Lifetime Movie Networks Contest Gives Female Moviemakers a Voice

Of the three women who have been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Director, not one has taken home the little golden man. Lifetime Movie Networks has always been known for prizing stories involving women and this year, it is lending its power to help advance the female moviemaker to new heights with the Every Woman’s Film Competition.

Women from all over the globe have the chance to submit their three- to five-minute short non-documentary film to be judged by a selection of powerful women in Hollywood. Last year’s panel included Angela Bassett, Jennifer Lopez, Lauren Shuler Donner, Gale Anne Hurd and Mimi Leder.

Of the criteria for judging the films, whether or not the subject matter is relevant to and of interest to women and the structure and language of the story carry the most weight. “While every aspect of the film is important,” says Louise Henry Bryson, executive vice president and general manager of LMN, “we placed more emphasis on subject matter and storytelling ability because we are interested in telling stories important to women by women, for women, so we definitely want the content to reflect that goal.”

The first and second prize-winning films will be showcased on LMN, lmn.tv and at the 2008 Hamptons International Film Festival and the two women will have the opportunity to visit networking events and other festivals. First prize also includes $5,000, while the moviemaker in second place will be awarded $2,500. Three honorable mentions will each receive $1,000.

Because LMN values women, both behind the camera and watching at home, they are giving the online community at MyLifetime.com the chance to select an Audience Winner, who will collect a cash prize of $1,000. “This is why we created the Every Woman’s Film Contest,” says Bryson. “To enable our community to be creative and empowered to exercise their talent and have the opportunity to make their dreams come true.”

Viewers can rate the entries until the contest closes on June 15th. For more information, visit http://www.mylifetime.com/sweeps/ewfc/submit.php.