FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MARCH 19, 2003

CONTACT: NUBIA FLORES

323 466 1786

Slamdance Forms Alliance with Xeolux Entertainment for Slam Fi Screenplay Competition

Los Angeles, CA - Slamdance has partnered with Santa Monica-based Xeolux Entertainment to present “Slam Fi” a Sci Fi Screenplay Competition. Unique to this competition is the opportunity for short scripts as well as short stories to compete alongside feature scripts.

Script submissions have an early deadline of April 11 and a final deadline of April 30, 2003. Entry forms and application information are available at: http://www.slamfi.com or by calling the Slamdance office at (323) 466-1786.

The competition will feature sci fi short stories as well as short and feature length screenplays. Three top prizes will be awarded to the best overall projects. Five finalists will be recognized in each category. During the judging process, the competition will convene a panel of notable sci fi novelists and filmmakers to determine the winning screenplays. A list of judges includes Greg Bear, Orson Scott Card and Gale Anne Hurd. The project blends Xeolux Entertainment’s goal of enhancing public understanding of science and technology with Slamdance’s mission to foster independent voices and compelling storytelling in screenwriting. Sponsors to the competition include Bushnell, Cinefantastique Magazine as well as Asimov’s and Analog Science Fiction Magazines.

"Due to their passion for sci fi and connection to the technology industry we're particularly pleased to work with a production company like Xeolux and further develop relationships with writers", said Gianna Chachere, Slamdance's Festival Director.

"Since fresh, creative ideas are the core of sci fi we believe it's essential to tap the innovative energy of new writers," commented Steve Weyl, President of Xeolux. "We believe in the power of the independent film community to tell stories about science, technology and the future that break out of narrow genre constraints and incorporate compelling human drama."

"We feel that Slamdance is the perfect partner because our goals and objectives are parallel," said Susan Sullivan, Xeolux's Director of Development. "Both of us desire to create opportunities for emerging writers to forward their work."

Xeolux Entertainment is a Santa Monica-based production company founded by Stephen Weyl, an entrepreneur and investor with ties to the technology community. The company focuses on material exploring human potential and the future role of technology. Xeolux is dedicated to supporting emerging filmmakers and has recently established a finishing fund to enable production completion.

In addition to Slam Fi, Slamdance's main Screenplay Competition is now accepting submissions in all other genres. The first deadline of the 2003 competition is March 28 and the final deadline is June 20, 2003. Downloadable entry forms are available at www.slamdance.com.

"Entering its ninth year, the main Screenplay Competition continues to find success. It's our goal to help filmmakers and writers with works in all genres, " said Chachere. Based on its mission to support the first-time filmmaker, the competition was

conceived to promote and provide new writers a link with established industry professionals. The 2001 first place winner, "The Woodsman" is currently in pre-production under the healm of "Monsters Ball" producer Lee Daniels. Written by Steven Fechter and Nicole Kassel, "The Woodsman" will star Kevin Bacon and will be directed by first-timer Kassel. “Winning Slamdance was an incredible moral booster and the seal of approval that made the industry stop and take notice,” said Kassel. 2001 third place winner Joshua Marston' "Maria Full Of Grace" is now completing production.

Slamdance is a year-round organization dedicated to serving new filmmakers from around the world. Started in 1995 by a group of upstart writer/director/producers, Slamdance continues to be organized and programmed by active filmmakers. Now in its tenth year as an annual festival that runs simultaneous to the Sundance Film Festival, Slamdance has established a unique reputation for premiering independent films by first-time directors working with limited budgets. With a renowned film festival at its heart, Slamdance has expanded to include domestic and international On The Road screening events, a thriving screenplay competition, a very active website at slamdance.com, the Anarchy online short film competition, a $99 Special short film production wing and a newly formed Bootcamp education program.

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For all SLAM FI inquiries, please send e-mails to slamfi@xeolux.com or call the Slamdance office at 323 466 1786. For further information

about Xeolux visit www.xeolux.com