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Call For Entries - International Documentary Challenge

Memphis - Film News

Written by Brad Phelan

Tuesday, 09 February 2010 17:25

CALL FOR ENTRIES -INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY CHALLENGE

Looking for an exciting learning opportunity for media and film students that connects you locally while promoting your work globally? The Emmy-nominated International Documentary Challenge is proving to be just that with past participants calling it "invigorating", "rewarding", "a high", and even "a life altering experience." Many of the past participants (and winners!) of the Doc Challenge have been groups of students (alone or led by a teacher) at all levels from high school students to community media and art institute classes to film, documentary and journalism majors at universities.
Now in its 5th year, The International Documentary Challenge returns to the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival in Toronto. This year's challenge takes place March 4-8, 2010 with the Hot Docs premiere of the Finalists in early May.

docchallenge.org

If you're new to the idea, it's very simple: Filmmakers from around the world are given a genre (Character Study, Music, 1st Person, etc.) and a theme (such as "Change".) Participants then have 5 days to develop, produce and edit a 4 to 7 minute non-fiction film. The result is an exhilarating five days for the filmmakers, and, as the films reveal, a joy for the audiences at Hot Docs and beyond.

The feedback we receive is that the "challenge" is an exhilarating experience for students that help them focus in a new and effective way. Initially it seems like a ridiculous notion to think of completing a film in such a short time, but that, in essence, is the point of this competition - to encourage filmmakers to work straight from their gut, make quick decisions and finish a creative project under pressure. When making a film in a few days, one learns a lot about what is and isn't important in filmmaking - lessons that will never be forgotten.

One of the main lessons students gain by doing the Doc Challenge is that of TEAMWORK. With such a tight deadline, the students learn valuable lessons on how to work together in an efficient and productive manner.

But don't just take it from us - listen to testimonials from students and teachers that participated and became finalists! Watch the video here!

IMPORTANT DATES:
Registration opens on January 7, 2010
Early Registration Deadline: February 1, 2010
Final Registration Deadline: March 3, 2010
Doc Challenge: March 4-8, 2010

Space is limited - only the first 300 teams to register will be accepted.

Complete details and entry forms can be found at docchallenge.org

The DocChallenge is produced by Doug Whyte of KDHX Community Media.

The 2010 Presenting Partners include Hot Docs, American Documentary/P.O.V., Documentary Educational Resources and Typecast Releasing. Supporting partners include the International Documentary Association, the Documentary Organization of Canada, DocuMentors, the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, Dokufest, Docs In Progress and the 48 Hour Film Project.

The International Documentary Challenge.
Real Life. Filmed Real Fast.