Ozark Foothills FilmFest

The 2008 Ozark Foothills FilmFest marks the introduction of an annual Screenwriting Competition. Twenty-one talented writers entered the initial competition, nineteen from Arkansas. Philip Martin and Karen Martin of the Arkansas Democrat Gazette are coordinating a panel of distinguished judges including previous festival guest Lisa Blount and her husband, actor/writer/producer/director Ray McKinnon. The screenplay winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on Thursday, March 27, at the Bevens Music Room on the campus of Lyon College at 8:00 PM. Cash prizes will be given for First ($500), Second ($300), and Third ($200) place. The First Prize Award is sponsored by Category One Entertainment. Many of the screenwriters will attend the ceremony and discuss their screenplays.

Festival screenings begin on Friday and continue through Sunday, March 30 in Batesville. Screenings are also set for April 5 in Little Rock. Independence Hall on the campus of UACCB, Lyon College, Old Independence Regional Museum, Janine’s Café, and MorningSide Coffeehouse will all serve as Batesville festival venues. Little Rock events will take place in Dickinson Hall on the UALR campus. The complete 2008 Ozark Foothills FilmFest schedule will be announced at a press conference and poster unveiling at the Batesville Area Arts Council gallery on February 22 and will be available at www.ozarkfoothillsfilmfest.org.

The seventh annual Ozark Foothills FilmFest is presented by First Community Bank, with additional support from UACCB, Lyon College, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, the Arkansas Arts Council, the Ozark Gateway Tourist Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts.