Open call for environmental film entries: Whaleback Festival in Portsmouth

Whaleback Environmental Film & Art Festival announces its open call for film submissions to this year's event, taking place in Portsmouth NH in May. Whaleback, named after the iconic lighthouse marking the entrance to Portsmouth harbor, is a fitting emblem for this new event that illuminates and draws in stories celebrating our environmental culture.

"There is a tremendous audience building for artists who speak to our connection with nature and provide thought-provoking commentary on sustainability and personal responsibility," festival coordinator, Dyanna Smith explains. Smith is president of the Red Eft Project, the nonprofit conservation organization behind the festival. Partnering with Sustainable Portsmouth, Whaleback will run concurrently with the 4th annual Sustainability Fair during the weekend of May 14th.

"We're thrilled to see Whaleback become an integral part of the growing sustainability movement in the region," says Smith. The seacoast has long been known for its strong arts community, but few realize that the city is gaining international recognition as an Eco-municipality. "Environmental artists and filmmakers can powerfully translate some of the abstract scientific themes we wrestle with - like climate change," Smith contends. We think Portsmouth is the perfect place to unify their voices."

Whaleback organizers have an open call out for films with a prominent environmental theme, and are accepting online submissions in all film categories at www.whaleback.org. Student films and short films are especially encouraged. Entries will be accepted until April 15, and begin with an online "intent to participate" form. All screened films will be eligible for public voting and the People's Choice Award.

Whaleback is organized by The Red Eft Project, a Portsmouth-based nonprofit fostering conservation and environmental protection through research, education, and opportunities to explore and connect with nature. To find out more about how you can get involved in local conservation, and to see the other Red Eft initiatives going on, visit www.redeft.org.