Rain Bird Launches Intelligent Use of Water Film Competition

Rain Bird Corp. is giving filmmakers and irrigation professionals the opportunity to showcase their cinematic talents while bringing about a greater knowledge and awareness of the need for water conservation in the face of a water crisis of global proportions. The Intelligent Use of Water Film Competition seeks short films (1-20 minutes in actual or excerpted run time) that focus on the topic of water conservation.  Narrative, documentary, animated, experimental and/or student-made productions should explore approaches and ideas to intelligently manage and efficiently utilize the Earth's most precious resource. 

Landscape architects, contractors, specifiers and others involved in the irrigation industry who are interested in filmmaking are also encouraged to submit films.  As front-line purveyors of "smart irrigation" awareness, these professional groups can draw on their experiences to provide unique and thought-provoking perspectives on water conservation.

Filmmakers who submit their short film (in English) on DVD/VHS or electronically via the competition Web site, www.iuowfilm.com, will have their films reviewed by a panel of judges with academic, professional, industrial or governmental expertise in film and/or water conservation. Finalists will be selected and invited to a screening event on Sept. 30, 2007, in Los Angeles at the LA Arboretum, where the winners will be announced and awarded cash prizes of $6,000 for judges' selection and $3,000 for audience's pick.

"Films such as Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth demonstrate the powerful influence that the film medium has on affecting positive change among the public," says Dave Johnson, Rain Bird's corporate marketing director. "In light of the great impact that scarcity and mismanagement of water will have on the whole world, providing forums such as The Intelligent Use of Water Film Competition enables people to actively exercise their influence and raise awareness of these important issues. The solution to the world's water problems requires the education, mobilization and involvement of everyone and film is an ideal tool for inspiring action."

All entries must be submitted on DVD or VHS in NTSC format or as a .mov, .wmv or .mpg file and received no later than Aug. 15, 2007 for consideration.  Visit www.iuowfilm.com for more information on the competition and entry requirements.

Rain Bird's Intelligent Use of Water Film Competition is the most recent example in the company's history of creating programs and initiatives to boost awareness of water conservation. Rain Bird devotes significant resources to its Intelligent Use of Water public initiatives.  These initiatives include a series of white papers, public service announcements and membership on the EPA's Alliance for Water Efficiency and the EPA's WaterSense steering committee.  Additional Intelligent Use of Water initiatives include bi-annual Intelligent Use of Water Summits, partnerships with non-profit organizations, development and support of elementary and middle school curriculums, and participation in the Tournament of Roses Parade®, an annual worldwide stage to communicate the need for water conservation.