Li'l Film Fest: It's Alive!

Live From Memphis™ Presents LI’L FILM FEST 9: Memphis – Fact or Fiction?

MEMPHIS (January 6, 2009) – Live From Memphis announces the re-launch of the LI'L FILM FEST with its 9th edition: Memphis – Fact or Fiction? That’s right, it’s back and it’s gonna be better that ever thanks to our new partnership with the Memphis Tourism Foundation and collaboration with Indie Memphis!

Over the next couple of months, we invite all Memphis-area filmmakers to make some films focused on the theme, “Memphis – Fact or Fiction?” Memphis has a rich history, and it’s not just about the music. Did you know that Memphis is the site of the largest North American earthquake on record (1811); it’s the birthplace of George “Machine Gun” Kelly (1895); and home to the slow-moving, ice cream car – the “MerryMobile” (1954-73)? Sometimes, however, a recounting of history may not be as accurate as you would hope… Did you ever hear the story about the prominent Memphis neighborhood rumored to have been built on a toxic waste dump? Whatever happened to the Memphis manatee? And what’s the deal with VooDoo Village? So do some research, dig up some obscure Memphis history and tell us about it… or if you’re too lazy, you could always just make something up, but it should be believable! We want to test our audience, is it fact or fiction?

Hey, wait! Before you run out to make that award winning short film, there are a couple of things different this time around that we’d like you to know about:

First, we are pleased to announce that this year’s Li’l Film Fests are being made possible because of our recent partnership with Memphis Tourism Foundation.
"Live From Memphis is an important part of our region and a hub for the kind of creativity that Memphis is famous for. The Foundation is excited for this opportunity to support the work of Live From Memphis and to work together to improve the internal image of our city."
– Calvin Taylor, Executive Director, Memphis Tourism Foundation

Second, Indie Memphis has always been a great supporter of the Li’l Film Fest, and we are happy to announce that our relationship is growing. This year, all films submitted to the Li’l Film Fest will automatically be placed into consideration for the Annual Indie Memphis Film Festival, and any and all submission fees will be waived (Li’l Film Fest winners will still have an automatic slot in the festival as part of their prize package. Additionally, Indie Memphis has put together an out-of-town jury of industry professionals for the “Grand Jury Award.

Third, in addition to the “theme” there will be a “surprise ingredient” you will need to work into your film. This “surprise ingredient” will be revealed at our Li’l Film Fest Kick-off Party! Wednesday, January 28, 6-8pm at the LFM Studio – 1 S. Main St. 38103.

Lastly, we’re stepping up the awards. Our “Grand Jury Award” will be accompanied by a customized, thematic trophy and $500 in cash prizes presented by The Memphis & Shelby Co. Film & Television Commission and Indie Memphis. The “Audience Choice Award” will come with a trophy and the prize money is cash from the door, so the more people that come to the festival the bigger the pot!

The Short & Sweet:

Theme: Memphis – Fact or Fiction?

Duration: 5 minutes or less

Entry Deadline: Postmarked Feb 27, 2009 (in hand by Monday, March 2nd)

Kick off Party: Wednesday, January 28, 6-8pm (at the LFM Studio - 1 S. Main St. 38103)

Festival Date: Saturday, March 21st 2009 at 2pm

Festival Location: Brooks Museum of Art

Prizes: Grand Jury Award ($500); Audience Choice Award (door)
Li’l Film Fest is a quarterly, theme-based film festival, focusing on highlighting our local talent while showcasing interesting happenings around town. Our goal is to encourage and inspire Memphis filmmakers while engaging a local audience in order to strengthen our artistic community.

“How does Li’l Film Fest work?” It’s pretty easy. Basically, we here at LFM will pick a theme, then we’ll announce that theme to you, and then you get to go out and make a short video (or film if you want to be fancy) using that theme – the rest of the content is up to you.

“Why is it a ‘li’l’ fest?” Two reasons: One, we have one every quarter – that’s FOUR festivals a year. How fun is that? And two, when we say “li'l” we mean it - your film must be 5 minutes or less.

“Is there anything else I should know?” Geez, you ask a lot of questions, but the answer is “Yes.” There are 2 awards given at each festival, the “Audience Choice Award” and the “Jury Award” both of which receive a trophy and a CASH prize!! And if that’s not enough incentive for you each winner has a guaranteed spot in the next Indie Memphis Film Festival! So keep that in mind when you’re rolling those cameras.

Live From Memphis presents Li’l Film Fest in partnership with the Memphis Tourism Foundation and collaboration with Indie Memphis. This program would not be possible with out the generous support of these businesses and organizations:

The Memphis & Shelby Co. Film & Television Commission
AudioGraphics Masterworks