In a testament to the caliber of filmmakers competing in Jackson Hole, Panavision has raised its prize, which is awarded to the winning filmmaker and can be applied to camera equipment rentals, from $15,000 to $50,000. A prominent jury of film industry professionals will judge the eligible films. The winning filmmaker will be announced at the Festival"™s Cowboy Awards Ceremony at the Center for the Arts Theater on Sunday June 6, 2008.
"One of the great pleasures of presenting The Jackson Hole Film Festival is discovering and recognizing amazing talent in cinematography," comments Eben Dorros, president of Jackson Hole Film Institute. "Our showcase for this is the Panavision Award, given each year to the best cinematographer. We are grateful for Panavision"™s generous commitment to support these talented filmmakers."

At the 2007 Jackson Hole Film Festival, Sean Fine won the award for Best Cinematographer for the THINKfilm documentary WAR/DANCE, which is scheduled for a release in early November 2007.

"Panavision has long believed that encouraging and rewarding talented new cinematographers is our privilege and responsibility, said Bob Beitcher, president & CEO of Panavision. "The Jackson Hole Film Festival"™s explosive growth within the festival and film industry along with its strong pool of international cinematographers provides a perfect opportunity to continue to support new talent."

To submit films to the 2008 Jackson Hole Film Festival, please visit: www.jacksonholefilmfestival.org or www.withoutabox.com.
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ABOUT PANAVISION: (www.panavision.com)
Founded in 1954, Panavision Inc. is a leading designer and manufacturer of high-precision camera systems, including both film and digital cameras, and lenses and accessories for the motion picture and television industries. Panavision systems are rented through its domestic and internationally owned and operated facilities and agent network. Panavision also supplies lighting, grip and crane equipment for use by motion picture and television productions.

ABOUT THE JACKSON HOLE FILM FESTIVAL
The Jackson Hole Film Festival is a program of the Jackson Hole Film Institute. The Festival is widely recognized for keeping independent filmmakers at the center of its programming. The 2007 Festival attracted over 6,500 attendees and screened 90 films from more than 20 different countries over the five-day period. The 2008 Festival will occur June 5-9, 2008 and screen approximately 80 independent films competing in 7 competitive program categories. In addition to its films, The Festival is also recognized for its extraordinary evening events and high profile forums that enrich the Festival and give festival-goers the opportunity to interact with filmmakers in a casual setting. For more information, visit: www.jacksonholefilmfestival.org.


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