Film festival gets bigger, even better

SANDPOINT — The Sandpoint Film Festival has become bigger and better each year, and by all appearances, that isn’t going to change in 2013.

Film submissions are now open for the annual event’s fourth year, scheduled Nov. 2. According to Sandpoint Films chairperson Janice Jarzabek, she and her fellow board members hope to see the same enthusiasm from participants that have made the previous festival years a success.

Particularly exciting is the transition from the Little Theater to the Panida Theater, Jarzabek said. The full trappings of the historic theater should inspire even more of the excitement signature to film festivals.

“We’ve been growing each year, but this is the first year we’ve become big enough for the Panida Theater,” Jarzabek said.

A few films have already been lined up for the November event. A local film called “The Legacy of the Magus Brothers,” for example, will debut after the trailer ran for several years in previous festivals. However, there’s no telling what the lineup will bring until creative individuals start submitting their films.

The structure of the festival will be the same as last year. The festivities will begin in the afternoon with a free block highlighting the best submissions of previous years. The second and third blocks, on the other hand, will house films running in competition. Prizes for first, second and third place range from $300 to $100, and there will be special award for best Idaho filmmaker.

Filmmakers of all ages and experience levels are welcome to submit short movies up to 20 minutes in length. As with previous years,  movie content should generally be tailored toward a G, PG or PG-13 rating. Submissions costs $20 until Sept. 3. Afterward, the fee rises to $25 until a Sept. 30 deadline.

DVDs and entry fees should be made out to “Sandpoint Films” and mailed to PO Box 304, Sandpoint, ID, 83864. Visit www.sandpointfilmfestival.com for more details.