The GSM Association (GSMA), the mobile network operators trade association, and Mofilm, which specializes in short films for mobile and online distribution, has announced the first Global Mobile Film Festival at the Mobile World Congress in 2009, with an official Call for films to international film-makers.
The Global Mobile Festival follows the success of the GSMAs previous collaborations with the Sundance Film Festival to create the Global Short Film Project, which debuted at the Mobile World Congress in 2007. It will showcase the work of short film directors representing the Cannes, Locarno, Shanghai and Sundance Festivals supported by the actor, director and film maker Robert Redford and the actress, writer and director Isabella Rossellini.
We have found there is avid interest and appeal in the idea of showcasing short films on the mobile screen, not just in terms of the ability to reach audiences in a very personal and direct way, but also in the potential scale and the viral nature of the medium, says GSMA Chief Marketing Officer, Michael OHara, There are already more than 3 billion screens in the hands of users, and with increasing sophistication of mobile broadband networks and rapidly evolving device capabilities, the time is right to create a festival devoted to small screen movies and to invite international film makers to participate for the first time.
The GSMA and Mofilm are seeking films up to five minutes in length, made using traditional film making techniques by established and upcoming film directors, or on mobile devices themselves. Submission forms and films can be uploaded online at the Mofilm website from now until 28 November 2008.
Films will be judged by an international jury of film, festival and mobile content experts, with the best films showcased at the GSMAs Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in February. Mofilm with present an Award for the Best Film at the Congress, selected by a jury of film directors and film festival executives.