Here at North by Northwestern, we write a lot about mainstream movies. Sure, it’s fun to watch a Jackie Chan movie and thoroughly document the experience, or to write about Harold and Kumar from three different perspectives. But who cares about that when Northwestern students produce great films of their own? That’s why we’re bringing back North by Northwestern’s film festival. (Hey guys, remember Rushed last year? Yeah, that was part of last year’s fest.)

Got a film? Here’s what to do:

Submit it by Thursday, May 15 at 7 p.m.
E-mail the file to entertainment@northbynorthwestern.com OR mail a hard copy (on a CD or USB drive) to North by Northwestern, P.O. Box 364, Evanston, IL 60204 OR just drop your film off in our folder at the Norris front desk. No films submitted after 7 p.m. on May 15 will be eligible to compete. Also, if you’re at all affiliated with North by Northwestern, you’re ineligible.

Here’s what we’re looking for: The best of Northwestern’s student film. It must be your own original work, obviously. Fiction or nonfiction. No porn. Otherwise, be creative!

Here’s what you can win: The Fan Favorite, or the person who gets the most votes: $50
The Editors’ Choice, or the person whose film we at North by Northwestern like best: $50
It’s cash! For a film you probably made for class! Pretty good deal, we think.

Don’t have a film, and don’t want to make one? Here’s what to do:

Vote for your favorite films. North by Northwestern’s Entertainment staff will create a bracket of submitted films. Voting will start Monday, May 19. Semifinals and finals will be the next week, and the winners will be announced on June 2. Keep checking the site to see if your favorite film wins!

Last year’s competition was stiff, and we hope for it to be even better this year. So get excited, and get submitting!