Documentary Fest Announces Call for Entries

The United Nations Association Film Festival is seeking entries for its venerable film festival this fall.

The 15th UNAFF will take place this October in Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, San Francisco and Stanford.

"It is exciting to have this worthy festival virtually in our own back yard," says Bob Meacham, president of Viewfinders, the local digital video club. "It speaks well of the work being done in this area by some talented videographers."

"Over the years has created and entered several short films into similar film festivals. Some of the club's members create documentary style videos and are considering entering in this festival," he says.

Viewfinders meets monthly from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the Cupertino Room at the Quinlan Community Center, its next meeting is Wednesday, April 11.

This year the documentary festival emphasizes the theme of human dignity, and is looking for films focusing on human rights, the environment, protection of refugees, famine, homelessness, racism, disease control, women’s issues, children, universal education, war and peace.

Filmmakers can submit their work in 16mm, 35mm, Beta SP, Blue Ray DVD, or DVD (NTSC).

Previews must be DVD format (NTSC Region 0 or 1) and be tested before submission. All lengths are eligible.

Entry fees are $25 for films under 30 minutes, and $35 for longer films.

A cash prize of up to $2,000 and Adobe software will be awarded to winners.

The early deadline is May 2, 2012, and the regular deadline is May 22, 2012. More details are available from the UNAFF website.