The M3 Wireless Bermuda Shorts Award will be presented to the director of the Best Short Film in the annual festival, as determined by the festival Jury. The winner of the award will receive a $3000 cash prize donated by M3 Wireless.
Twenty-five films from 12 countries will compete for the prize at the festival, which begins Friday March 17 and runs through March 25.
M3 Wireless, Bermuda's premier GSM wireless provider, offers voice and data services through best of breed phones and devices on a network that spans more than 100 countries.
"We are delighted to partner with M3 Wireless to make a cash award to a deserving short filmmaker," says festival director Aideen Ratteray Pryse. "We are all aware how difficult it is for short filmmakers to raise the money for their next film, and this award will provide a welcome boost to the director of our winning short film. It will also have a positive effect on our ability to attract top films to the festival."
"A successful film is the result of a perfect mix of picture and sound that connects with people around the world - and a best of breed cellular phone has the same qualities," says John Narraway, Chief Operating Officer, M3 Wireless. "As a leading wireless provider on the island, we are thrilled to team up with one of the Island's leading arts organisations to help filmmakers achieve their dreams."
M3 Wireless offers individual and business users a full range of cellular phones having voice, e-mail, text-messaging, Internet, and video clip capabilities. The phones are available from a variety of outlets in Bermuda, including the M3 Wireless retail outlet at 3 Burnaby Street in Hamilton.
M3 Wireless is the provider of cell phones to BIFF staff and volunteers during the annual festival.