Rain Bird Corp., a manufacturer and provider of irrigation products and services, recently announced its panel of expert judges that will review and choose the winner for The Intelligent Use of Water Film Competition (www.iuowfilm.com). This environmentally focused film competition gives both amateur and experienced filmmakers the opportunity to showcase their talents and use the power of film to bring about a greater awareness of the need for water conservation in the face of a water crisis of global proportions.
Narrative, documentary, animated, experimental and/or student-made film entries that explore approaches and ideas to intelligently manage and efficiently utilize the Earth's most precious resource will be reviewed and judged by this year's panel:
- Gary McVey, executive director. American Cinema Foundation
- Lane Kneedler, programming coordinator, American Film Institute
- Linda Adams, secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency and former director of the California Department of Water Resources
- Amanda Pope, associate professor, University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts
- Robert Glennon, professor, University of Arizona's Rogers College of Law and author of Water Follies: Groundwater Pumping And The Fate Of America's Fresh Waters
Landscape architects, contractors, specifiers and others involved in the irrigation industry interested in filmmaking are encouraged to submit films. As front-line purveyors of "smart irrigation" awareness, these professional groups can draw on their experiences to provide unique and thought-provoking perspectives on water conservation.
"Our panel of judges shares our steadfast belief that the solution to the world's current and future water scarcity problems lies in the education, mobilization and involvement of the public," said Dave Johnson, Rain Bird's corporate marketing director. "The Intelligent Use of Water Film Competition enables people to exercise their influence and raise awareness of this important issue, while providing a public forum for supporting, discovering and showcasing filmmaking talent."
Filmmakers are invited to submit their short films (1-20 minutes in actual or excerpted run time) that focus on the topic of water conservation on DVD/VHS or electronically by visiting the competition website, www.iuowfilm.com. The extended deadline for entries is Sept. 7.
Entries will be reviewed by the panel of judges and finalists will be selected and invited to a screening event on Oct. 13 at The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden. Winners will be announced and awarded cash prizes of $6,000 for judges' selection and $3,000 for audience's pick.
Rain Bird's Intelligent Use of Water Film Competition is the most recent example in the company's history of creating programs and initiatives to boost awareness of water conservation. Rain Bird devotes significant resources to its Intelligent Use of Water public initiatives. These initiatives include a series of white papers, public service announcements and membership on the EPA's Alliance for Water Efficiency and the EPA's WaterSense steering committee. Additional Intelligent Use of Water initiatives include bi-annual Intelligent Use of Water Summits, partnerships with non-profit organizations, development and support of elementary and middle school curriculums, and participation in the Tournament of Roses Parade, an annual worldwide stage to communicate the need for water conservation.
