Press Releases
For Immediate Release
Press contact: press@vailfilmfestival.org
FIRST ANNUAL VAIL FILM FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANCE OF
MUSIC IN FILMS BY DEBUTING THE GERSHWIN SHOWCASE
New York, NY - Most Hollywood blockbuster movies would be nothing without their mesmerizing scores to accompany them. Recognizing the importance of the film/music marriage, the Gershwin Foundation will grant independent filmmakers the rights to Gershwin songs for the first annual Vail Film Festival's short-film contest.
Selected George and Ira Gershwin recordings such as Johnny Hartman's "Bidin' My Time", Duncan Sheik's "Embraceable You" and Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong's "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off" have been released exclusively for this short-film contest. Provisional rights have been granted to allow filmmakers to create short films inspired by, and showcasing the Gershwin tune of their choice. Submissions will be accepted beginning December 1st and must be postmarked by February 27st, 2004.
Following submission to the contest, the films will be reviewed by the Gershwin Jury, who will bestow provisional film festival music rights upon appropriate films, and award $5,000 to the first place entry. The judging will be based on the integration and use of the music within the film's structure. With the exception of music videos, all genres are welcome. The films must be world-premieres and under 8 minutes in length. The top films will premiere at the Vail Film Festival.
The Vail Film Institute's first annual Vail Film Festival, set to take place April 1 - 4, 2004, is sponsored by the Town of Vail and Vail Resorts. The festival promotes independent filmmaking, with a special focus on new and innovative filmmakers.
The four-day event will offer feature films, documentaries, shorts, student films, as well as an Extreme Sports Showcase, and a unique Television Pilots category.
Filmmakers Scott Cross, Sean Cross and Denis Jensen, founded the festival to foster and celebrate independent filmmaking. "The Vail Film Festival is about art and expression, about broadening the medium's boundaries," says Scott Cross. "We want filmgoers and filmmakers to come together and celebrate their passion. We'd like to bring a sense of discovery back to the festival experience."
The festival will feature workshops, seminars, and panel discussions with award-winning actors, writers, and directors. There will also be an awards ceremony celebrating the best films, filmmakers, and actors. And Kodak, one of the festival's sponsors, will present a special student cinematography award. Studio World Premieres, VIP Parties, a Festival Concert, and Closing Day Brunch promise to make the Vail Film Festival a truly exciting and memorable experience.
Vail is North America's #1 ski resort and its surrounding areas provide the perfect location for film events. Local residents have always been highly involved in the arts. Vail hosts renowned annual dance, theatre, music and wine festivals, and is the ideal setting for a world-class film festival. "We're looking to keep it truly independent, with an emphasis on innovation," says Jensen. "We'd really like to perpetuate the momentum that independent cinema has right now."
The Vail Film Festival promises to become an annual tradition, drawing talented filmmakers from across the globe. "I think the world is waiting to see how the next generation of independent filmmakers will change the landscape of film," says Sean Cross. "We'd like the Vail Film Festival to help usher in the next century of filmmaking and the next century of filmmakers."
For more information on the Gershwin Showcase visit http://www.vailfilmfestival.org/submissions/gershwin.htm
The Vail Film Festival is currently accepting submissions at www.vailfilmfestival.org for the 2004 event.
See you on the slopes!
