Signups Underway for 2009 Speed-Filmmaking Contest

By Aaron J. Leichman, Christian Post Reporter Saturday, September 27, 2008

Christian film producers from the least experienced to the more experienced have only a few days left to take advantage of the lowest discounted rate for entering this year's 168 Film Project (168) – the annual, worldwide speed-filmmaking competition and exhibition.

Though the final deadlines for team signups are not until early February, so far 16 teams from 10 different states have registered for 168, which will challenge Christian filmmakers from around the world to see if they can create their own movie masterpiece in 168 hours – or one week – based on a Bible verse drawn at random.

The last competition, which was held in April of this year, drew in nearly 80 filmmaking teams who finished the race – 20 of which got a piece of the $10,000 in cash and prizes.

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This year's entries will be competing for $12,000 in prizes and a meeting with Ralph Winter, producer of "X-MEN" & "Fantastic 4."

"168 is an incredible opportunity," says Winter, a Presbyterian who is also active in producing Christian movies, such as "Thr3e" and the first "Left Behind" movie. "This festival is an inspiration. 168 is organized and well run. Don't miss the chance to be a part of this!"

The theme for 168 Film Project 2009 is "Family Business."

"Everyone has some kind of family," the event's coordinators wrote to prospective participants on the 168 website, 168project.com. "Some families resemble Norman Rockwell paintings and some leave much to be desired. According to the Psalms, 'God is a father to the fatherless, a defender of widows' (68:5); 'God sets the lonely in families, He leads forth the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land' (68:6).

"From the joy of a newborn to a father's sorrow over a prodigal son, take a journey with us as we explore the complexities of the very basic structure for human life – the family," they added.

Since 2003, 168 has produced over 300 short films, some of which have gone on to win awards, such as Jim O'Keeffe's 168 Project "Max," which won an International Cinematographer's Guild Award in 2004.

168 projects have been screened at dozens of festivals including Cannes Short Film Corner, Newport Film Festival, and Moondance. And more than a few 168 films are under consideration for TV and feature length development.

"To do well in '168,' teams must understand and illustrate their verse," commented John Ware, executive director of the 168 Hour Film Project. "For cast and crew, time pressure and the opportunity to reach their dreams means extraordinary potential for achievement and life change during the process.

"'168' identifies and champions filmmakers of faith, who get the job done with excellence, on time, and on budget," he added.

About 700 cast and crew participate every year on locations all over the world, including the United States, Canada, England, Spain, Italy, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Siberia, New Zealand, China and Taiwan.

Last year's film festival judges included Howard Kazanjian, producer of "Return of the Jedi" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark;" Mark Clayman, executive producer of "The Pursuit of Happyness;" Luke Schelhaas, writer/co-producer of "Smallville;" Bill Ewing, former senior VP for Columbia Pictures; and Paul Crouch, Jr., chief executive of the Trinity Broadcasting Network.