MAGMA directors are calling for entries to this DVD format festival in Rotorua, the first of its kind in the region. MAGMA is a four day short film festival programme, open to all filmmakers, New Zealand and worldwide. There is no restriction on age of the filmmaker or on the age of the film!

"Digital technology has opened the door to so much more visual and sound arts and information," says festival co director, Juliet Boone. MAGMA directors are calling for entries to this DVD format festival in Rotorua, the first of its kind in the region. MAGMA is a four day short film festival programme, open to all filmmakers, New Zealand and worldwide. There is no restriction on age of the filmmaker or on the age of the film!

"Digital technology has opened the door to so much more visual and sound arts and information," says festival co director, Juliet Boone."We are taking that opportunity, to increase the range of arts available to the people of our community."

Categories open for entry are: documentary (time limit of 30 minutes), adventure and sport (also 30 minutes), music (7 minute limit), and with drama, dance/experimental, animation, and comedy (with limits of 20 minutes in length). The MAGMA Festival audience will be asked to select their favourite film as well.

"We also have a special category with the theme of MUD, to signify the festivals link and homage to Rotorua" says Ms Boone. " Entries in this category must make some reference to MUD in a five minute short film".

The MAGMA Showcase section will screen previous award winning films. Entries to this category are free (with NZ Classification in place).

This is the festivals first year of celebrating short film and we are planning to kick it off with a fusion of local and regional performance artists.

MAGMA will feature guest speakers from NZ's film industry. Awards will be presented on the final evening of the festival. Filmmakers are invited to keep an eye on the MAGMA website for details on prizes and guest speakers. Entries close on August 18, 2006.

MAGMA SHORT FILM FESTIVAL
Shambles Theatre, Rotorua
November 8-11, 2006
www.magmafilm.org.nz