The Horizon Award exists to help close the gender gap in the film industry, and indie producers Christine Vachon (Boys Don't Cry, Still Alice, Hedwig and the Angry Inch), Cassian Elwes (Dallas Buyers Club, Ain't Them Bodies Saints, Lee Daniel's The Butler), and Lynette Howell (Blue Valentine, A Place Beyond the Pines, Half Nelson) want to do that by sending two female student filmmakers to Sundance 2016 to offer mentorship, as well as have their work viewed by indie film's most important creators.

First, here's Elwes to make an exciting announcement about this year's Horizon Award:

If you're not familiar with the Horizon Award, check out this promo:

"The simple fact is that there are not enough female directors in the film industry." - Horizon Award

The rules are pretty simple: you have to be a female who is currently studying for an undergrad degree (in any discipline), or has graduated within the last 6 months. Furthermore, you need to have a .edu address. You also cannot currently be represented by a manager or agent, or have made more than $5000 in the film business from "your creative talent."

Rules for Entry

  • You must submit a film/clip directed by you
  • Submission must be no longer than 2 minutes
  • You can submit a film/clip you've already made
  • Your clip cannot be larger than 250MB in file size and must be in .mov or .mp4 format
  • You can only apply once

How to Enter

  • Upload your source video file to Dropbox or WeTransfer
  • Once the file is uploaded, send the link to info@cassianelwes.com
  • Make sure to include your name in the subject field or body of the email

If your film is chosen, you will get an all expenses-paid mentorship at Sundance 2016 with Vachon, Elwes, and Howell. All entries are due by December 1, 2015. To learn more, head on over to the Horizon Award website.

Source: Horizon Award

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