SFCG Call for Short Films

2002 COMMON GROUND FILM FESTIVAL

COMMON GROUND STUDENT SHORT FILM COMPETITION
Entry Rules and Guidelines

Film Submission Date Deadline:    August 15, 2002


Search for Common Ground in Washington, DC works in partnership with 
The European Centre for Common Ground in Brussels, to help societies 
in conflict find non-adversarial, non-violent solutions to divisive 
community, national, and international problems.   Our basic operating 
principle is to "understand the differences and act on the commonalities."

In October 2001 we held the first Common Ground Film Festival in 
Washington, DC.   Over four days we screened films that demonstrated 
that workable solutions can be found to contentious problems.  
Productions in this genre take a balanced approach and emphasize the 
common humanity shared by people in conflict.  They can increase both 
the quantity and quality of communication about conflict.  They reveal 
why adversaries think, feel, and act as they do - stressing the 
commonalities among peoples, while not ignoring the differences that 
divide them.  We believe that film and television can harness the power of 
the media for the purpose of greater understanding, tolerance, and co-
existence, and have an impact, either in inflaming or defusing conflict.


Criteria for Selection:
The film(s) selected to be screened at the Common Ground Film Festival -
 to be held both in Washington and Brussels in November 2002 - will:
* Be balanced in their portrayal of all sides of the conflict or issue 
* Communicate shared human experiences and qualities
* Avoid stereotyping by focusing on people as individuals rather than as 
representatives of groups
* Promote understanding of the issues and of the people involved
* Provide audiences with a broader context of the issues 
* Timely and relevant to the important issues that people, communities, 
and countries face today

Eligibility Requirements:
1. Work must be by students currently enrolled in a film school/program 
(Spring 2002 graduates are eligible).  
2. Work can be completed on 16mm, 35mm film, Digital Video, or 
Betacam.
3. Festival will screen only completed work finished on 16mm, 35mm, or 
Beta SP (if your digital video is accepted into the Festival, it must be 
transferred to Beta SP to be screened).
4.  Films must be less than 30 minutes in length.
5.  Work must be in English or subtitled in English.
6.  All entries must be received by August 15, 2002.
 

Entrance Procedure:
1.  Work must be submitted on 1/2" VHS, NTSC format only.  No Beta or 
U-Matic 3/4".
2.  Required information:  
a. Film title, contact information of entrant, and length of film must be 
included      on all video materials and containers.
b. Synopsis:  short typed description of the storyline.
c. List of Credits
d. Tapes and material will NOT be returned.


Notification:
Films selected for screenings in the Common Ground Film Festival will be 
notified by October 1, 2002.   The winner(s) will be invited to Washington, 
at our expense, to attend the screening.  Additional prizes (film, tape 
duplication services) will be announced.  

Winners must submit the following:
1. Short bio of the director
2. Black & white photo of the director
3. Film Still:  a print that best represents the film, clearly labeled
4. Expanded synopsis of the film
5. Beta SP copy for screening

Shipping:
Submissions should be shipped prepaid and properly packaged to the 
following address:

Search for Common Ground
Attn:  Common Ground Film Festival
1601 Connecticut Ave., NW - Suite 200
Washington, DC  20009