The Local Hero Project, dubbed Chattanooga’s mini-mini film festival, is returning for its second year. Held in conjunction with the Lookout Wild Film Festival, Friday, March 21-Sunday, March 23, which showcases professional movies ranging from five minute mini-docs to full length films at the Choo Choo’s Centennial Theater, the Local Hero Project is aimed at the average citizen with a love for the natural world or adrenalin-producing sports.
Organizer Jeff Styles describes the concept. “It's the regular Joe Sixpack's opportunity to get creative. All they need is a hi-def camera, a decent eye for what makes a good shot and a desire to show what their favorite outdoor activity looks like through his (or her) eyes."
The website is up and running and ready to accept entries now. Find it at: TheLocalHeroProject.Com.
The parameters are very loose, essentially make sure the "film" of an outdoor activity is three minutes or under, shot within a 100 mile radius (give or take a few miles) and suitable for family viewing, said officials.
The viewing party for the best "movies" will once again be held at Mellow Mushroom on Broad Street on Thursday, March 20, the day before Lookout Wild. The shindig begins at 5:30 p.m. and is free to attend.
Prizes include a family rafting trip, hang gliding lessons, a variety of outdoor equipment, and more. The fee to enter is $10. A panel of judges, either experts in film/video or outdoor junkies, all new to this year’s event, will choose the best-of-the-best. There will also be a People's Choice award.
For others who are just in it for the fun, entries are free.
Immediately after the viewing party, Chattanooga's PBS station, W.T.C.I. - Channel 45 (5 on Comcast), will air the same loop of videos, allowing people throughout the region to share real time comments on the various "films" through new OVEE technology. Chattanooga is a test market for this new social media experiment. Like last year, all of the accepted videos will be shown On-Demand on Comcast's Get Local channel (channel 1), running from Friday, March 21 through the end of the free Saturday night concert series, Riverfront Nights in August/September.
The deadline for entry is March 13. Rules for entry are simple: video must be high-definition film of any outside activity running three minutes or under. Even cell phone footage will work...as long as it's shot horizontally. All types of activities are encouraged. The motto is from the serene to the extreme.
To enter, and find out more information visit www.thelocalheroproject.com and follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/localheroprojectchattanooga.
The goal of the Local Hero Project is to encourage appreciation and expression of film and outdoors in Chattanooga. To become a sponsor at any level for this event please contact Brooke Fontana brooke@atomicfilms.com or 267-3456.