The EcoFocus Film Festival, an initiative of the UGA Odum School of Ecology, is now accepting film submissions for the third annual festival which will take place in October, 2010 in Athens, Georgia.

The mission of EcoFocus is to bring great films to our audiences and combine them with creative outreach events to inspire better stewardship of the planet. The first EcoFocus Film Festival took place on October 23-26, 2008, with 12 world-class feature-length environmental films and more than 25 short films, including the top selections and winners of the EcoFocus Short Film Competition, and other related discussions, filmmakers and special guests, and events.

EcoFocus is accepting submissions for two film categories this year: Environmental Shorts (20 minutes or less) and Environmental Features (50-minute minimum). Please note that films between 20 and 50 minutes are very difficult to program and have a relatively small chance of acceptance, but we will consider them when submitted to the Environmental Features category.

Films submitted to EcoFocus should in some way relate to the environment. We are open to any genre or any style of film, and welcome a variety of environmental subjects – climate, water, energy, agriculture/food systems, environmental restoration, biodiversity, advocacy, human impacts, lifestyle change, policy, natural resource scarcity, natural history, etc. EcoFocus also encourages films made by filmmakers from or based in the U.S. Southeast. We seek films that promote awareness, discussion, and hopefully action among the film’s viewers.

EcoFocus Film Festival prefers online entries submitted via Withoutabox.com, which provides cost-saving, paperless submission to film festivals around the world. The Withoutabox.com internet-only submission platform features online applications via one master entry form, online fee payments, press kits, and the option to use Secure Online Screeners – an economical, eco-friendly, and secure alternative to traditional hard-copy DVD submissions.

To submit your film, please go to http://www.ecofocusfilmfest.org/submission.htm or www.withoutabox.com.

Filmmakers can save money by submitting early!
• Short Film deadlines range from June 15 – August 1, 2010.
• Feature-Length Film deadlines range from May 15 – July 1, 2010.

More information about EcoFocus can be found at www.ecofocusfilmfest.org. EcoFocus, a presentation of the Odum School of Ecology at the University of Georgia, is a community-wide effort that draws upon the dedication of a variety of individuals, organizations, foundations and sponsors from the Athens community and beyond.