THE 2006 PANAVISION INTO THE LIMELIGHT PROJECT

A Unique Opportunity for Emerging Filmmakers

Into the Limelight is a program introduced by the Ojai Film Festival in 2005. Its purpose is to enable young filmmakers, by underwriting their travel, housing and per diem costs, to participate fully in the unique opportunities of Ojai’s world class film festival, this year held on October 12 –15, 2006.

The program will support, showcase, and mentor the emerging talents of 12 of the top young filmmakers attending or graduating from the most prestigious film schools in the United States. Each of the participants will have been nominated by their film school’s Director. They will be able to interact with talented peers along with prominent veteran filmmakers and industry professionals who will be present at the Ojai Film Festival.

The goal of Into the Limelight is to gather together some of the country’s most promising young filmmakers and prepare them for entry into the real world of filmmaking. To facilitate opportunities for interaction and networking, coordinated seminars and screenings will be scheduled throughout the 4-day event. This interaction will create an open exchange of ideas and discussion of techniques, providing the necessary tools and contacts needed by young filmmakers to help build a foundation for their emerging careers.

Through this program and the participants selected, the Festival seeks to reaffirm the premise that filmmaking is a collaborative art form with a universal visual language that opens windows to a diverse and multi-cultural world. The intention is to benefit the art of filmmaking by nurturing the finest representatives of our next generation of filmmakers.

All participating Into the Limelight students will have one of their films screened for the Festival’s general audience, affording them the first-hand experience of both the anxiety and rewards of a premier opening. Intimate viewings may also be scheduled for the students with industry professionals to provide expertise-based input and direction.

The Ojai Film Festival is proud to announce that Panavision has again generously contributed a $60,000 camera rental package to be awarded to one of the Limelight Students.

For further information, contact Executive Director Maggie Cerminaro at (805) 640-1947, or email maggie@ojaifilmfestival.com