site.bta Ninth Edition of A Movie in Hand Festival to Recognize Best One-Minute Film For First Time

The Ninth Edition of the A Movie in Hand Festival will recognize for the first time the best one-minute film, said on Thursday Prof Valery Chakalov, member of the festival jury. 

Social research shows that there is a certain span, in which an audience's attention can be held. The challenge for such short films is to filter all the highlights in a video presentation, and through action, sound and light to evoke an emotion, which is often absent even in two-hour movies, Chakalov said.

"The festival is important because the participants expect assessment from the audience and the jury", he noted, adding that at the beginning of the festival in 2015-2016, the participants were mainly young people who worked and lived in Bulgaria. "Over time, the participation has expanded, both internationally and by people who already have some professional experience and attitude towards the video format", Chakalov said.

The festival has no age, national or thematic restrictions, the only condition is that the films are shot with a mobile device and do not exceed 5 minutes. Chakalov appealed for even more support so that young people could have a greater opportunity to express themselves.

The main competition categories are for the best feature film, animation, documentary film and for the best film on a social theme. There are also categories for films for children and films related to adventure, sports or extreme experiences, said the local community centre6. A total of 45 films had applied for entrance until July 17, while the deadline for the presentation of the works is September 15.