Video Contests, Film Festivals, and Awards

New York's DUO - Multicultural Arts Center has announced the creation of a short film festival to showcase emerging talent from around the world. The First Annual Downtown Short Film Festival will take place June 7-13, 2004 at the theatre's East Village location, 62 E. 4th Street.

The deadline for submitting films is April 25. Filmmakers are invited to submit works that are 5 to 30 minutes in length. The festival committee will vote on awards in the following categories: Best of Festival, Best Drama, Best Comedy, Best Horror and Best Documentary.

"For more than 20 years, DUO has been part of the thriving downtown theatre scene, developing talent and presenting exciting new works," said DUO Artistic Director Michelangelo Alasa'. "By adding a film festival to our roster, we're expanding opportunities for filmmakers to show their work and giving the creative community the chance to view this beautiful theatre as an excellent venue for all types of creative projects."

Filmmaker and festival Director Luke Valerio sees the festival as an opportunity to add to the vitality of New York's independent film scene. "Thanks to the Tribeca Film Festival, there's a lot more attention focused on New York as a thriving film community," Valerio explains. "But where Tribeca highlights features and full-length documentaries, we're focusing on shorter films that have a harder time reaching an audience. We hope to be the Slamdance to their Sundance."

DUO has joined 13 other cultural groups in an area stretching from Bowery to Second Avenue (the highest concentration of arts organizations in Manhattan) to form FAB (Fourth Arts Block). The group's mission is to foster the rich cultural history of the area rooted in diversity. Other FAB members on 4th Street are New York Theatre Workshop, La Mama and the Rodgers Dance Co.

Those interested in learning more about submission requirements for the festival may visit the website, www.hometown.aol.com/duotheatre/,
or call (212) 598-4320