FilmNow: third call for the only short film distribution catalogue for film and audiovisual students in Spain

As a novelty, in this new edition of FilmNow, the Autonomous University of Barcelona, the Complutense University of Madrid and the University of Navarra, leading institutions in our country in the teaching and teaching of degrees such as Audiovisual Communication, join the initiative.

In an international context in which more than 7,000 short films are promoted in festivals and markets, it is essential to create projects that support and make visible the work of the new generations of filmmakers. For this reason, the School of Cinematography and Audiovisual of the Community of Madrid (ECAM) continues to work to support the filmmakers of the future and opens registration for the 3rd edition of FilmNow, the first and only short film distribution catalogue for film and audiovisual students in Spain.

As a novelty, in this edition of FilmNow, the Autonomous University of Barcelona, the Complutense University of Madrid and the University of Navarra, leading institutions in our country in the teaching and teaching of degrees such as Audiovisual Communication, join the initiative.

"For ECAM it was essential to grow this new edition of FilmNow and to work hand in hand with the main Spanish universities that teach Audiovisual Communication. Together we will work to make visible the projects and talent of its students, the only way to boost the careers of the new generations of filmmakers," says Ismael Martín, head of ECAM Distribution.

Representatives of the collaborating universities wanted to highlight that "this agreement represents a step forward in the desire to promote the insertion of our students in the audiovisual industry. The alliance with FilmNow makes it possible for the short films they produce during their years at the Faculty, and especially in their Final Degree Projects, to access a first-class distribution channel that can give them great visibility," says Charo Sádaba, Dean of the Faculty of Communication of the UNAV.

"Being able to collaborate in a project with such relevant universities, such as those detailed here and the ECAM, is the best proof of confidence to affirm that we are dealing with a successful project that will support future film professionals" argues Dr. Patricia Núñez Gómez, Director of the Department of Audiovisual Communication and Advertising 1 of the Faculty of Information Sciences of the UCM.

As in previous editions, the call for the 3rd edition of FilmNow is open to students enrolled or graduated in film schools and universities with audiovisual degrees throughout the Spanish territory. The selected works will be present in the most important short film markets in the world such as the Short Film Corner in Cannes or Clermont Ferrand. In addition, ECAM Distribución will be in charge of the registration of the short films in national and international festivals with the aim of competing around the world.

"The leap into the void that many of our students experience between university education and the professional world can be avoided thanks to initiatives such as FilmNow. Many times, our students make audiovisual works during their university studies of quality, if not technical at least in concept, but these exercises remain in the classrooms, they are not promoted, they are not visualized and, yes, they are training projects, but they lose their ability to demonstrate and show the talent of our young people. For the industry, having a catalogue that includes young talent is essential to revitalise it," says Mª José Recoder, Dean of the Faculty of Communication Sciences at the UAB.

A committee made up of prominent members of Spanish culture and cinema will be part of the jury that will select the finalist short films of this 3rd edition. Professionals such as Guadalupe Arensburg, director of short film purchases at Movistar+; Marina Seresesky, actress and director; Luis Mariano González, director of Alcine (Alcalá de Henares Film Festival) and Juan Antonio Moreno, film and art critic, have participated in previous editions as members of the jury.

Registration requirements and deadlines

Film schools and universities with audiovisual degrees in Spanish territory may participate by presenting short films with a maximum duration of 20 min. produced from January 2016 and within their training activity.

Students enrolled or graduated in film schools and universities with audiovisual degrees may also apply, presenting a written authorization from the corresponding school or university.

The registration period begins on November 8, 2017 and ends on January 31, 2018. Registration can be done free of charge online on the FilmNow website or through the platforms Festhome and Movibeta. In addition, those interested can also register through the web and consult the terms and conditions of the call, here.