Team up for Hilowood, Big Island’s first 72-hour film festival

“Shoot! Show! Share!”

Filmmakers and potential filmmakers are invited to participate in Hilowood, the first Hawaii Island 72-hour film festival.

The festival begins with the team kickoff at 6 p.m. Thursday at UCB 127 on the University of Hawaii at Hilo campus and covers a three-day period until films must be turned in for judging. Each team will prepare a short film from concept to finished product, 3-5 minutes in length, to be judged by a panel of professionals.

Two top entries will be selected for special recognition from all entries viewed at a gala film showing at 7 p.m. Oct. 3 at the UH-Hilo Performing Arts Center. The Official Selection Award will be decided by the judges and the Audience Choice award will be voted upon by those in attendance.

Each creative team must include two cast or crew members that are K-12 students. Entries will be judged on artistic merit (e.g., story, creativity, entertainment value), technical merit and adherence to the theme which will be made available to entrants at packet pickup Thursday.

The premiere festival is sponsored by LUCA Films Inc., Hawaii Community College, the UH-Hilo Performing Arts Department and the UH-Hilo Performing Arts Center. Space is limited and registration is based on a first-come, first-served basis, with a registration fee of $10.

“The Hawaii Island 72 Hour Film Festival is a grass-roots community event for any film enthusiast,” said Ami Wilson, LUCA Films producer. “You do not have to be a professional or seasoned filmmaker. We are welcoming anyone who would like to be a part of the filmmaking process.

“If you can think it you can film it, using any camera or device. We want to promote film literacy while bringing the community together ohana style, including all schools, kids and supporters for this event,” Wilson said.

For more details or to register, call the HCC Information Center at 934-2500 or visit www.lucafilmsinc.net.