Calling on filmmakers worldwide to submit short films visualizing some aspect of Iranian art, culture, and heritage, Farhang Foundation's annual online short film festival offers contestants the opportunity to compete for $10,000 (first prize), $5,000 (second prize), and $3,000 (third prize).

The submissions period opens on Monday April 18, 2016 and ends on Monday July 18 2016. The award ceremony, during which the winning submissions will be screened before a live audience, will take place on Saturday September 24, 2016 at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). The evening will also include red-carpet arrivals, extensive media coverage of the event and the participating contestants, and a receptionfollowing.

Farhang Foundation is also pleased to announce its esteemed jury panel for this year's festival. The impressive group is comprised of a diverse and talented team of Iranians, each with a unique background in film.

Jury panel include Jamsheed Akrami, filmmaker and professor of film at William Paterson University; Rakhshan Banietemad, legendary and award winning filmmaker of such classics as Nargess, Under the Skin of the City and The Blue Veiled; Sepideh Farsi, groundbreaking filmmaker of such notable films as The House Under The Water and Red Rose; Bahram Radan, award-winning actor and box office star of some of the top grossing Iranian films of all time, including The Musician and Doubt; and Mark Amin, who previously served as vice chairman and member of the board of directors at Lionsgate Entertainment, and is currently CEO of Sobini Films and vice chairman of the Board of Trustees of Farhang Foundation and Farhang's film festival committee chair.

Submissions are to be less than 9 minutes in length, can be of any genre or style, visualizing an aspect of Iranian art, history, culture, crafts, geography, cuisine, or lifestyle that will inspire and spark the audience's interest in learning more about Iranian culture. In keeping with the spirit of Farhang Foundation - a non-religious and non-political organization - it is advised that submissions should refrain from endorsing or opposing any religious or political position.

All entries will be judged for creativity, quality, and originality by a diverse jury comprised of film industry professionals, academicians, and Farhang Foundation's Film Festival Committee and Board of Trustees. Views expressed by the filmmakers do not represent those of Farhang Foundation or its Board Members and Management.

For more information, including submission guidelines, deadlines, and past winners, visit the official Festival website at FarhangFilmFest.org.

Time: April 18, 2016 to July 18, 2016
Location: Farhang Foundation
Street: P.O. Box 49571
City/Town: Los Angeles, CA 90049
Website or Map: http://farhangfilmfest.org/
Phone: 310 666 1546
Event Type: film, festival
Organized By: Farhang Foundation