LifeWay begins vote for film awards, introduces streaming media tool

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP) - The final phase is underway in the "Short Film Awards" competition sponsored by the e-business department of LifeWay Christian Resources.

The contest, now in the voting stage through Feb. 14, began last August when the LifeWay unit issued a call for entries - and filmmakers from coast to coast responded with enthusiasm.

To view the films and vote, visit www.lifeway.com/emedialink.

The awards coincide with the introduction of a streaming media tool called "eMediaLINK," LifeWay's new service for churches to have audio and video on their websites.

Nearly 50 entries were received during a five-month period, ending Dec. 1. A panel of judges in e-business narrowed the field to 16 finalists. Those filmmakers' entries are now online for the general public to judge.

Contest rules stated films could be no more than three minutes in length and should address one of four possible topics: the plan of salvation, faith, hope or love.

After the winners are announced Feb. 17, e-business plans to continue making the films available on eMediaLINK for churches, individuals and other ministries to download and use as they see appropriate.