Diaz Memorial Video Festival Is Returning

The 2nd Annual James Diaz Memorial Video Festival, sponsored by Charter Communications and CommunityVision 21, is now accepting video entries.

The contest is open to all residents who live within one of the following towns serviced by Charter in Western CT: Barkhamsted, Bethlehem, Bridgewater, Brookfield, Colebrook, Harwinton, Kent, Monroe, New Fairfield, New Hartford, New Milford, Newtown, Roxbury, Sherman, Southbury, Trumbull, Washington, Winsted and Woodbury.

Videos must be 3 to 8 minutes long and in VHS form. Judging criteria are creativity, originality, artistic merit, technical merit, effective communication of a theme (topic in your area of interest), local themes/subjects.

Videos must be suitable for viewing on CommunityVision 21. This year’s three judges will be announced at a later date.

Videos are due by September 15. The awards will be announced in November.

There will be three awards for each age group (students ages 14-18; and adult/age 19 and up): First prizes, $500, second prizes, $250; third and third prizes, $100. A special award for editing may also qualify for a single award of $300.

Non-winning entries from the previous year may be re-submitted. Multiple entries must be submitted on separate tapes. Submitter’s name must be included at the end of the video. All tapes submitted become the property of Charter Communications.

Contest is open to students and amateurs as well. Technical assistance may be available from local high school Public Access Studios or from local public access through loans of their equipment.

Videos should be mailed to The James Diaz Memorial Video Festival, c/o Charter Communications, 11 Commerce Road, Newtown CT 06470. For additional information call 860-350-4630 or 860-354-8930.