Lexus and The Weinstein Company announced today the return of the annual Lexus Short Films series – but with a new, exciting twist for filmmakers. For the first time ever, the Lexus Short Films series will be open to submissions from aspiring directors within the worldwide filmmaking community. Beginning July 15, 2015, emerging filmmakers can submit a short film of 20 minutes or less as an example of their past work for consideration through www.lexusshortfilms.com, in collaboration with Withoutabox (https://www.withoutabox.com), the leading service for film festivals and filmmakers. 
 
First launched in 2013 as a way to support a new generation of emerging filmmakers, the Lexus Short Films series has produced and promotionally supported aspiring filmmakers and their short films.   
 
“The Lexus Short Films series is an excellent way to recognize new filmmakers and bring attention to the short film format,” said Harvey Weinstein, TWC co-chairman. “Over the past two years, we have seen that there is an incredible amount of undiscovered talent. We are thrilled to once again partner with Lexus on this exciting endeavor and continue to discover and shine a light on up-and-coming filmmakers from around the world.”
 
This year’s theme is “Anticipation” – a word that is a provocative and nuanced thought starter providing filmmakers an innovative platform for their imaginations. The filmmakers will be invited to interpret the meaning for their own narrative and to tell a story based around their vision. Submissions will be accepted through October 25^th, 2015.   Four finalists will then be selected and announced during the closing ceremonies of the Napa Valley Film Festival on November 15, 2015. Production of the films will begin in December 2015.
 
The four finalists will direct short films that will be produced and receive first look deals courtesy of The Weinstein Company. The films will receive promotional theatrical distribution, as well as participate in a tour of top film festivals around the world to promote their films.  Filmmakers will also receive an at-home filmmaking and editing suite.
 
Mark Templin (Executive Vice President of Lexus International) said, “We are proud to continue our partnership with The Weinstein Company to discover the filmmaking talents of the future and support them to realize their dream. At Lexus, we strive to create amazing experiences. And the Lexus Short Films program gives us a unique opportunity to achieve that by bringing aspiring filmmakers imagination and passion to life through fascinating and entertaining movies.”
 
Also beginning this July, the Lexus Short Films team, including Producer Joey Horvitz, Executive Producer Lance Still and Loïc Charlon of Lexus International will hit the road and attend film festivals around the world to promote the submission process, including New Filmmakers LA, the Rhode Island International Film Festival, Venice Film Festival, Vancouver International Film Festival and Napa Valley Film Festival.
 
Select regions will host a premiere event and filmmaker panel for each film at top short film festivals starting in June 2016.  The filmmakers will return to the 2016 Napa Valley Film Festival where all four films will be shown together for the first time in a world premiere event.
 
“We are thrilled to partner again with Lexus on the Lexus Short Films series,” added The Weinstein Company COO David Glasser. “We are dedicated to finding new and exciting ways of storytelling while also discovering untapped talent. This program is a perfect combination of both and we all look forward to seeing the next great filmmakers that come to the surface in the third year.”