News – Beneath the Earth Film Festival

Innovative Online Festival Partners with Global AIDS Charity ACTV: to End AIDS

(NEW YORK) September, 2012—Beneath The Earth Film Festival (BTEFF) – a quickly growing and well-received online film festival currently in its third year, announces the launch of “Unearthed” – its first ever mobile extension that invites New Yorkers and film lovers to discover and experience independent films placed in various locations throughout the City.

“Unearthed” was born out of BTEFF, a pioneering model in its own right, created out of the idea that the Internet has provided new power to influence what content gets consumed and who gets noticed. In a time when news no longer only travels through traditional channels, BTEFF is using the Internet to get deserving filmmakers noticed.

To launch “Unearthed”, a one of a kind digital experience, BTEFF is joining forces with ACT V: to End AIDS — a charitable organization that seeks to be the last of five chapters in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. Founded by staunch AIDS activist and respected advocate of the arts, Leigh Blake (Keep A Child Alive), ACT V: to End AIDS’ mission is to combat an issue that is in many ways, defining a generation. “Unearthed” will be launched in association with ACT V: to End AIDS – as a vehicle of not only mobilizing content but also mobilizing people by spreading awareness of this final chapter in the fight against AIDS through an encore presentation of five winning BTEFF films.

Participants will watch each of the mobile festival’s five colorful narratives against a beautiful New York City backdrop by scanning a specially-placed QR code with a smart phone or tablet. Only one film is featured at each location and pairs each independent short with a location that serves as the perfect complement. As festival-goers move from film to film, the festival experience becomes not only an appreciation of film but also an appreciation of New York City itself. Each film will be preceded by a short message about each of the five distinct “acts” in the evolution and fight against AIDS and what can be done to end the epidemic.

“I’m very excited about ‘Unearthed’ and to be partnering with such a great cause”, says the festival’s co-founding partner, Antonia Opiah. “Unearthed” is a novel concept and something that I see as an evolution of the drive-in movie. In this digital age, we can all appreciate the convenience of being able to take content with us and access it anytime, anywhere; however it’s a whole new experience to actually use technology to discover content around you– it really adds another dimension to an already engaging visual medium.”

“Unearthed” will kick off on September 17th and run through September 30th and is open to all. Films will be placed in various locations throughout New York City at participating local establishments. After its inaugural launch, BTEFF has plans to make “Unearthed” a flagship annual event and ultimately expand to more cities including entertainment capital, Los Angeles and other metropolitan cities such as Chicago and Miami.

To learn more about “Unearthed”, visit the BTEFF website www.Beneathearth.com/unearthed.html. Beneath the Earth Film Festival is also currently accepting film submissions until September 21, 2012. Visit the BTEFF website for a breakdown of early, regular and late deadlines. The festival itself takes place online through the month of November at www.Beneathearth.com.

To learn more about ACT V: to End AIDS and how to get involved, visit the ACT V: to End AIDS website www.ActFive.org.

ABOUT BENEATH THE EARTH FILM FESTIVAL

Beneath the Earth is an online film festival that was created out of the idea that the Internet has provided new power to influence what content gets consumed and who gets noticed. We’ve already seen it happen in music, where musicians are discovered through the followings they create online. And now we’d like to see it happen for film and use this new-found power to shine the light on the little guy who’s created something beautiful but hasn’t been able to cut through the red Hollywood tape. In an age when consumers are receiving more news and content through social media and social networking channels, BTEFF has partnered with some of the Web’s most passionate and far-reaching film reviewers to help shine the light on an emerging crop of talented filmmakers.

ABOUT ACT V: to End AIDS

ACT V: to End AIDS is a charitable organization and the last chapter in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. Today we have the resources and scientific know-how to end the AIDS pandemic once and for all. Now we need to create the cultural clout and political will to actually make it happen. For 31 years, the movement against AIDS has fought stigma and silence, while saving lives through prevention and expanded access treatment. Now we need to pressure donors, political and corporate leaders to commit and invest in treatment and prevention-access for everyone, everywhere. With the end in sight, we have to finish what have started. Act V combines the power of artists, musicians and cultural producers with the energy of a new generation ready to end AIDS. This is the moment to write the fifth and final act.

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