ISMF emerges as an integral part of AECT
2004 promises even stronger synergy
The International Student Media Festival, long a labor of love for Festival Directors John and Marilyn Connelly, evoloved significantly in 2003 - and its growth and continued success have been assured by the commitment of AECT and important corporate sponsorship.
At Anaheim, nearly 300 ISMF attendees came not only accept awards and recognition for excellence in media production, but also to take part in a number of workshops designed especially for this group. According to John Connely, the workshops - covering topics such as Animation Production, Flash technologies, and Colleges and Careers for Media - lent the Festival a professional development opportunity that is crucial to its further success.
"It is now a significant part of AECT," agreed Phil Harris, "and I'm grateful that the Board of Directors and the general membership recognize its importance. The Festival fits in so well with our mission and added so much excitement to Anaheim, I'm sure this 'conference within a conference' will only continue to grow."
Notable as well was the commitment made by Apple Computer to provide equipment for ISMF workshops, in addition to providing so much of the technical infrastructure for AECT's convention. Don Henderson, an Apple Distinguished Educator, took particular interest in ISMF's program, and has promised even-greater particpation by Apple in Chicago 'next year.
More: http://www.aect.org/ismf/
ISMF to issue two important Calls
ISMF Conference presentations, workshops needed; Call for Entries opens in January
With ISMF's new growth comes two important calls.
Deborah Hargroves, now a co-director for the Festival, is putting the finishing touches on the Call for Proposals for Chicago.
Continuing the tradition begun in Anaheim of offering workshops and presentations in Chicago,2004, for the students and adults participating in the ISMF Value Added Package. The workshop attendees will be K-12 students and their teachers who are involved in the creation of student produced media. This is a call for qualified presenters, preferably experienced in leading students in this process, interested in teaching classes relevant to any aspect of student produced media production to this particular audience.
In addition, the Festival itself will open its Call for Entries in January. it is hoped that AECT members will continue to spread the word about this exciting Festival, and help to bring in more and better submssions demonstrating excellence in student media production.
