Cold War Film Contest set

The Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile State Historic Site near Cooperstown and the Friends of Oscar-Zero announce the “Cold War Film Contest.” Between Sept. 15, 2010, and Feb. 28, 2011, selected independent film crews will be allowed special access to the Oscar-Zero Missile Alert Facility. The contest will require regional, independent filmmakers to use the historic, underground missile alert facility as a background for independently produced short-length films.

Between now and Aug. 15, filmmakers can determine if they are up to the challenge of this on-site shooting. If they are, they can contact the site to obtain an application and to schedule a date (or dates) to film at the site. On-site filming dates will be scheduled between Sept. 15 and Feb. 28, 2011. Once the filmmakers have finished their filming, they must submit the film to the site for judging by June 30, 2011. Films will be judged by a multi-disciplinary team for their cinematic and historical merits. Prizes will be awarded to makers of the winning films.

One goal of the project is to link creative independent filmmakers in the region to one of the state’s most unique Cold War historic sites to help bring attention to North Dakota’s Cold War history. Additionally, the produced films will enrich the interpretation of the site by cinematically presenting aspects of the tense and complex interplay of military preparedness, politics, culture and social life during the Cold War period. Finally, it is the goal of the project coordinators that area students will develop a deeper interest in the area’s Cold War history as well as in creative filmmaking projects.

There is a small fee to participate in the contest and filmmakers must provide their own equipment and supplies. All proceeds will benefit the Friends of Oscar-Zero.

The project is supported by the State Historical Society of North Dakota, the Friends of Oscar-Zero, and the Griggs County Historical Society.

Contest deadlines:

Aug. 15, 2010: Deadline to submit proposals

Sept. 1, 2010: Winning proposals announced

Sept. 15, 2010 through Feb. 28, 2011: On-site shooting appointments available

June 30, 2011: All competing films must be submitted

July 31, 2011: Finalists announced

For more information and contest details, or to visit the site, contact Site Supervisor Mark Sundlov of the Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile State Historic Site at 701-797-3691 or e-mail msundlov@ nd.gov. Information can also be found on the event’s Web site at www. coldwarfilmcontest.com.

Tags: other events, cold war, diversions, film