Press Materials

Launch Party Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. AUGUST 13 2010.

72 Film Fest 2010: Calling All Independent Filmmakers!

The 72 Film Fest returns with its FIFTH annual 72 FILM FEST CHALLENGE! THE CHALLENGE is a demanding but fun three day long test of wills that requires filmmakers to assemble teams consisting of local actors, writers, directors, editors, musicians and other artists to make a short film within only 72 hours. During the Launch Party on September 30th, the teams are given secret criteria that must be included in the movie. Then at 9pm they are released onto the streets of Frederick to write, shoot, and edit their shorts before the 9pm deadline on Sunday, October 3rd. With a record number of pre- registrations 2010 is shaping up to be the biggest year yet.

In past years, filmmakers were given unique criteria which included first lines of novels like “In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice…” or themes like “transformation”. Last year each team was given their own “polaroid image” to be inspired by. The resulting films range the gamut of emotions from funny, dark, challenging, scary, and emotional. Previous years have had 40+ teams with varying experience from first time filmmakers on up to professionals from the tri-state area competing for the coveted “Best of the Fest” and “Audience Choice” awards. Anyone with a camera and computer is encouraged to take the plunge. Returning teams have a bit of an advantage knowing just how much they can squeeze out of 72 Hours, but they also have the raised expectations from their peers.

The free Launch Party, hosted by comedian and multi-talented Doug Powell, will be held at the Cultural Arts Center located at 15 W. Patrick St from 6:30–9pm on September 30th. For the first time, this year we will be incorporating our 2010 Theme into the party and encourage everyone in attendance to dress up and celebrate. Dress up how? This year’s theme will be “Fairy Tales and Fables Reinvented”. There will be free food/cash bar and great music. Everyone is invited. The person or couple voted Best Costume will receive a swag basket full of prizes, 2 tickets to the festival, a star appearance in a 72 Fest produced short and a 72 Film Fest poster signed by all of the 2010 teams!

All of the films submitted by the deadline will be judged by an independent panel. Films will be screened at the historic Weinberg Center for the Arts on Friday October 8th and Saturday October 9th as part of the 72 Film Fest event. Prizes and Awards will be given out including Best of the Fest and Audience Choice.

72 Film Fest is the inaugural event of 72 Fest. 72 Fest has the mission “to provide an outlet for the creative community by hosting challenges in the fields of filmmaking, writing, and other arts”.

To Register your team or for more information go to www.72fest.com. Filmmaking teams are encouraged to pre-register online although registrations may be taken at the door.

Clark Kline 240-344-4380 clark@72fest.com

Host Bio: Doug Powell, a ten year veteran of the performing arts, got his start in the underground comedy scene of Washington DC. Doug has worked venues from the DC Improv to the Friars Club in Beverly Hills. Doug’s conversational approach to stand-up has led to his involvement in storyteller organizations such as Washington’s ‘Speakeasy’ collective. Doug has produced several live comedy albums and has been featured on Sirius XM Satellite radio.