Documentary filmmakers who have either short subject or feature-length films eligible for 77th Academy Awards® consideration must submit their entry forms and supporting materials to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences by Wednesday, September 1. Additional information about the Documentary Awards categories may be obtained by contacting Assistant Awards coordinator Michelle Ayala via phone 310-247-3000; fax 310-247-2600; e-mail mayala@oscars.org or on the Academy's website. Check there for rules etc. The 77th Academy Award® nominations will be announced at the Academy's Samuel Goldwyn Theater on Tuesday, January 25, 2005.

The 2005 Miami International Film Festival has announced its call for entries.  The deadline for completed dramatic and documentary feature and short films is October 15, 2004.  The 2005 Miami International Film Festival will be held February 4–13th in Miami, FL. Categories open to submissions are: World dramatic competition, Iberoamerican dramatic competition, world documentary competition, late-night screenings, shorts. Films must be more than 70 minutes. The winner of the Iberoamerican Dramatic Competition will also be eligible for the World Dramatic Competition Grand Jury Prize. For more information, visit their site.

The IFP/Los Angeles will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Independent Spirit Awards on February 26, 2005 in Los Angeles. Submissions will be accepted through September 17th at 5 p.m. for awards consideration. For a complete description of the submission requirements and a form, please call (310) 432-1211 or visit the IFP/LA website . The nominations will be announced on November 30th. (additional eligibility information is available below.)

Pacific Cinémathèque will present two movies by John Huston -- "Let There be Light" and "The Battle of San Pietro" -- Thursday, August 19 at 7:30 p.m. Pacific Cinémathèque is located at 1131 Howe Street in Vancouver. Tickets are $7.50 for general admission and $6 seniors and students and are available for purchase online at their web site.

The 2004 Caribbean International Film Festival, which will be held November 17th through the 21st, announces a call for entries for its second annual festival. The festival screens features, docs, shorts, animation films, and music videos. The final deadline for submissions is October 1st. Application forms can be found here or send a SASE to Caribbean International Film Festival, 2850 Potomac Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90016.

Here's a reason to stay home on a Friday night: tonight at 9 p.m. on PBS (check local listings), "NOW With Bill Moyers" is hosting a who's-who of indie filmmakers in a discussion of politically charged art. Guests include John Sayles, whose forthcoming film "Silver City" is about corrupt politics, Jehane Noujaim, whose lauded doc "Control Room" ventures inside Al Jazeera, as well as activist and playwright Sarah Jones, star of the one-woman show "bridge & tunnel," about the immigrant experience. There's some related content on the show's website.

Gotta admire this gal's gusto -- an aspiring filmmaker named Jennifer Poe (who is interning with our pals at the AIVF) is raising funds so she can go to film school in Paris. The Lower Eastside Girls Club (of which Poe is a member) is helping with the fundraiser: it will be held August 10th from 6-8 p.m. at the Club, 56 E. 1st Street between First and Second Avenues. The $25 suggested donation includes wine & snacks + a screening of Jen's film,
"Caged Byrd," and a short screening of student films from EICAR, the school she plans to attend. RSVP to adriana -at- girlsclub.org or 212-982-1633 x 107. You can also donate online here:
www.girlsclub.org/JenniferPoe/College.html

The Miami International Film Festival is accepting submissions for its event taking place February 4 - 13. The deadline for completed dramatic and documentary feature and short films is October 15, 2004. Submission fees are: $35 for Features and $20 for Shorts. For local filmmakers, the fees are: $25 for Features and $15 for Shorts. The submission form and complete information are available on their site. Categories open to submissions are:
World Dramatic Competition, Iberoamerican Dramatic Competition, World Documentary Competition, Late-Night Screenings, and Shorts.