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Central Alberta Film Festival 2019 up and running with Smartphone Film Challenge

Jun 26, 2018 | 7:16 AM

RED DEER- The third annual Central Alberta Film Festival (CAFF) may not be screening films until February 19-23, 2019, but there is already plenty of action and anyone can get involved.

Both amateur and professional filmmakers aged 10 and older can now register for CAFF’s Smartphone Film Challenge.

No experience is required and CAFF will be holding filmmaking workshops this summer.

The deadline to register for the challenge is July 31 although films do not have to be completed until August 31.

The basic premise of the Smartphone Film Challenge is that contestants must make a film using only a smartphone or tablet.

Using film editing software on a computer is allowed, but participants will be asked to prove that no traditional cameras were used.

The stakes are high, because the winning films will be screened at the Film Festival in February 2019.

Individuals and teams of up to five can submit multiple films, as long as a separate registration and five dollar fee for each film has been submitted by July 31.

You can find full contest rules and register for the Smartphone Film Challenge by visiting www.cafilmfestival.ca.

The Smartphone Film Challenge is not the only sign that CAFF 2019 is up and running.

During the final week of the early bird submission period alone, 14 films were submitted for consideration for the 2019 festival.

“It’s great to see such enthusiasm for the festival,” said Ranjit Mullakady, president of CAFF’s board of directors. “2019 will be CAFF’s third year and people are starting to recognize the event and really pay attention.”

(Gary McKinnon)