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SundanceTV Shorts Competition returns with exclusive DStv partnership

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SundanceTV has announced the second SundanceTV Shorts Competition, following last year’s successful launch in South Africa.  The Jury Prize-winning film will premiere at an event during the Sundance Film Festival: London, which takes place from 30th May to 2nd June this year, and will also be broadcast on SundanceTV later this year. DStv will partner with the channel in South Africa for the second year running to support the competition, with a representative joining the panel of jurors alongside SundanceTV and the Sundance Institute.

“The SundanceTV Shorts Competition embodies the true spirit of the channel itself,” said Geraud Alazard, senior vice president of marketing at AMC Networks International.  “Providing a platform for independent storytelling, it shines a spotlight on new and emerging talent.  We’re very excited to collaborate with Sundance Institute again this year and we’re incredibly grateful for the support of our exclusive South African partner, DStv.”

Founded in 1981 by Robert Redford, the Sundance Institute is a nonprofit organisation that provides and preserves the space for artists in film, theatre and media to create and thrive. The Jury Prize for the 2019 SundanceTV Shorts Competition will be judged on a number of criteria, including creativity, entertainment value, original storytelling and production values. The SA jury, led by Mike Plante of the Sundance Institute, will include Harold Gronenthal from SundanceTV; Aletta Alberts, executive head of content strategy and third party channels at Multichoice; and award-winning local director and producer, Sara Blecher. The competition winner, who will be announced in May, will receive a trip for two to London in June, which includes a screening of their film during the Sundance Film Festival: London, followed by a broadcast on SundanceTV (DStv channel 108) later in the year.

Submissions to the 2019 SundanceTV Shorts Competition from filmmakers in SA, France and Spain can be made from 5th March to 16th April at www.sundancetvshorts.com. Local entries can be submitted by the producer or director, who must provide proof of residency. Films should be no longer than 15 minutes and must be delivered with English subtitles if English is not the spoken language. Entries must meet SundanceTV’s official rules and technical requirements, available on the website.

Mike Plante, senior programmer for the Sundance Film Festival, commented: “Each year the SundanceTV Shorts Competition finds great new short films from each country and helps us achieve our goals: to discover new talents and help share their films with audiences around the globe”

SundanceTV is available exclusively in South Africa on DStv 108. Follow the channel on Facebook/SundanceTVSouthAfrica.