Entries invited for Yuma Film Festival

Hey, Yuma: Are you ready for your close-up?

The Yuma Film Festival is once again putting local movie makers in the spotlight by giving them a chance to prove their stuff on the silver screen. The festival, now in its second year, is accepting submissions for its April 19-20 screenings.

Organizers say they were thrilled by last year's response, noting that the festival not only received lots of great films but actually inspired the creation of many as well.

“We had bunch of people who created their first independent film and submitted them last year,” said Matt Molenar. “The response was fantastic. I think that having the event, the deadline and excitement of the festival really motivated people to go out and try it.

Molenar is president of NexGen, an organization for young professionals that co-founded the Yuma Film Festival along with the Yuma Film Commission.

Selected films will be shown at the Historic Yuma Theatre, along with an art show and live musical performances.

The deadline for submitting a film is April 1. There is a nonrefundable free of $25 for each submission.

Films are being accepted for the following categories:

• Short shorts (30 seconds to 5 minutes)

• General short film (5 minutes to 20 minutes)

• Extended general (20 to 30 minutes maximum)

• Documentary/historical film

• Music video

• Animation

Filmmakers are not required to live in the Yuma area. Last year's film festival attracted selections from around the country, along with one from Sweden.

Festival organizers are also accepting submissions for the art show and musical portions of the festival.

Molenar added that organizers are looking for more sponsors to help support the event.

“Not only does the film festival get local filmmakers a chance to get exposure, it also brings people from out of the area to submit their films and travel here,” Molenar said. “This event has brought people and art in from out of town.”

For more information on submitting a film, go to YumaFilmFestival.com. Molenar can also be reached at matt@mgmdesign.com.

Darin Fenger can be reached at dfenger@yumasun.com or 539-6860.