The Oxnard Student Digital Film Festival is now seeking entries for its annual event, and will be accepting entries through August 19, 2009.

The festival, a spin-off of the long-running Oxnard Indie Film Festival, is in its second year as an all-student festival. It is co-sponsored by Oxnard College and the city of Oxnard to benefit youth in Ventura County and beyond.

The Student Digital Film Festival director, Kitty Merrill, is on the staff of Oxnard College Television and teaches part time at the college.

The film festival is open to students everywhere. New this year, students can submit three films for a single $10 entry fee. Entries may be submitted in categories such as drama, horror, comedy, news and extreme sports.

“The experimental category gives filmmakers a place for the film that defies categorization,” Merrill said.

A category added this year is community production.

“Groups of students who work closely with a mentor to create their digital films and videos needed a place to be recognized. Here, we can honor their work in a special category,” Merrill added.

Students can download entry forms at the festival website, www.studentdigifilmfest.org.

Entries can be submitted on DVD or Mini DV, and must be received by August 19th for consideration. Festival finalists will be screened at the downtown Oxnard Plaza 14 movie theatre on October 16th and 17th. Award winners will be honored at the conclusion of the festival on Saturday August 17th. Volunteers are seeking donations for prizes for the students.

Festival founder, Luis Guereca said he is interested in getting donations to be able to provide students with the technology they need.

“I’d love for the festival to be able to give away things students can really use, like external hard drives, camcorder accessories, the things that can enhance a student’s work.” Guereca said. “Donations are needed to fund student prizes and to cover the Festival’s costs,” he added.

To receive more information about the Student Digital Film Festival, and how to become a sponsor, or to donate, contact Kitty Merrill at 805 986-5817. Donations can be mailed to Student Digital Film Fest, c/o Oxnard College 4000 South Rose Avenue, Oxnard, CA 93033