The Intelligent Use of Water Film Competition crowned three short films with top honors at a final screening event held on Wednesday, September 23 at The Getty Center in Los Angeles, California. The competition encourages amateur and experienced filmmakers to use the power of film to bring about a greater awareness of the need for responsible water use.
Presented by irrigation manufacturer Rain Bird, the 2009 awards were preceded by a final screening of the finalists' films in front of a live audience and a panel of judges. David Sutera, director of the 2008 Jury Award winning film Glass Half Full, served as the master of ceremonies for the evening's event.
The following films were selected as winners of the 2009 Intelligent Use of Water Film Competition:
• 2009 Jury Award Winner: Small Changes by filmmakers Jennifer & Christopher Gandin Le of Austin, Texas
• 2009 Audience Award Winner: The Saving Water Song by filmmaker Keith Cantrell of McPherson, Kan.
• 2009 Green Industry Award: More or Less by filmmaker Mark E. Petersen of Boulder, Colo.
All of the finalists' films are available for viewing on the competition's website, www.IUOWFILM.com.
"The filmmakers in this year's competition have genuinely expressed the importance of efficient, effective and responsible use of the Earth's most precious resource by using the creative and personal power of film in an original and compelling way," said Dave Johnson, Rain Bird's corporate marketing director. "Rain Bird strives to deliver an influential platform where filmmakers like these six finalists can raise awareness of the important issues surrounding water conservation so that others will be inspired and take their own personal action."