Jalopnik Film Festival Announces Panel Of Volvo Cars Short Film Judges For 2nd Annual Film Festival

NEW YORK -- Aug. 19, 2014: The Jalopnik Film Festival announced its panel of Volvo Cars Short Film judges, who will select only one lucky winner, to create their own auto-themed short film. The esteemed Volvo Cars Short Film panel will be comprised of Douglas Sonders and Nicholas Cambata of photo and video production company 8112 Studios, Mike Spinelli, founding Jalopnik editor and producer at /DRIVE, and Bodil Eriksson, Executive Vice President, Product, Brand and Communications, Volvo Cars.

One of the core brands in The Gawker Media Group, Jalopnik is one of the largest car enthusiast publications in the world with over eight million global uniques, covering everything from the latest automotive news to developments in aviation and military technology. This year's second annual film festival also rolls around at the same time as Jalopnik's tenth anniversary.

With the help of Volvo Cars, the Jalopnik Film Festival's premiere sponsor, the Jalopnik Film Festival will provide filmmakers with the resources to make their films. Volvo Cars will provide the cars and elite filmmaking crew to make a short film about car culture that focuses on a theme of "Why We Care." To enter this contest, filmmakers would need to submit their proposals by August 25th. Full details can be found here. The winner will be notified by September 5th, with project development beginning swiftly thereafter on September 9th, leading up to final delivery of the project on October 27th.

"Volvo Cars of North America are excited to be part of the Jalopnik Film Festival and support creative talent in this field, " said Eriksson. "The 'why we care' theme resonates strongly with the Volvo brand and we look forward to seeing the creative output."

Sonders and Cambata's 8112 Studios will serve as the production company behind the winning short film submission. 8112 Studios' roster of work includes high-profile automotive content, music videos, and renowned commercial work. In addition, Sonders and Cambata will serve as the winner's mentor throughout the whole process, and with Volvo's Eriksson, provide an unparalleled opportunity for the winning filmmaker's auto-themed submission.

"Nicholas and I love everything that is automotive," said Sonders. "Cars have been a huge inspiration to the creative team that we are today. We look forward to helping the winner through the entire process of production so we can create a striking final product that they will make them, Jalopnik, and Volvo Cars proud."

In addition to this original, Volvo short film, the Jalopnik Film Festival will also screen an "Official Selection" program of premieres of films about cars and car culture, as well as a roster of film submissions. Last year, the festival screened a variety of studio films, including the first public showing of Ron Howard's RUSH and Asif Kapadia's SENNA; this year, audiences should be in for a treat with premieres from some of car culture's most prominent filmmakers. The big screening night is November 6th in New York City, bringing together an exciting mix of special guests, big films, and film submission from emerging filmmakers with a passion for cars. All chosen submissions will be screened alongside the premiere titles.