ArtZone’s Local Filmmakers Contest opens for submissions

ArtZone Sun Peaks will soon be taking submissions for the annual Local Filmmakers Contest, which returns for its seventh year in January. 

There is no entry fee for submissions, which are open from Sept. 1 until Dec. 1. Folks within a 100 kilometre radius, including Kamloops, Barrière and Clearwater are welcome to turn in films for the two categories, which include the 60 second shred-it and short film. 

Winners of the contest will have their films shown in The Sun Peaks Film Festival with about 15 films being shown throughout the weekend of Jan. 14 to 16. As well, the TNRD film commission will be promoting the winner’s content in its newsletter and social media. 

“There’s some opportunities for bigger exposure,” Karen Lara, director at large and film festival coordinator said. “It’s a great opportunity for anyone who’s getting interested in filmmaking and would like to do the festival experience in a way that’s particularly supportive.”

The locals filmmakers contest was originally started to shine a spotlight on the wealth of activities available in Sun Peaks, president of ArtZone, KJ Miller said, adding the contest has also opened the door to the “creatives that live here.”

Prior to becoming the president of the non-profit arts organization, Miller was consulted as a filmmaker to collaborate with ArtZone to create the submission guidelines which are all listed on the website. Some of these guidelines include a PG-rating, no copyright music, only original work and a maximum of two submissions per filmmaker.

The panel of judges is made up of Miller, TNRD film commissioner Terri Hadwin and one other member from ArtZone Sun Peaks. While these judges look at the technical elements and cinematography criteria, they will also focus on the story element of the film. Miller noted that the judges want to see something interesting, easy to watch or films that surface local matters in the community.

“So a unique story angle, plus the cinematography, plus the overall feel,” he continued. “When you watch something and you’re like ‘that was really good. I don’t know why it was really good, but it was really good.’ So some wow factor.”

The 60 second shred-it category was started last year for filmmakers who are most-likely already making edits and posting on their social media to have an opportunity to showcase their work. 

“We just started it last year and honestly was to capture the people on the mountain who are maybe shooting in the park or on downhill biking… to create another avenue for storytelling in a short format that’s maybe less intimidating than putting a whole film together,” Lara said. 

Submissions for the short film category are capped at 10 minutes and have more of a focus on the storytelling aspects in film. 

Each category will have a first place winner and a runner up, and the short film category will have an audience choice award with an online platform for audience members to go and vote for their favourite films right then and there.

The first place winner of the short film category will receive $500 and a pair of skis from McSporties and the runner-up and judges choice prize will be $250 and a swag bag. For the 60 second shred-it category, the winner will receive $250 and a swag bag and the runner-up will receive $100. 

Anyone looking to submit can apply on the ArtZone website on Sept. 1 using the online submission platform. Folks can contact hello@artzonesunpeaks.com with any questions, more information or if interested in volunteering for the event.