ALASKA AIRLINES AND SIFF INVITE FILMMAKERS TO EXPLORE. DREAM. DISCOVER.

SEATTLE, WA - The Seattle International Film Festival and Alaska Airlines invite filmmakers of all ages to answer the question, "how is your life different or better because of where you've traveled?"  

"We know that the opportunity to travel can change a world view. Our business is all about connecting people to life experiences through travel, while SIFF connects people to life experiences through film," said Joe Sprague, Alaska Airlines' Vice President of Marketing. "We look forward to sharing some of those life moments with our customers through the submissions we receive." 

Films may be anywhere from 30 seconds to 2 minutes long, in any genre from documentary to stop-motion and must include an Alaska Airlines element (such as website, mobile app, aircraft, or other). A panel of judges made up of representatives from SIFF and Alaska Airlines will select three winners. The categories are:

• Critics' Choice, awarded to the film that best represents originality, use of theme, and technical proficiency.
• Best Emerging Filmmaker, awarded to the best film submitted by a filmmaker, ages 18 - 24 years.
• Best Individual Youth Film, awarded to the best film submitted by an individual filmmaker under 18.

Each winner will receive a prize of round-trip travel for four on Alaska Airlines, exclusive full festival passes to the 2014 Seattle International Film Festival and the premiere of winning films at SIFF 2014 Best of SIFF series. The winning entries will also be featured on Alaska Airlines' in-flight entertainment system, website and social media channels. 

Alaska Airlines has been a proud sponsor of the Seattle International Film Festival since 1991. 

"This competition furthers our commitment to fostering and showcasing the creative talents of filmmakers of all ages," said Carl Spence, SIFF Artistic Director. "We're honored to partner with Alaska Airlines in celebrating the inspiration of travel. With SIFF's 40th Anniversary theme - 'You will be returned home safely, but forever changed' -now is the perfect time to Explore. Dream. Discover." 

Contest Rules: Submissions are being accepted from February 19 to April 17, 2014. There is no minimum age to enter the competition, however, minors (age 17 and younger) must acquire permission from a parent or guardian to participate. Each film must involve an experience no more than three hours from a destination served by Alaska Airlines. Films must be a minimum of 30 seconds long and may not exceed 2 minutes, including credits and introductory graphic.  

View complete rules, as well as award categories and prizes at http://www.siff.net/alaskafilm.

About SIFF

Founded in 1976, SIFF creates experiences that bring people together to discover extraordinary films from around the world with the Seattle International Film Festival, SIFF Cinema, and SIFF Education. Recognized as one of the top film festivals in North America, the Seattle International Film Festival is the largest, most highly attended film festival in the United States, reaching more than 150,000 annually. The 25-day festival is renowned for its wide-ranging and eclectic programming, presenting over 250 features and 150 short films from over 70 countries each year. SIFF Cinema exhibits premiere theatrical engagements, repertory, classic, and revival film showings 365 days a year on four screens at the SIFF Film Center and the historic SIFF Cinema Uptown, reaching more than 100,000 attendees annually. SIFF Education offers educational programs for all audiences serving more than 11,000 students and youth in the community with free programs each year.  

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