March 19, 2002

HOLLYWOOD HEAVYWEIGHTS SWING SUPPORT BEHIND NEW SPIRITUAL-THEMED FILM FESTIVAL

The votes are in. A very different new film festival has captured the attention of high profile Hollywood producers and underground independent filmmakers alike.

The Damah Film Festival-Spiritual Experiences in Film features an all-star jury, including Ralph Winter (PLANET OF THE APES), Howard Kazanjian (RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK and RETURN OF THE JEDI) and Michael Medved (former chief film critic for the NEW YORK POST).

Damah's unusual criterion for successful filmmaking enables novices to compete on equal footing with professionals; films are judged on the power of the story told, not the technical expertise of the filmmaker. In fact, first-time independent filmmakers produced some of last year's winning films. Selected films can be viewed online at www.damah.com.

This year, from October 10 through 12, the 2002 Damah Film Festival-Spiritual Experiences in Film will return to The Seattle Art Museum for a second season of exploring spiritual themes central to the human experience.

Last October, filmmakers and viewers from around the world flocked to the first-time festival. Attendees ignited workshops with searing discussions about the significance of spiritual themes in film and in life. The festival attracted more than 800 festival-goers and 243 short film submissions.

Damah is unique among short film festivals in its spiritual focus. The only required element for entry: filmmakers are to capture "spiritual experiences" in thirty minutes or less by telling stories of struggle and redemption, preferably with unexpected endings. Damah does not limit submissions by genre or acquisition format.

"Damah" (Duh-MAH) is a Hebrew word that means "a metaphor that transforms"-a form of storytelling often used in ancient literature.

To obtain a submission document, visit www.damah.com/submit.html. Deadline for submissions is May 15; submission fee is $25. Late submissions will be accepted until July 1 for a fee of $45.

Prize money totaling $15,000 will be awarded at the 2002 Damah Film Festival, and selected films will be streamed on the festival Web site, www.damah.com and screened at touring festivals nationwide.