The tenth annual virginia film festival (Oct 30-Nov 2, 1997) The 1997 Virginia Film Festival will explore physical and existential states of imprisonment and freedom, and their representations in classic and contemporary films. Discussions will address the role of the media in shaping attitudes towards violent crime and tougher punishments. "Imprisonment" will also be explored as more general metaphor for the state of people and animals who are caged, enslaved, surveilled, or committed to institution, while "freedom" will be investigated as a state which is achieved within or against imprisonment. The Festival's Independent Media Showcase will feature the best new independent works drawn from this solicitation, many of which will not relate directly ot the Festival theme. The Virginia Film Festival offers independent fimmakers a unique experience, and a great audience. Our festival is known not only for its academic focus and extraordinary discussions, but also for the especially collaborative and festive atmosphere during the four days of screenings, discussions and events. Here you can easily make -- or renew-- professional contacts with nationally recognized producers, screenwriters, filmmakers and critics. All films are previewed and selected by a committee comprised of scholars and award-winning filmmakers. The virginia Film Festival is hosted annually by the University of Virginia in historic Charlottesville. We look forward to receiving your entry, and hope to screen it this fall. Contacts; 804-982-5277 email : [log in to unmask] http://www.virginia.edu/~vafilm. ---- Online resources for film/TV studies may be found at ScreenSite http://www.sa.ua.edu/screensite