MONTGOMERY COUNTY

FORT WASHINGTON Germantown Academy is inviting high school students from all over the world to participate in its first "Film Now Festival," a juried competition with cash prizes.

But, festival organizers implore, keep it short: Entries are limited to three minutes and 30 seconds, and will be accepted in three categories - narrative, documentary, and experimental. Participants can submit class projects or their own works.

In each of three categories, jurors will award first-, second- and third-place honors, with cash prizes of $300, $200, and $100 respectively. One overall prize, a Padcaster production kit, valued at $399, will be awarded to one of the top 15 finishers.

The school said an alumnus and his family made a "generous gift" to create the festival.

Entries will be accepted between 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 and 11:59 p.m. Feb. 29, and no submission fees will be charged. All 2015-16 high school students are eligible.

A screening and reception will take place at 3 p.m. April 17, at the Ambler Theater. Admission is free.

More information is available at https://www.germantownacademy.net/news/detail.aspx?pageaction=ViewSinglePublic&LinkID=8244&ModuleID=49,or contact Thomas McGlinchey, at 267-405-7216 or thomas.mcglinchey@germantownacademy.org - Inquirer staff