Kingston, Jamaica :-- The winner of a new film competition will have their short movie premiered at the 2008 Flashpoint Film Festival in Port Royal from Thursday, June 5 – Sunday, June 8. The competition began Tuesday, April 1 and runs until Thursday, May 1.

Amateur film makers are asked to submit a synopsis of no more than 25 words for a 60 second commercial around the theme, “When the Earth Quakes”, via the Flashpoint website, www.flashpointfestival.com. The competition is aimed at commemorating the 1692 Port Royal Earthquake which destroyed most of the former premiere port city of Port Royal .

"Flashpoint is constantly searching for innovative ways to increase public participation in the film industry. The film competition seeks to inspire the interest of young film makers and expose them to different opportunities available in the creative industries", said festival co-ordinator, Sharlene Williams.

The competition winner will direct the short film of their synopsis, produced by one of the Caribbean's premier film companies, Firefly Films, and launched at the Flashpoint Festival in June at the Old Naval Hospital and Fort Charles , Port Royal.

"This is a great opportunity for a young filmmaker to be introduced to the film industry. Flashpoint is the meeting place for regional and international actors, directors and funders, and it should be a good experience working with people who know the challenges of producing films in Jamaica and have figured out ways to navigate the landscape," said director/producer Storm Saulter, who will serve as one of the producers from the Firefly team.

Saulter will premier his highly anticipated full-length feature, Better Mus Come, at Flashpoint this year. A short version of his film was debuted to rave reviews at the previous festival.

The competition is open to the general public.