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Press Release!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Anna Cosentine anna@taosshortz.com

 

Taos Shortz Film Fest & 48 Hour Film Project

Bring International Filmmakers to Taos, March 1-4

TAOS, NM — January 25, 2012 —Embarking on its 5th year, the Taos Shortz Film Fest (TSFF) will bring more than 70 short films from around the world, free panel discussions and networking parties to Taos, New Mexico from March 1 through 4. The TSFF will run concurrently with the 48 Hour Film Project International Filmapalooza, featuring films from over 120 international filmmakers.

Taos Shortz Film Fest is quickly becoming known internationally among filmmakers, and is earning its reputation as the “Sundance for short films.” Last year, 64 films from around the world made the cut compared to only 28 in 2008.

This year, Taos Shortz will apply for an accreditation with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Subsequently, anyone who submits a film would have a shot at being nominated for an Oscar.

“I am amazed by the joy in growth, expansion, support and the constant energy of indie filmmakers’ contributions,” said Director and Founder of Taos Shortz, Anna Cosentine. “I feel a responsibility to the community and these filmmakers insofar as creating a venue for our forum, TSFF, where these two parties can meet and exchange ideas. This is what thrills me – witnessing the networking, seeing people connect and be moved by what we are doing. TSFF feels like a catalyst for transformation, and Taos is a place where one can go to dream and fulfill those dreams. Transformative changes can be made here.”

Beginning on Thursday, March 1, the TSFF will spotlight Taos student and local filmmakers, giving the community an opportunity to see New Mexico-inspired films come to life on the big screen. New Mexico entries include: "Hibiscus" (dramatic fiction) by Joey Liew; "L’Americano" (comedy fiction) by Dominic Garcia; "Lobster"(comedy fiction) by Jocelyn Jansons; "Red Mesa" (dramatic fiction) by Ilana Lapid; "Surreal Estate" (comedy fiction) by Lori Romero; "Under the Stairs" (dramatic fiction) by Joshua Sallach; "Wake Up" (dramatic fiction) by Hannah McPherson; and "Waking Up Crane" (documentary) by Joanne Schmidt.

New this year to Taos Shortz is the “Taos Locals” program, where more than 11 shorts from Taos filmmakers will be screened. Screenings take place at the Taos Center for the Arts on Thursday, March 1 and are only $5 per screening.

Then on Friday, March 2, short films from more than 20 countries will be featured, mixed with a wide range of quality short films from across the U.S., including from New Mexico. On March 3 and 4, free panel discussions with filmmakers will give participants a chance to ask questions from film professionals including: New Mexico filmmakers Bryan Konefsky, Peter Kershaw, and Matthew Page along with New York based animator, Dustin Grella.

The TSFF will present awards to the best shorts films at a gala awards ceremony and screening on Sunday, March 4. Judges based their decisions on the best shorts by taking into account the storyline, creative treatment of the subject, imaginative use of camera, effectiveness of presentation, cinematography/camera technique, editing, and acting/performance/narration.

The TSFF will be held at the Taos Center for the Arts (TCA). Tickets for the TSFF are $80 for a “Taos Humm Pass,”  which includes access to all Taos Shortz programs, parties, drink specials, and discounts. Individual program tickets are $10 per person; the Awards Ceremony is $15 per person. To purchase tickets or for festival information, visit www.taosshortz.com or email Taos Shortz at info@taosshortz.com.

A media room will be available during the festival for interviews and live broadcasts.


Complementing the TSFF, the 48 Hour Film Project will run concurrently from March 2 through 5 in Taos.
The 48 Hour Film Project claims to be the world’s oldest and largest timed filmmaking competition. Each year over 40,000 people from 100 cities around the world compete to see who can make the best film in only 48 hours. The winners in each of those cities will compete in Taos at the Project’s Filmpalooza – the grand finale of the competition. The 48 Hour Film Project will screen all 100 of the winning films and will announce the winner of the International Best Film award on the evening of March 3.

“Taos is the perfect spot for our international awards event,” said Executive Producer of the 48 Hour Film Project, Liz Langston. “Since I live in Albuquerque, I know what a beautiful city Taos is, and have watched the Taos Shortz Film Festival grow very quickly over just 4 years into a world-class film festival.  We always partner with a film festival and in the past have partnered with the Miami International Film Fest, Cinequest and South by Southwest.  The Taos Shortz Film Festival and the businesses and city of Taos have already proven to be great partners in bringing this event to Taos.”

Filmmakers who will be in attendance at the 48 Hour Film Project are from the United States as well as a number of international cities including: Osaka, New South Wales, Dubai, Shanghai, Edinburg, Sao Paulo, Geneva, Seville, Glasgow, Toronto, Johannesburg, Paris, Kaohsiung, and  Hanoi. Filmmakers and film fans will be able to network, mingle and meet up at our evening social events.

The 48 Hour Film Project will be held at the Arthur Bell Auditorium in the Harwood Museum of Art. Seating at the Harwood is limited to 120, so arrive early.  The general public cannot buy tickets to the 48 Hour Film Project at the Harwood; seating is first come first served. However, filmmakers who participated in the Project have priority seating. Remaining seats at the Harwood will then be open to Taos Shortz pass holders, and then to the general public.The awards ceremony on March 4 will be held at the TCA. For more on the 48 Hour Film Project or to purchase tickets for the awards ceremony, visit http://www.48hourfilm.com/filmapalooza/ or email at info@48hourfilm.com.

The Taos Shortz Film Fest is sponsored by the following Taos businesses: Gorge Bar and Grill, Los Rios River Runners, Indian Hills Inn, Taos Inn, Localogy, Taos Ski Valley, Bavarian Lodge, Henningsen Fine Art, TurnStyle Gallery, Casa Gallina, La Posada de Taos, Casa Benavides, Kachina Lodge, El Pueblo Lodge, Peter Gilroy Studio, Taos Lodging,  Sirusware, The Sun God Lodge,  Eske’s Brew Pub, Taos Ale House. along with other fine merchants.

For more information about Taos, visit http://taos.org.