The first annual Whittier Film Festival debuts spring 2008

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 8 / This March, 2008, Whittier will be hosting its first annual film festival. 454 Creative Corp, a local marketing and advertising firm, is funding the event along with the help of several other local businesses and individuals. The Whittier Film Festival will run for two days starting March 7, 2008 and will take place in the Uptown Whittier area in multiple venues celebrating film, art, and music.

The goal of the festival is a threefold, in which it not only aims to celebrate the arts, but also to foster community development and drive business in the Whittier area. This is a chance to bring a diverse crowd from a variety of ages and backgrounds together in a family oriented environment and give people from outside the area a chance to explore the hidden novelties of the town. The film screening is only a part of what the festival has to offer, as the event will be intertwined with live music, entertainment, open art exhibits, food, shopping, and much more.

To increase competition and involvement, the submission deadlines for the festival have been extended. Regular submission is now December 21 and late submission is January 21, 2008. The categories and awards include the following: $1000 for the Best of the Fest, $500 for Best Short, $500 for Best Feature, $500 for Best Student Film, $250 for Best Directing, $250 for Best Editing, and $500 for Viewer's Choice. Filmmakers from a variety of backgrounds and talents are encouraged to submit their films which will be screened and judged by a panel of filmmakers and industry representatives. This is an opportunity to gain exposure of your film while making your mark on what promises to be one of the most celebrated community events of the year.

To find out more about the Whittier Film Festival or to become a sponsor of the event please visit www.whittierfilm.org or call 454 Creative Corp. at (562) 902-9000.