Anybody who owns a modern cellphone has what it takes to compete in the ReelPeachFest.
But time’s running out to reach the Aug. 2 deadline.
Local producers, amateur or professional, are invited to create one to three minute long films which showcase attributes of the Okanagan. One category is called Liquid Libations, which is calling on videos about beverages that are produced in the valley – be it wine, juice or beer. The other category, the Okanagan Experience, is for videos that focus on regional attractions.
“We’re not looking for a bunch of pretty postcard images,” said organizer Andrew Jakubeit. “They need to be strung together with some sort of story, some sort of beginning, middle and end.”
He said a comedic twist is likely to grab the audience’s attention – and the fan’s favourite film in each category will win its producer $500.
“Fans will get to choose which one they liked the best, which made them laugh, cry or moved them in whatever way.”
Judges will also be evaluating each submission, delivering the top videos in each category $1,000. Second place will win $500, and $250 for third.
Participants will supporting the community be sharing the non-exclusive rights to the footage with Tourism Penticton.
“Right now we don’t have a lot of video collateral showcasing some of the fun things to do in the Okanagan region and we have to really brand o ourselves as a destination,” Jakubeit said. “People are so visual, without seeing a little clip of rock climbing, ziplining, waterskiing or wake boarding – they may not know of that experience.”
The producer also retains the right to repurpose the video for a future endeavour.
For bonus points in the Okanagan Experience, highlighting cycling activities is an easy way to increase your score.
The Liquid Libations category simply asks producers to showcase their favourite beverage. Jakubeit said it’s best for a producer to ask him or herself, “is this something that a television station would run?”
“If it’s just a bunch of people wing drunk and throwing up or swearing they’re not going to make the cut,” he said, adding that ReelPeachFest reserves the right to limit what is screened.
“It is a family event so there will be kids and grandmas watching this, so we need to be mindful of that.”
The films will be screened during lulls between entertainers at the Penticton Peach Festival from August 5 to 9.
Jakuebit said after the Beach Blanket Film Festival stopped running and the exit of BC Wines from Osoyoos, there’s been a void for video in the community.
“We do have a burgeoning film industry throughout the Okanaga,” he said. “You don’t have to be a professional or have a $10,000 camera to make something that’s going to really move an audience, and there are a lot of creative people regardless of age.”
Jakubeit himself is a self taught video producer and will be entering both categories of ReelPeachFest, though his submissions won’t be eligible to win.
“Figure out some ideas, put them to paper, and get out there and shoot some epic Okanagan adventures; put a spotlight on your favourite Okanagan beverage, and submit by August 2nd.”
To learn more and for the link to enter submissions, go to www.reelfestpenticton.com.