Wildlife films fail to tell the truth

In a report just published the Wildscreen Festival has stated that broadcasters need to re-think the ways in which they treat environmental issues following comments from the veteran programme-maker who chaired many of the key debates at last year’s Wildscreen festival.

In her review of the Did You See? discussions and screenings held as part of the international nature film and tv festival, Amanda Theunissen, says there's a danger viewers are being treated like children and consequently, maybe misled"

“The standard of films entered for Wildscreen 2004’s competition was impressively high but mostly they show the natural world as we would like it to be, not as it is, or as it is becoming. In the debates, we heard many worrying reports from different quarters about the threats our planet is facing, but with one or two commendable exceptions, the films that make it to the screen aren’t reporting the bad news, the true news.”

“There was a strong sense in the debates that there are difficult decisions to be made about the world’s future, and that, to make them, the public needs the right information. Equally, there was strong feeling that broadcasters are reluctant to air worrying issues, that they treat viewers like children who can’t cope with strong stories.” Ironically one of the films with the strongest messages was the children's Really Wild Show about farming bears for their gall in China. “It didn’t pull any punches and yet ended with a positive message. The film won the Children’s Choice award after being selected by a group of 8 – 13 year olds which just goes to show that children are far less sentimental than we think”

She adds that one of the festival’s most successful films – the as-yet unscreened double award-winning Strange Days on Planet Earth (Sea Studios, USA) – proves that environmental issues can be presented in a dynamic but informative way. In it, Hollywood actor Edward Norton fronts a whodunit, linking health and nature issues to climate change.

In her role as spokesperson for festival’s judging panels, Theunissen also criticises worldwide broadcasters for their insistence on hour-long slots. “One criticism that united the judges was that a lot of the films are much too long. Inside many a sagging hour is a perfectly good 30 minutes trying to get out. There is endless padding and repetition to fill the time, it can take forever to get to the point and good stories get swamped and extended far beyond their strength. We realise that this is often not the choice of the filmmakers but is dictated by the demands of the broadcast slots, but it is a serious drawback - and one which needs remedying.”

Media queries and interviews

Hamish MacCall, Communications and Marketing Manager

Tel: 0117 915 7102    Email: hamish.maccall@wildscreen.org.uk

Environmental Education through Entertainment for 35,000 local school children in Tanzania

Nature for Kids (NFK) and The African Conservation Foundation (ACF) are producing an interactive environmental education programme for 35,000 school children in Tanzania over a period of three years. The programme contains of two components: Educational Video’s & Educational Resource Packs.

The government of Tanzania has recognized the need for Environmental Education and Communication (EE&C) to promote improved management of natural resources, considering this is a pre-requisite for sustainable development. It has also recognized that environmental education has to reach down to the community level, for it is there where changes in behaviour towards the environment will result in meaningful improvement.

The ‘Nature for Kids in Tanzania’- project aims to strengthen the knowledge base of children in an exciting and unique way, that captures their imagination and results in a new awareness, understanding and respect for the environment and hence empower communities to reduce poverty through sustainable development. Central to the project implementation strategy is the development of two series of 6 interactive educational video productions (in the native languages) covering different environmental themes in Tanzania, bringing the real world into the classroom.

PLAN Netherlands is one of the financial supporters of this project but more financial support is needed.

The project will be produced low budget, a total amount of $ 470,000 is still needed which includes the actual production of the 12 videos & all educational resource packs, distribution with the help of teams of local schoolteachers and implementation of the entire project to at least 150 (rural) schools, wildlife & scouting clubs throughout Tanzania (over a period of 2 years) as well as local broadcasting. The films will also be broadcasted in the Netherlands and appeal to many other countries.

We are looking for (info about) donors, sponsors and funding partners. These will be gratefully acknowledged in all project documentation, the project web pages, the videos etc. We accept donations and are open to discuss involvements such as (corporate) sponsorships / funding. Sponsorship throughout the project such as accommodation, transport, equipment etc would also be greatly appreciated. 

For more information please contact us:

Nature For Kids
Marienwaerdt 2E Dreef 2
4'53 RX Beesd
The Netherlands
T. +31 (0) 345 52 19 92
F. +31 (0) 345 52 16 05
info@natureforkids.nl
www.natureforkids.nl

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Nick Gordon Tribute

A short film made as a tribute to the late Nick Gordon is now available for free download.

Nick Gordon was an award-winning wildlife film-maker and Wildeye tutor who tragically died suddenly while filming spiders in Venezuela last April. The film shows Nick talking about his life and work and features some of his best footage from his work in the Amazon.

To download the movie (broadband essential):
Put ftp://195.10.250.205 in your web browser
Enter User name: Caroline
and Password: c4r0l1n3
A window will open with two versions (Mac and Windows). Save the one you want to your desktop...

Best wishes

Piers Warren
Wildeye
www.wildeye.co.uk

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Popularisation of Wildlife Documentary

My name is Dave Dunleavy and I am currently a student at Cumbria Institute of the Arts, writing my Dissertation on the Popularisation of Wildlife Documentary. I have written the questionnaire below to help gain an idea of others views on the subject, so anyone wanting to e-mail me their answers or other information they think may be relevant, your help would be much appreciated. My e-mail address is davedunleavy1@hotmail.com. Thankyou.

Name:
Age:
Profession:

1. What do you believe has changed to the wildlife documentary genre over the last ten years in terms of content and style, and why?

2. Some popularisation techniques used in wildlife documentary have been criticised by scientists for giving the audience a false understanding of the world.

What are your views on the following popularisation techniques (please list comments below each):

Simplification of scientific knowledge to appeal to a wider audience
Anthropomorphism (The endowing of nonhuman organisms with human characteristics)
The use of Narrative storylines

3. What are your views on the use of CGI in wildlife films?

4. What are your views on the use of wildlife documentaries as an educational resource?

5. Which of the following types of wildlife documentary are you most likely to watch?
(1 being the most likely, 5 being the least likely please add number after the title of each)

The Blue Chip Wildlife Documentary
What is considered the classic wildlife documentary. Information based, narrated programmes relying on the quality of footage and scientific knowledge.

The Action/Adventure Wildlife Documentary Programmes following the story of the intrepid presenter travelling to find a specific type of animal or habitat.

The Narrative based Wildlife Documentary Programmes which follow a specific animal or family of animals as they face the risks of their environment.

The Humanitarian Wildlife Documentary Focusing on the work of people protecting wildlife, including sick and injured animals.

The Conservation Wildlife Documentary Programmes which focus on specific environmental issues and the role humans play in causing problems for wildlife.

6. What do you believe is the future of the Wildlife Film?

Thankyou.
Dave Dunleavy
davedunleavy1@hotmail.com

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TaimyrRosGeo- Opportunity for co production/ collaboration

TaimyrRosGeo (Taimyr the branch of the Russian geological society, a department of television programs) makes films about a wild nature, fauna, a nature of reserves and ecologies of Russia. We are public organization and we make films with the means of sponsors and funds. Our films are intended for the propagation of knowledge of a nature and its protection.

Theme for cooperation.
The governments of Canada and the USA presented Russia with 20|10 with musk oxes (respectively) thirty years ago. These animals were placed in Taimyr (Taimyrsky reserve, the river Bikada). The Musk oxes adapted well and settled throughout Taimyr. The animals live without contact to people and lead a 'wild' and natural way of existence. Today, in Taimyr there are approximately 2000 musk oxes. Musk oxes have begun to settle all over Northern Russia (Yakutia, Chukotka, Western Siberia). The question now being considered is the sanction of hunting for these animals.

Taimyr RosGeo TV (Taimyr the branch of the Russian geological society, a department of television programs) begins shooting an educational film (wildlife) about a nature and fauna of Taimyr peninsula in 2005-2006. Film will refer (name) to « Returning of the musk ox », timing - 52 minutes.
The brief script:
1. Paleontologic finds of musk oxes on Taimyr. (Musk oxes have died out in Eurasia about 3000 years ago).
2. The Project (Canada-USA-Russia) about resettlement of the Canadian musk oxes to Eurasia. (We have archival cinemas of shooting made in 1974-1978 years).
3. Modern life of musk oxes on Taimyr. (the Full biological cycle of life and mutual relation with local animals: wolves, polar bears, the polar fox and others). Musk oxes migrate on Taimyr within one year. To follow them, we shall use snow carts natives (Dolgane - local population people (Canadian Eskimos), reindeer breeders).
4. Moving of musk oxes on Russia and mutual relation with the person and natives.

Our company is engaged in filming of wildlife. We have produced a number of films along with a lot of material about the nature and animals of Taimyr.
We offer you to consider the problem on co-production of cinema of a serial about nature Taimyr and film about musk oxes. This region is very similar to the Canadian north.
Our operational experience in the Russian north and available in our archives of cinema materials will make cost of works on films very cheap.

Yours faithfully,

Mrs. Vasily Sarana
The head
Department of cinema of projects.

Our address: 663300, Russia, Norilsk, Komsomolskaya 14, TaimyrRosGeo
E-mail: skv2003@km.ru
The phone: mobile - (916) 834-6572
The fax / phone: (3919) 46-35-78, (3919) 46-35-74
www.taimyrrosgeo.nm.ru

Wildeye Update - Course Availability

The Canon XL course in February 2005 is fully booked now, but we will be putting on another one later in the year - so let us know if you would be interested in this - see www.wildeye.co.uk/canonxl.html

We do have a few places left on:

Intermediate Wildlife Video Editing with Final Cut Pro
21-23 January 2005
See www.wildeye.co.uk/fcp.html

Booking: Initially contact info@wildeye.co.uk to check if any places are left. If so you will be put on a short list and required to pay a deposit to secure your place.

Best wishes

Piers Warren
Wildeye
www.wildeye.co.uk

SURCAT-the catalogue of Survival's moving image collection

ITN Archive took over the management of the clip sales from the Granada catalogue in February 2004, which included the Survival & Granada Wild (formerly Partridge Films) catalogues.

SURCAT (www.surcat.com) is the catalogue of Survival's moving image collection. The Survival portfolio is one of the world's most comprehensive wildlife catalogues containing more than 10,000 hours of award-winning material.   The material was gathered during 35 years of filming and shot by many of the world's best natural history cameramen, including Alan Root, Deeble & Stone, Nick Gordon & Howard Hall.   Survival material, which consists of completed programmes and rushes, can be accessed & licensed through ITN Archive and is available for use in TV and film productions, commercials, education, and publishing.

Whether you're looking for classic wildlife images, breathtaking scenics or fun and games in the wild, few archives can boast the extent and diversity of Survival. In addition, ITN Archive also offers wildlife and environmental imagery from it's other content sets, including Reuters, Channel 4 and ITN News.  

Highlights of the collection include: Underwater shots of the Blue Whale, Crocodiles leaping out of rivers to grab Wildebeest, Cheetahs sprinting after prey, Chimpanzees fishing for termites & breaking open nuts, dramatic landscapes, flowing volcanic lava, spectacular ice formations, time-lapse storm clouds, and a wealth of unusual animal behaviour & interaction captured for the first time. We can also offer unique footage on the world's disappearing tribes illustrating their intriguing customs and rituals.

To discuss your footage requirements with one of our wildlife specialists,
contact Shane Allen or Andrew Hawkley on 020 7430 482 or email: sales@itnarchive.com

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Film, video and TV professionals: Creative Commons, copyright, contracts.. and you!

Date: Tuesday 25 January 2005
Time: 5:00 to 7.30pm
Location:
Channel 4
124 Horseferry Road
London
SW1P 2TX
Booking: www.own-it.org/events/

Own It, a new service offering free intellectual property advice to London's creative people is organising a workshop on 25th January 2005 entitled "Film, video and TV professionals: Creative Commons, copyright, contracts.. and you!".

Hosted by Channel 4’s IDEASFACTORY, this free Own It talk for film, video and TV professionals covers copyright and design law for film, video and TV businesses, including a special overview of the new Creative Commons licences and how they can be applied to the film, TV and new media industry.

The discussion will also cover use of third party copyright material, use of trademarks in films, and IP issues within commissions, contracts and employee/employer or freelance relationships. There will be plenty of opportunities for you to ask questions.

It is advisable to have a basic awareness of copyright before attending this talk. Check the new Own It copyright factsheet, available on the 'IP info' section of the Own It website.

About the speakers:

Lee Gage
Based at leading law firm Harbottle and Lewis (www.harbottle.com), IP specialist Lee Gage has worked with creative businesses of all sizes and
types, with a particular specialism in design law. He is co-author of 'Design Law: Protecting and Enforcing Rights', published by the Law Society (2004.)

Adam Gee
Creative/Commercial Director, Channel4 - 4 Learning
Adam Gee is Creative/Commercial Director of Channel 4’s 4Learning (www.channel4.com & www.channel4.com/ideasfactory) He is responsible for factual programme support and adult (informal) learning including IDEASFACTORY. He has won over 40 international awards including a BAFTA and the Grand Award at the New York International Film & Television Festival. He is a committee member of BAFTA’s Interactive branch and a voting member of the European Film Academy.

This Own It event has been organised in association with Channel 4’s IDEASFACTORY and Harbottle and Lewis.

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The 28th International Wildlife Film Festival

Bridging the Gaps: Media & Conservation

FILM ENTRY DEADLINE: JANUARY 31, 2005

FESTIVAL WEEK: APRIL 30 - MAY 7, 2005

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

This year marks the 28th anniversary of Missoula's International Wildlife Film Festival. The Filmmaker's Festival, as it's often known, has evolved into one of the most significant film events; where wildlife On Screen means film and filmmaking take center stage, providing unsurpassed opportunities to share ideas, see colleagues' work and showcase yours.  

Networking opportunities, Pitching sessions, Workshops in the field and in the theater that are hands-on with the latest technology as well as dynamic Seminars with some of the leading filmmakers worldwide, make IWFF a festival to be a part of.   Here in the Last Best Place , the Big Sky Country of Missoula, Montana, nestled in the heart of the northern Rockies, Western Hospitality is as much a part of the weeklong festival as are daily encounters with wildlife.

The annual International Wildlife Film Festival is also part of an important year-round organization, the International Wildlife Media Center. This Center is the first of its kind with world headquarters at the historic Roxy Theater in the heart of historic Missoula, Montana. Surrounded by majestic mountains and a bustling university town, the Center not only serves as headquarters for the film festival but also houses the EarthVision Media Library & Archive , one of the largest wildlife and natural history film resources in the world.

What this means to you as a filmmaker is that when you enter your film, it becomes a part of this incredible resource. Entering your film also means the opportunity to receive feedback in writing, from experienced reviewers and judges. Many of the films entered receive awards and are then selected for public screenings before large audiences. Often, with producer's permission, your film may be selected to be a part of our annual IWFF Wildlife Film Showcase -- a television magazine airing over many PBS stations -- or it may become part of our traveling festival, the IWFF Post Festival Tour program.

In addition, the exposure you receive as a festival entrant provides a way for people in the industry to reach you and see your work. All or your contact information is automatically included in our new online database, providing international exposure to broadcasters and filmmakers worldwide. This is an unprecedented time in the film industry and in the natural world, as we Bridge the Gaps Between Media, Science and Technology.

ENTER YOUR FILM

For complete information on Entry Rules & Guidelines, as well as Awards and the Judging Process, please visit the IWFF webpage, http://www.wildlifefilms.org/festival/entry.htm. Some of the guidelines and entry form fields have changed from 2004, so please review all information carefully.

ATTEND FESTIVAL

EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE (to receive a Festival Pass discount): MARCH 1, 2005

To register, please visit http://www.wildlifefilms.org/festival/registration.htm.

** Scholarship Opportunity

This year a special scholarship is made possible by a grant from the Turner Foundation. This Turner Foundation-IWFF Scholarship will enable a student filmmaker to attend the 28th IWFF with a complimentary delegate pass. Although the scholarship does not include lodging, every effort will be made to find a host home for the student filmmaker attending the festival.

To apply, please send one page or less describing why you would like to attend the IWFF and how you believe it would benefit your career as a filmmaker.

Please include your name and all contact information, and Email to iwff@wildlifefilms.org, or mail to IWFF, 718 S. Higgins, Missoula, MT, 59801.

** Proposal to Pitch to Market Workshops and Seminars

For the first time ever, filmmakers looking for funding of marine film projects will get an opportunity to pitch their proposals to representatives of the Save Our Seas Foundation, which is specifically looking to fund such film productions.

If you are interested, please submit a one-page proposal and an outline of the project's estimated budget to the IWFF, iwff@wildlifefilms.org. Of all submissions, six will be chosen to pitch during Festival Week by the Foundation trustees.

Since the Proposal to Pitch workshop is one of our most popular offerings, the IWFF will hold at least one additional Proposal to Pitch opportunity without the specific habitat restriction. If you are interested in this second session, please submit a one-page proposal and an outline of the project's estimated budget to the IWFF, iwff@wildlifefilms.org. Of all submissions, three to four will be chosen to pitch during Festival Week.

** Hi-Definition Workshop

Join some of the industry's leaders in Hi-Def production for some hands-on training and insight.

**Super 16 - A Look Back to the Future

Kodak will be offering a Super 16 film training session -- more information, including how to apply, will be posted at the IWFF website by early 2005.

Throughout Festival Week, delegates will also have the opportunity to "Stop By, Shoot Film" with Kodak instructors and professional filmmakers.

** Keynote Address: A Blueprint for Wildlife & Habitat Preservation -- Understanding the Wildlife Model. Presented by Dr. Shane Mahoney, the world's foremost expert on the North American Wildlife Model, and a dynamic and thought-provoking speaker, filmmaker and scientist.

** NEW FOR THE 28TH IWFF! -- On the Frontlines: Exploring Conservation & Media

A one-day retreat tentatively schedule in the wilds of Montana with presentations, speakers, workshops, seminars and film clips focusing on critical regions of the world and how filmmakers, foundations and organizations can and are making a difference through film and television programming.

ADDITIONAL 2005 FESTIVAL WORKSHOPS & SEMINARS:

If you would like to propose or lead a workshop or seminar for the 28th Festival, please contact us at iwff@wildlifefilms.org.   Some of the panels and seminars on tap include:

** Showcasing & Critiquing Your Film
** Production & Marketing in the Digital Age
** Net Savvy for the New Millennium
** Independent Goes Global
** International Distribution
** Carving a Niche for your Film
** Fundraising for Film Projects

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available for the 28th IWFF -- to learn more about these opportunities, please visit http://www.wildlifefilms.org/festival/sponsorhips.htm. or contact

Janet Rose, Executive Director at jr1@wildlifefilms.org or 406-728-9380

Hope to see you April 30 th – May 7 th , 2005 in Missoula, Montana!

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Rhodes International film and visual arts festival
21-26 June 2005
Rhodes Greece with the support of the Prefecture of the Dodecanese the Greek Ministry of Culture the Rhodes Cultural Organisation the National and Municipal Theater of Rhodes and the Rhodes Cinema Society.


The Ecofilms festival invites the participation of documentaries, shorts and features with environmental and ecology themes, encouraging conservation issues and issues related with the natural, the human and the built environment.
Prizes are awarded to the films for their innovative approach in conservation issues for their daring proposal in subject matter and their artistic qualities overall.

The International jury awards prizes for both the international and national competition categories.
If you have made a film that you feel fits within the described themes please sent us a viewing cassette with English subtitles for the preselection committee to view.

Cash awards range from 7000 to 3000 Euros
The two audience awards are coordinated by the Rhodes Cinema Society

Deadline for entries 1st March 2005

Please send us all pre-selection copies on DVD or VHS cassettes and required materials listed on the form
Send your material  to the Athens address as below
(please send ordinary mail not registered mail - thanx)

ECOFILMS FESTIVAL
31 Ippokratous street
Athens 10680 Greece
info@ecofilms.gr

Lucia Rikaki
artistic director ECOFILMS
lrikaki@otenet.gr

Ecofilms is an independent International  Film and Visual Arts Festival organized by the non-profit association Image and Environment.

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Invitation for Film Entries for NaturVision Competition

NaturVision 4th International Nature and Wildlife Film Festival July 21 - 24, 2005

Following the great success of the three previous festivals, the fourth NaturVision will take place in Neuschönau and Freyung in Germany's Bavarian Forest from July 21 - 24, 2004.

The festival’s goals are

-          promoting the documentary in the nature and wildlife film genre

-          giving new productions the opportunity for public presentation

-          encouraging discussion of nature and wildlife films.

The main focus of the festival will be the international competition for the latest productions.

As well as the ”Award for the Best International Film”, a ”Special German Film Award” will be offered to tie in with the renown of this genre in the days of Grzimek, Stielmann and Stern.

Other prizes will be awarded for Best Camera Work and Best Story, and there will be an Honorary Award for the Life's Work of an outstanding wildlife film-maker. With its Young Talent Award, NaturVision is looking to especially encourage young film-makers and film students to get involved with this genre with a film project.

NaturVision is looking for films on nature and wildlife topics, but also for films dealing critically with man’s treatment of the environment. The films must have been completed after January 1, 2004.

To enter the competition, please register on our Web site www.natur-vision.de.
The following link takes you to the registration pages:

http://www.naturvision1.de/naturvision/regeln-e.html

Please pass this information on to anyone who may be interested in entering the competition.

Deadline for entries: April 30, 2005.

The festival and its region
Four days of films showing animals and their habitats, wild landscapes and exotic regions right in the heart of the fascinating natural landscape that is the Bavarian Forest. Together with the Bohemian Forest (Šumava National Park) and Upper Austria, the Bavarian Forest National Park forms the largest forest wilderness between the Atlantic coast and the Ural mountains. This meeting point of untouched nature and civilization is where you can witness the filmic examination of nature and animals at NaturVision, a festival of experience and encounters.

For more information, visit our Web site www.natur-vision.de or contact us as follows:
NaturVision
Internationales Natur- und Tierfilmfestival
Kaiserstr. 13
94556 Neuschönau
Germany
Tel.: +49-8558-9739-0
Fax: +49-8558-9739-26
E-mail: info@natur-vision.de

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WildSouth Film Festival - Wanaka New Zealand, 25-29th April 2005

The 1st ever WildSouth Film Festival (WSFF) is coming to Wanaka between 25 April – 29 April 2005.

So what, I hear you say, is this festival?

It is to be a vibrant gathering of natural history filmmakers from around the world … but the focus will be on films and makers of films from the Southern Hemisphere. Folk from all parts of the world are most welcome but we want to primarily attract participants from Southern Africa, southern Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific and Latin America.

The festival is designed to appeal to all those who share an interest in making films about the region and so, for four golden autumnal days in Wanaka, those who attend will have a unique opportunity to be part of:

• A showcase of the latest and greatest films from the Southern Hemisphere
• An exchange of ideas, techniques and to check out the latest equipment.
• Exploring new ways of telling stories and finding audiences.
• Developing strategies for encouraging more films about the area,
• Networking, raving and partying at the centre of ‘Middle Earth’.

In addition to highlighting films about southern wildlife, peoples and places, the festival’s main aim is to encourage new and emerging filmmakers by giving them a voice and a venue, and by bringing them into close, informal contact with key executives, top producers and major broadcasters. The festival will bring together filmmakers, broadcasters, educators, scientists and storytellers.

Films will be shown at the famously funky Cinema Paradiso, where participants can enjoy the spectacle of Southern Hemisphere natural history from the luxury of old couches and, even, the back seat of a yellow Morris Minor. Workshops and seminars will be held at the Edgewater Resort on the shores of Lake Wanaka. And, of course, the whole lot will be served up with a generous serving of southern hospitality.

WSFF is part of the 1st ever Festival of Colour, which is an Arts Festival being held in Wanaka at the same time. It is hoped that both will become a premier biennial event and will take place in alternate years to the Warbirds over Wanaka.

WSFF 2005 will have a ceiling of 80 registrations… it is hoped to expand numbers in years after that… but it will always remain ‘boutique’.

WSFF is supported by NHNZ and the University of Otago. Other sponsors are being sought so that the cost of registration can be kept down and to help with airfares for overseas filmmakers.

More information about WSFF will be made available through Wild Times, email and – in a few weeks, when we get our website up and running – by logging onto www.wildsouthfestival.org

Peter Hayden
WSFF Committee

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Planet in Focus: Toronto International Environmental Film & Video Festival

September 28 to October 2, 2005

Call for Submissions and Entry Form

Recognizing that the 'environment' is contested terrain, both as a biophysical entity and as a philosophical frame, Planet in Focus invites submissions of films and videos, in all genres, that critically examine the concept of 'environment' and challenge current human/nature relations. Special consideration will be paid to:
• works that push the boundaries of the accepted notions of 'environment'
• works that present cultural perspectives that are under-represented in Canada
• works that will have their world or Canadian premiere at Planet in Focus: International Environmental Film & Video Festival

Eligibility Criteria

Entries must have a release date after 2001.
Pre-screening copies must be submitted on VHS cassette (NTSC preferred, but PAL also accepted). Each entry must be accompanied by a completed entry form and the appropriate entry fee. Multiple entries may be sent in the same package. Please avoid excessive non-biodegradable packaging. While our long-term goal is to include works in a variety of languages, this year all works submitted should be accessible to English speaking audiences.

Deadline for Entries

Early deadline: April 1, 2005
Final deadline: May 2, 2005
Entries must be received at our office in Toronto on or before these dates Submission results will be sent out by email in June, 2005.
NOTE: WE DO NOT ACCEPT WORKS IN PROGRESS  

Planet in Focus: Toronto International Environmental Film & Video Festival,
455 Spadina Avenue, Suite 304, Toronto, ON, M5S 2G8 Canada
For additional information visit our website www.planetinfocus.org, send us an email at submissions@planetinfocus.org, or call us at 416-531-1769  

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8th International Underwater Film Festival results
Klub podvodnih aktivnosti "BEOGRAD"

The Festival would like to thank to everyone who got involved in one way or another, as participant or a friend, or just a visitor. We are hoping that we will all get together next year and the year after that, to make it even more beautiful and more successful.

There were 96 films in the competition from 28 country.

Congratulations to the awarded authors and thanks to all who took part, from the bottom of our hearts. Of course, we are inviting you to take part at our next festival, in December 2005.

Many thanks,
President Milorad Djuknic
International Underwater Film Festival, Belgrade 

Here are the results from 8th International Underwater Film Festival in Belgrade contests:

UNDERWATER FILM JURY

Mr. Pavol Svitanek (Slovakia ), Mr. Nikola Petrovic (SCG), Mr. Miljan Vuksanovic (SCG),Mr. Veljko Pavlovic ( SCG ) . All members of the jury are known underwater film authors, producers and directors, each of them with experience of more than 20 years.

GRAND PRIX

Blue Planet Thomas Behrend DE
HUNTERS AT THE CAPE OF STORMS

Grand Prix Patron - SMY ONDINA Dive Indonesia - Cruise 2005
Enrique Rubio
enrique@thebestdivingintheworld.com
Diplad International s.l.
http://www.thebestdivingintheworld.com

BEST PRODUCTION AWARD

ORF - Austria , Mr. Walter Kohler

“A GROUP" film (professional productions, broadcast quality, TV)

1st Place: ORF Austria,  Waltraud Paschinger, Erich Proll
ALPINE LAKES-Quiet Beauty 

2nd Place: Summerhill Entertainment CA
GREENLAND SHARK: Searching for a monster

3rd Place: LIQUID MOTION FILM, Guy and Anita Chaumete UK
TALKING WITH FISHES

Special award:

Ballabio Osvaldo IT
THE SEASONS OF THE SHARKS

"B GROUP" film* (amateur film makers, independent producer)

1st Place: Steve Lichtag CZ, TANEC MODRYCH ANDELU

2nd Place: Danny Van Belle BE, THE WORLD OF GASTROPODA

3rd Place: Daniele Lop , BOYER Massimo IT, S.O.S.: Save Our Seahorses

Special awards:
Haluk CECAN TR
FUITE VERS L'ESPACE

Leandro Blanco ES
ONCE UPON A TIME

Enzo Cicognani IT
L’INVISIBILE POPOLO DEL FANGO

Barbara Mikac HR
SPASIMO LIVADE POSIDONIJE

Best National Film
TRITON MEDIA
Vlatko Taleski SCG
PRICA O CRNOM DRIMU

Special award:
Sasa Milanovic SCG
ZABORAVLJENE VRSTE

Underwater photo exhibition - Special award
Richard Jaronek- CZECH REPUBLIC

Sincerely yours,

Milorad Djuknic
President of the Festival
e-mail dive.bgd@EUnet,yu   
Milentija Popovica 37, 11070 Beograd
GSM **381 63 8611455

Grozdana Bankovic
General Secretary
www.kpa.co.yu
E-mail: grozdana@net.yu
Tel.: + 381 11 625032
Mob: +381 63 8293599

Address: International Underwater Film Festival in Belgrade
              Pop Lukina 4
              11000 Belgrade
              Serbia and Montenegro

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Internship opportunity

The Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival is seeking interns for their headquarters in Jackson, Wyoming, USA. Interns will have the opportunity to assist with preparations for the 2005 Festival-an internationally renowned event for natural history and wildlife filmmakers and broadcasters.
The ideal candidate may have an interest or experience in any of the following: non-fiction filmmaking, non-profit organizations, environmental conservation, public relations and/or communications.

Grow personally and professionally through project specific opportunities in one or more of the following areas:

-Advertising

-Database Management

-Festival Administration

-Event planning

-Public relations

-Sponsorship/fundraising

-Web design

Internships are available Mid-February through October to current or recently graduated college/university students. Internships are unpaid, but may apply toward academic credit.

For further details about the internship and how to apply, email
info@jhfestival.org or call 307.733.7016.

2005 Festival - September 19-24 in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
http://www.jhfestival.org

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Used equipment for sale

Arri SR 1 kit, old but in good order, incl:
Arri SR 1 camera, Ziess 10-100mm zoom lens, 2 magazines, 2 battery packs,
charger, all in metal case. GBP offers.

Canon fixed 300mm F2.8 lens with universal mount and x2 converter, in
metal case. Bespoke support mounting plate available. GBP 3100 ono

Ronford tall aluminium tripod legs, 150 ball, case incl. GBP offers.

Pip Squires
contact: pip@ecosse.net

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The kit comprises the following:

Canon XL1s - normal resale price £2200
Canon MA200 (4 XLR channel)- normal resale price £300
Manfrotto Tripod - normal resale price £360
Lowepro Case - normal resale price £200
Sennheiser Microphone with ME66 and Rycote Kit - normal resale Price £400
Year's insurance - £150

All adds up to £3610

I'm selling the lot for £2900 or nearest offer as I'm in a bit of a hurry and can't wait.

Andrew Stead 07813492998
steadyonmate@hotmail.com

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