IndependentFilm.com

JACKSON, Wyo., May 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Rosemount Estate, the Prestige Wine of Australia, and the Jackson Hole Film Festival announce the five finalists for the 2nd annual Rosemount Diamond Award, an international film competition for emerging filmmakers. "Rag Tale," by Mary McGuckian (United Kingdom); "SleepWalk," by Tatia Pilieva (United States); "At Nic's," by Patricia Radoi (United Kingdom); "Believe In Me," by Robert Collector (United States) and "End of Town," by Julius Avery (Australia) were chosen from over 300 film submissions from U.S., UK and Australian filmmakers. The five filmmakers are competing for a chance to win a cash prize of $US10,000, and will be flown to Jackson, Wyoming, to attend the Festival.

The Rosemount Diamond Award and a $10,000 check will be presented to one of the five filmmakers during the Jackson Hole Film Festival, June 7-11, 2006, when a prominent industry panel of judges selects the winning film. "The submissions for this year's competition were extremely strong. Ultimately, the 5 finalists were chosen for their outstanding achievement in cinematography, directing, editing and production. The nominations were very difficult this year, which is a true testament to the growth of this award and our Festival," said Eben Dorros, President of the Jackson Hole Film Institute.

Last year's inaugural Rosemount Diamond Award went to Australian filmmaker Beth Armstrong for her beautiful short film, Danya, about a young girl's search for parental love and acceptance. Danya was selected from over 200 films submitted for the competition by a jury panel that included actors Sarah Wynter, Radha Mitchell and directors Phillip Noyce and John Polson, to name a few.

Rosemount Estate's North American Director of Public Relations, Lisa Klinck Shea, said the Australian winemaker is honored to be a Premier sponsor of The Jackson Hole Film Festival and co-creator of the Rosemount Diamond Award film competition. "As a wine industry leader Rosemount Estate has always encouraged and valued innovation so it seems fitting that we extend our encouragement of creative endeavors to the medium of film. The art of film, like great wine, requires dedication, creativity and an unconditional focus on quality. Quality, unique style and a willingness to innovate are evident in every Rosemount bottle -- and also in great films. We hope our support will provide greater recognition -- and opportunity -- for the next generation of film talent," she added.

ABOUT ROSEMOUNT ESTATE: The Prestige Wine of Australia was founded in 1969 in the Hunter Valley by Robert Oatley. It is one of Australia's most prominent wineries. The winery regularly receives awards and accolades for its distinctive, full-flavored wines and was named "New World Winery of the Year for 2001" by the prominent industry magazine, Wine Enthusiast.

ABOUT THE JACKSON HOLE FILM FESTIVAL: The Jackson Hole Film Festival is a program of the Jackson Hole Film Institute. The Festival is a 5-day competitive independent film festival held in early June. The Festival consists of approximately 80 films divided over 8 competitive programs along with panel discussions and parties. In addition to the Rosemount Diamond Award, the 2006 World Program will highlight filmmakers from the United Kingdom, Global Insight will highlight important human rights films, Sports Action will highlight action sports filmmaking, and Student Voices will give a chance for students to exhibit their work. The other competitive programs include Best Feature, Best Short and Best Documentary.

Source: Rosemount Estate