Filmmakers are always talking about getting their work on the big screen–but don't forget the small screen. X-OOM's Movies on PSP gives you a way to easily compress your work to play on the 3¾” x 2¼” screen of a Sony PSP. It claims it can convert DivX, AVI, WMV, Real or MPEG at the click of a button. The resized and optimized files can be saved to your computer's hard drive or to a Memory Stick for PSP viewing. We love the idea of carrying our shorts in our shorts.
TV for the Vain
Here is another reason to spend more time in the loo: VisionMirror, a television built into a mirror. When switched off, you only see the mirror (and yourself.) When switched on, this waterproof factory-made TV mirror will not only show you broadcast, satellite and/or cable television, but will also accept a computer signal as well (which means you can edit as you brush your teeth, if you wanted to). The VisionMirror is operated by infrared remote control.
www.visionmirror.com
Festival Watch
<p.What's That Finished Video Doing in
Your Closet? Let it Be Seen!
Habana Int'l Festival of New Latin American Cinema
Submission Deadline: September 15, 2005
Festival Date: December 6, 2005 — December 16, 2005
The world's largest showcase of Latin American and Caribbean film and video. Entries may be made by non-Latin American filmmakers who use Spanish subtitles in their work.
Entry Fee: None.
www.habanafilmfestival.com
M-St. Louis Student Film-Video Festival
Submission Deadline: October 1, 2005
Festival Date: November 9, 2005
The mission of UMSLSFVF is to promote the art of filmmaking on all levels by encouraging student filmmakers to showcase their work.
College student submissions only. Entry Fee: UMSL Students and Alumni:
Free; Non-UMSL Students: $25/per entry
www.umsl.edu/~festival
Stand Up for Freedom PSA Contest
Submission Deadline: October 4, 2005
Festival Date: July 4, 2005 — October 4, 2005
Winning entry $5,000. Topics include censorship, racial profiling, Patriot Act. Judges include Ron Howard, Carlos Santana, Carolyn Strauss, Richard Pena and more.
There does not seem to be an entry fee.
www.aclu.org/freedomwire
Port Shorts Film Festival
Submission Deadline: October 10, 2005
Festival Date: November 11, 2005
All works must only be 3 minutes in length and final submissions must be on Mini DV. There are 3 categories for films: Best Super 8 film, Best Digital Film, Best Animation.
Entry Fee: $30 Australian
www.portshorts.com
Slamdance Film Festival
Submission Deadline: October 11, 2005
Festival Date: January 19, 2006 — January 27, 2006
The 12th annual Slamdance Film Festival will be held in Park City, Utah. Focus is put on first time filmmakers.
Entry Fee: August 29: $25, October 11: $45
www.slamdance.com
MiniDV Pure Digital/Video Film Festival
Submission Deadline: October 31, 2005
Festival Date: December 7, 2005 — December 11, 2005
Focusing on creative works shot in only digital & video formats, the MDVF is a full featured 5-day movie festival recognizing the best Narratives, Documentaries, Music Videos, Experimentals & Animations in friendly competition.
Entry Fee: $15
www.minidvfestival.com
