Film, Best Director, Best Cinematography and Best Acting. The Best Film will be screened at the international 48HFP Filmapalooza Festival.
The Grand Prize winner will receive US$3,000 together with filmmaking equipment. It will be shown at the Cannes Film Festival in France.
The winning film from last year's HCM City's festival was A Good Day to Die, by Young Media.
The screening of a Vietnamese film at Cannes "is evidence the film industry has new stars rising up from the youth of Viet Nam and why it is important to have international competitions to help find this undiscovered talent and expose it to the world," said Stewart.
To support the project in Viet Nam, the organisation board also launched its official website http://48.ViVo.vn.
Audiences can see all the films from last year and also the entries from the 48 Go Green competition. Viewers can also leave feedback and vote for their favourite in the forum section.
To participate in the competition, go to http://www.48hourfilm.com/tour.how.php. — VNS