Press release from BBFF
The inaugural Byron International Documentary Prize, a no-strings cash grant of $5000, has been announced by the Byron Bay International Film Festival (BBFF) and ScreenZone, a new venture created in Byron Bay, which brings together documentary makers and online retailing. ScreenZone will be launched at the festival and has put up the funds for the prize.
The prize has been established to encourage and recognise powerful stories, from personal journeys to global issues, which evoke understanding and inspire change.
“Great documentaries make up a decent portion of the BBFF programme” said J’aimee Skippon-Volke, BBFF’s Festival Director. “It’s such a powerful genre which can really incite action and awareness. One only has to look at the film Gasland as an example of the impact one documentary can make”.
The winning film will be announced at the 2012 Byron Bay International Film Festival being held on 2-11 March. Entry will be open to any documentary submitted for the Festival that meets the entry requirements and reflects the theme.
The NSW Northern Rivers region is home the highest non-metropolitan concentration of film professionals in the country, many of whom live in Byron Shire. “We are offering a real incentive to film-makers from around the globe to join a dynamic film community in Byron Bay, Australia and celebrate the power of documentaries” said Michael Weatherhead, Managing Director of ScreenZone. “This award is sure to gain the attention of documentary-makers worldwide, who often struggle in a tight financial environment to create and disseminate important stories.”
J’aimee added “The festival has a growing international profile and ScreenZone’s generous contribution will help drive forward the appeal of BBFF to talented filmmakers world-wide. This, in turn, will really boost the BBFF experience for local filmmakers and audience members”.
For more details about the prize, the festival, deadlines and to submit films go to www.bbff.com.au.