John Ware, Founder and President of the 168 Hour Film Project (168) announced today that registration is open for the 5th annual film production contest. Under 168 competition guidelines, producers and their teams are given one week for writing and pre-production and one week (168 hours) for principal photography and editing an 11-minute movie based on an assigned Bible verse. Verse assignments will be made on February 5 for international contestants, February 12 for domestic contestants, and February 13 for local (L.A.) contestants. The entry deadline for teams in the USA is February 9th (January 31st outside the USA).

This is an exciting time for people of faith to have their voices heard and it's thrilling for the 168 to be a springboard for those stories.
The 168 Hour Film Project (168) facilitates the creation of up to 60 short films per year, all made during the same 168-hour week. In four years, a total of 173 films have been made for the 168 Project, providing opportunities for thousands of cast and crew. According to Ware, "As gospel choirs serve as a 'farm team' for music, 168 is a 'farm team' for filmmakers of faith all over the world. The purpose of the competition is to develop the skill and character of filmmakers."

Some 168 projects from recent years are now in development as feature films. Many filmmakers have found the 168 to be a great stepping-stone and networking tool as Hollywood studio representatives have been pleasantly surprised at the craftsmanship displayed at the annual film festival. Jury member David McFadzean, (Executive producer/Co-Creator of HOME IMPROVEMENT and Executive producer of WHAT WOMEN WANT) had rave reviews. "(I was) really impressed this year by so many standout performances. Several of the actors caught my eye, with authentic and wonderful performances. In the time limit they've been given, the production values are very impressive. Everything from the editing to the set design, all of it." Ralph Winter, Producer of X-MEN, STAR TREK, and FANTASTIC FOUR is another of the Hollywood heavyweights involved in the project. Sponsors of the event include Plus8 Digital, a Panavision Co., Dorrough, Arri Inc, Millennia Media and EIKI.

Because of movies like THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST, Hollywood studios and distributors now have a keen interest in its enormous and under served market segment. The Christian "niche" is estimated as large as 90-million members. According to Ware, "Box office successes like FACING THE GIANTS and THE NATIVITY demonstrate that films of faith have come of age. The excellence in craftsmanship has met audience expectations." Ware continued, "This is an exciting time for people of faith to have their voices heard and it's thrilling for the 168 to be a springboard for those stories."

One of the unique features of 168 is that ALL films are premiered. This year the Film Festival will be held on March 24 at the world famous Alex Theatre in Glendale, CA. Awards are given for Best Picture, Director, and Actors, and selected films will air worldwide on the Trinity Broadcast Network.

International entries to 168 are growing, and include England, Italy, and New Zealand. In 2006, missionary Greg Yost's cast utilized 300 members of the Bushmen tribe in Kenya for A TALE OF TWO THIEVES. The film was edited with solar power and shipped overnight to Burbank, CA for the 168 deadline. "168" films have screened for thousands in Southern California, and on DVD throughout the world. "168" Supporters have sent over one hundred DVDs to Iraq and Afghanistan to challenge and entertain American troops.