HypeFest, the unique film festival that links independent ideas with commercial creativity, has unveiled its selection of short films, music videos, commercials and promos for the 2005 festival. Held at CineSpace in Hollywood (6356 Hollywood Blvd., 2nd Floor) on July 30 and 31, HypeFest will present original short-subject work culled from hundreds of entries from the US and around the world.

The programs, organized by theme, include an exciting mix of drama, intrigue, humor and imagination. Fifty-five projects have been selected for the competition screenings, which will take place from 12 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 30 and Sunday, July 31. HypeFest will also host a special programming block presented by iFilm, and the world premiere of the 2005 Global Student Animation Awards Finalist Showcase. For a complete program, please go to http://www.hypefest.com/event/program.html

Event passes are only $30 and provide access to all screenings and parties. To find out how to purchase, click on http://www.hypefest.com/passes_and_tickets/

"In our third year we are seeing greater crossover between various arms of the entertainment industry -- film, commercial, music video -- and are excited to see what the cross-pollination yields," comments Jessie Nagel, Festival Co-Director. "HypeFest is a sampling of some of the most compelling work around, and we are excited to help showcase it to a wider audience."

"We believe that HypeFest's intimate atmosphere and unique programming offers a special environment for filmmakers and film-lovers alike," adds Leigh Godfrey, Festival Co-Director.

The weekend-long event kicks off with an opening night party for VIP and filmmakers only at Lava Lounge, 1533 N. La Brea Avenue, on Friday, July 29. The Well, 6255 Sunset Blvd., will be the site of a cocktail mixer from 7 - 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 30. In addition to the nightly networking opportunities, the festival offers mentor sessions with industry experts. HypeFest will conclude with an awards show and a closing night event at CineSpace on Sunday, July 31. The event schedule can be viewed at http://www.hypefest.com/event/event_schedule.html

All selected projects are eligible for the awards, which are given in three categories: DIY, which is presented to a compelling project completed on a limited budget; Style Council Award, which recognizes a project for its unique style and visual panache; and Stash Magazine's Animation Award, which honors the best animated project.

HypeFest has also announced the semi-finalists for the Screenplay
Competition: "A Deeper Shade of Soul" by Tim Carr; "Underachiever" by Wendy Jo Cohen; "The Write Stuff" by Stacy Dymalski; "Orphan" by Michael Jortner; "Hours Before Dawn" by James D. Tuverson; and "Happy Hour at Starbucks" by Anne Wallace. Winners will be announced at the closing night party.

HypeFest is also pleased to welcome new sponsors Inspired Talent, AMP, Moviola and Liquid Salvation. For a list of festival sponsors, go to http://www.hypefest.com/sponsorship/hypefest_sponsors.html.