The Sundance Institute yesterday unveiled The Sundance Online Film Festival, a showcase of new work specifically developed for the web, which will coincide with next year's film festival, Jan 18-28, 2001. The cyber-festival will launch on Jan 18 on www.sundance.org.

The online film festival is open to mixed-media pieces that have been made for exhibition across the internet. All types of work will be considered including animation, live-action, documentary, interactive and experimental. The festival is now accepting submissions. Entries must be submitted with a Sundance Online Film Festival application form, a $20 processing fee and a VHS tape no later than Sept 29 on one of the following formats - Digital Beta, Beta or Beta SP, Mini DV or DVD. For more details, go to www.sundance.org.

"The Sundance Institute has always been interested in exploring innovative work and the dynamic material currently being generated for the web is something that we are excited to present," said Geoff Gilmore, co-director of the Sundance Film Festival.

The online event will be powered by StreamSearch, including technical functionality, site design and internet promotion. StreamSearch, which a leading distributor of playable media online, was responsible for the first all-virtual Internet Film and Music Festival in Feb 2000.