Children’s Film Festival hopes to raise standards

Taiwan’s Public Television Service (PTS) is currently accepting submissions for the 4th Taiwan International Children’s Film Festival (TICFF) that will take place in Taipei from April 1 -5, 2010. First held in 2004, the festival was initiated by the island’s public television station as a way of promoting quality children’s programs. Held every two years, submissions for the next festival must be received by October 31, 2009. Cash prizes, totally US$28,000, will be awarded to winners in seven categories

In Taiwan, elementary school students attend school for about 1,200 hours a year and spend almost as many hours watching television. With television programs playing a big role in shaping young minds, TICFF wants to encourage quality filmmaking targeting children aged 12 and younger.

Those interested in submitting films should visit the festival’s website (http://activity.pts.org.tw/pts/TICFF/competition.aspx?language=en) for the rules and regulations. Application forms can be found online and submitted to the festival office at:

Taiwan International Children’s Film Festival
Public Television Service Foundation
100, Lane 75, Section 3, Kang-Ning Road
Taipei, TAIWAN 114

Besides showing selected films at the festival, PTS and the festival organizers are offering cash prizes totaling US$28,000. The competitive categories each offering US$4,000 in prize money include Best Dramatic Feature, Best Documentary, Best Animation, Best Television Program, Best Taiwanese Film, Best Taiwanese TV Program, and a Special Jury Prize. Winners in two further categories (Best Joint Production by Taiwanese Kids & Adults, and an Audience Award) will be eligible to receive a trophy. Nominees for the various categories will be announced on December 25th 2009.

If you have any questions, please contact the organizers at:
Tel: +886-2-2630-1021
Fax: +886-2-2630-1895
E-mail: ticff@mail.ptc.org.tw
Website: www.ticff.org.tw/e-news.html