August 3, 2001

POSTMODERN SPIRIT: ALIVE AND ON FILM!
New Film Festival Hits Cultural and Spiritual Nerve With Nearly 200

As PLANET OF THE APES hits number one at the box office, executive producer Ralph Winter focuses on a new cutting edge film festival with an even wilder theme: 21st century spirituality. Winter, along with Academy Award winner Bruce Joel Rubin (GHOST), Howard Kazanjian (STAR WARS and RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK), Mako (PEARL HARBOR) and Michael Medved (author of HOLLYWOOD VS. AMERICA) are among a panel of celebrity jurors who will judge entries for the first annual DAMAH FILM FESTIVAL-Spiritual Experiences in Film.

"I am keenly interested in anything that has to do with spirituality and film," Winter said. "Whether we know it or not, most films have a deeper meaning, even if unintended!"

Although in its first year, the DAMAH FILM FESTIVAL has already received 191 short film submissions. By contrast, the Cannes Film Festival screened only 70 short films in its first year, yet it helped give a huge boost to now renowned filmmakers like Alfred Hitchcock and Walt Disney early in their careers. DAMAH FILM FESTIVAL organizers hope likewise to give a new generation of filmmakers a chance to express and explore spiritual ideas.

American spirituality is undergoing a transformation. A postmodern shift in thinking about spirituality is affecting every area of our society. As we move into the 21st century, interest in spiritual topics is escalating. The DAMAH FILM FESTIVAL seeks to uncover films that explore spiritual topics, and to give voice to a new generation of filmmakers.

Damah means "inspirational metaphor" in Hebrew. The DAMAH FILM FESTIVAL has just one requirement: filmmakers must capture "spiritual experiences" by telling stories of struggle, redemption, inspiration or surprise. Awards will be given according to the power of story, not technical expertise. Winning films will be screened at Experience Music Project and Seattle Art Museum on October 10 and 11. Also at the Festival, there will be panel film workshops, $15,000 in prizes, award presentation ceremonies and special networking opportunities for newcomers to interact with celebrities and professionals. Plans for distribution of winning films could include international television, web streaming at www.damah.com, and CD-ROM packaging.