When the Dallas International Film Festival split ways with the American Film Institute (AFI), one of the reasons the festival organizers cited for the breakup was their desire to launch the Dallas Film Society and program year-round events. Have they ever. In its first year, it seems like every few days the Dallas Film Society is making something happen around town: screenings, lectures, celebrity visits.

But the DFS still does run a film festival, and that film festival will take place from March 31 – April 10, 2011. And it will again feature a student film competition, which will give away $30,000 in total cash and grants. The festival is now accepting submissions through January 28. Full details are after the jump.

Student Filmmakers Invited to Share Vision for the Future

DALLAS, DEC. 2, 2010: Texas high school and college students can compete to win cash and grants totaling $30,000 by submitting their video about the future of energy. It’s part of the TXU Energy Light Up The Red Carpet Student Film Contest in conjunction with the DALLAS Film Society and the DALLAS International Film Festival.

 “We are delighted to once again partner with TXU Energy to present this incredible student film contest,” said James Faust, Artistic Director, DALLAS International Film Festival.  “TXU Energy’s support of student filmmakers was a highlight of last year’s festival, and it’s gratifying to be able to recognize the work of these future filmmakers as they compete for these prizes in 2011.”

“Texans are rethinking how we use energy,” said Michael Grasso, chief marketing officer for TXU Energy.  “Energy efficiency saves money, is good for the environment and is good for Texas. Our commitment to invest $100 million in conservation and energy efficiency activities demonstrates that, and this video competition is just one way that others can help all of us explore our energy future through the film medium.”

To enter, students must be enrolled at a participating high school or university. Entries must be received by January 28, 2011. Videos should be appropriate to theme and follow contest guidelines. Interested participants should contact the DALLAS Film Society to find out if their school is eligible.

Each winning high school will receive the following cash Technology Grants for its film program: 1^st place prize is $7,500; 2^nd place prize is $5,000; and 3^rd place prize is $2,500. In the college division, the same cash prizes will apply; however, the prize for each winner will be split between the college’s film program and the director of the winning video.

Online voting begins February 7, 2011. Finalists’ videos will be screened during the DALLAS International Film Festival scheduled for March 31 – April 10, 2011.  Winners will be announced at the festival’s awards ceremony, on April 8, 2011. All finalists will have the opportunity to privately meet with industry professionals and a top filmmaker during the festival.

Patty Schubert, head of the film program at Garland High School, which won in 2010, adds: “Along with the money we received, our students were given an experience of a lifetime at the awards ceremony at the DALLAS International Film Festival.  We are forever grateful to and thrilled that TXU Energy is willing to do this again.”

For more information about entry topics, contest rules and prizes log on to:

www.txu.com/studentfilmcontest

ABOUT TXU ENERGY

TXU Energy is a market-leading competitive retailer that provides electricity and related services to more than 2 million electricity customers in Texas. TXU Energy offers a variety of innovative products and solutions, allowing both its residential and business customers to choose options that best meet their needs, including exceptional customer service, competitively priced electricity service plans, innovative energy efficiency options, renewable energy programs and other electricity-related products and services. Visit txu.com for more information about TXU Energy.

ABOUT DALLAS FILM SOCIETY

The DALLAS Film Society celebrates films and their impact on society.  A 501(c)3 non-profit organization, the DALLAS Film Society recognizes and honors filmmakers for their achievements in enhancing the creative community, provides educational programs to students to develop better understanding of the role of film in today’s world, and promotes the City of Dallas and its commitment to the art of filmmaking. The annual DALLAS International Film Festival, scheduled for March 31-April 10, 2011, is a presentation of the DALLAS Film Society. In addition to producing one of the largest festivals in the Southwest, the Society produces numerous year round events, screening series and partnership programs with arts organizations around the city.  For more information, call (214) 720-0555, or visit www.dallasfilm.org.  The offices of the DALLAS Film Society are located at 3625 North Hall Street, Suite 740, Dallas, TX 75219. 

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