Show us YOURS? The 2006 National Paddling Film Festival is looking for the best films and photo of the year.
For 23 years, the volunteers of the NPFF have strived to make your film, photo presentation and viewing experience the very best possible. Thanks to the suggestions by you, filmmakers, photographers and sponsors the festival continues to be the best and most recognized film competition supporting river conservation in the world. The 2006 NPFF will showcase the best of the best with a new judging and presentation program!
To help us be the “best”, we have taken your suggestions and made them part of the NPFF. For example, some felt the scheduling and endurance needed for 13-hours of films, dinner, awards, and party in one day was too long. Others said they enjoyed the character of the old theater used in 2003 and 2004 NPFF events, some complained beer prices were too high, and filmmakers felt the judging process needed revamping. In response to your suggestions, the audience will be treated to two compact nights of the “best” films on Friday and Saturday nights, free beverages for both the adults and minors, free snacks on Friday, free pizza and snacks on Saturday. For the first time, the filmmakers will be critiqued by an array of prequalified judges from across the while enjoying a classic setting in the historic Thomas Hunt-Morgan Theater located on Broadway, Lexington, KY!
As in previous years, the NPFF volunteers will continue to prejudge all entries as well as invite volunteer judges who are either motion picture and television media professionals, accomplished and professional paddling filmmakers or representatives of paddling organizations to lend their scores and opinions to determine the winners. The difference in this process for 2006 is that our invited judges will now be making their judgments prior to the festival instead of the day of the show. By making this change, the organizers of the NPFF are hoping to increase the number and diversity of qualified judges and provide more time for the judges to score and make their comments about the entries.
Last year’s NPFF Still Image contest was the most exciting ever! We will build on that by continuing to showcases the finest paddling photos from around the world. The Still Image contest gives you a chance to contribute to the NPFF and river conservation by sharing your favorite photos with people who feel the same way as you. Your photographs will take us to new places and or bring back old memories. Be a part of the NPFF, send us your “best” photos. Who knows, maybe your photo will be the next NPFF main page!
The NPFF welcomes special guest host Eric “EJ” Jackson. Eric has achieved many titles over his years of being a leader in the paddling industry, including current Freestyle World Champion as well as extreme Downriver Racing Champion. One title that many folks don’t associate EJ with is that of “filmmaker.” From his earlier works on paddling basics and playboating to his new Basic and Advanced River Running DVDs, EJ has a broad range of instructional video production experience. Including superb instruction and incredible settings, EJ has for many years enabled boaters of all levels to continually improve their boating skills and experiences. From his home in Rock Island, TN to all corners of the world, Eric celebrates boating as his life. As an ambassador to the sport, he constantly raises money and awareness for the precious resources of river access and conservation. Once again, the NPFF welcomes Eric Jackson!
All this leads to one grandiose Awards Party! Food, drink and bluegrass music will continue to flow long after the show…
Please visit our web site at www.surfbwa.org/npff for details regarding the new judging process, entering your film or photo, EJ, directions, lodging, “Roadshows”, and tickets to this years NPFF which will be held on February, 2-24 & 25, 2006. Seating is limited so order your tickets on-line TODAY!
The NPFF is an all volunteer, nonprofit event with all proceeds going toward river conservation.
