The Hip-Hop Association is proud to announce that it will begin accepting submissions for its Sixth Annual H2O [Hip-Hop Odyssey] International Film Festival (H2OFF) starting February 1, 2008. Taking place from June 25 – June 29, 2008 in New York City, this year’s theme “Getting It Straight in 08: Celebrating Our History, Women, and Creative Control!” 

H2OIFF showcases films that include one of the elements of Hip-Hop culture in the films theme, story or subject matter, i.e. Breaking (B-Boy/Girl), DJ''ing, MC''ing, Graffiti/Aerosol Artistry, Beatbox''ing, Knowledge, Culture, and Overstanding. Films categorized as "Under the influence" need only depict content that is relevant to the overall culture and may contain, but are not limited to, a focus on fashion, music, language, location, theme and/or characters influenced by Hip-Hop culture. All genres welcome: Documentary, Narrative, Experimental, Animation, PSA (Public Service Announcements), Freestyle/Experimental, Music Video, and Trailer.

In 2008, we are streaming a portion of the film festival online. Accepted films will be competing for a variety of awards, including cash awards, opportunities for distribution deals—DVD, broadcast, and web streaming—as well as inclusion in hundreds of community screenings and events.

The regular submission deadline will be April 1, 2008, no film will be accepted after this date. For more information and to download a submissions application visit, http://www.hiphopassociation.org/h2o

About the H2O [Hip-Hop Odyssey] Media Initiative

H2O [Hip-Hop Odyssey] is the media initiative of the H2A, which includes the H2O [Hip-Hop Odyssey] International Film Festival and Odyssey Awards. These events support our goals to utilize Hip-Hop culture as a tool to teach media literacy and social awareness.

•H2O [Hip-Hop Odyssey] International Film Festival – The largest annual international Hip-Hop film festival, showcases independent filmmakers and provides an alternative wide lens into the culture of Hip-Hop. H2OIFF works with aspiring and established filmmakers, encouraging them to develop work that highlights positive representations of Hip-Hop culture. H2OIFF offers training and networking opportunities, educational resources, panel discussions and an exhibition platform for video and filmmakers to display and define the variety of images and stories that depict Hip-Hop and its communities.

•Odyssey Awards - The Odyssey Awards is the closing ceremony for the H2OIFF, where we announce the winners of the festival and acknowledge the most important Hip-Hop filmmakers, industry professionals and pioneers. This annual signature event features appearances and performances by Hip-Hop heavyweights such as, Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaataa, MC Lyte, Kanye West, Mos Def, Roxanne Shante, and Ice T.

For more information on this event or submissions, please contact Kompalya Thunderbird via email at Kompalya(at)hiphopassociation.org, or visit our website: www.hiphopassociation.org