The American Film Institute has invited 13-18-year-olds to submit entries for their ScreenNation website, which will:

– Build an online community of empowered 7–12th grade student filmmakers who give voice to their creativity while sharing ideas and feedback.
– Provide a focused online portal for millions of students using video in creative and educational ways, as well as thousands of schools, and other organizations which support these activities.
– Inspire and support students with instruction, challenges and tips from top movie professionals;
– Provide avenues of recognition for quality work;
– Become the definitive site for young people who create movies in the classroom and beyond;
– Provide educators with a safer online video posting and sharing site that integrates well with the increasing use of video in the classroom and related educational endeavors;
– Provide a tasteful, exciting media site for a select group of sponsors who wish to support the increased use of quality production by young people.

Submissions for AFI ScreenNation’s 1st Challenge Hometown Claim to Fame are being accepted now thru June 30th, with the winner announced July 15th.

The winning video entry will receive a Sony DCR-SR45 ~ HDD Handycam Camcorder w/ 30 GB Hard Disk Drive and Tripod.

All right all you fanboys — this one’s for you! The first three people who send me an email at moviemom@moviemom.com will get unrated DVDs of this cult sci-fi comedy starring Jenny McCarthy. This one is not for kids, so please confirm that you are an adult in your email. Good luck! (Please put the name of the DVD in the subject line of your email. Only people who have not already won a DVD, please.)

I have two copies of one of the best family films of 2007 to give away to the first two people who send me an email at moviemom@moviemom.com The Great Debaters, directed by and starring Denzel Washington, is the true story of a debate team from a tiny all-black college in the 1930’s. These beautiful collector edition DVDs have an extra disk of bonus features and will be a treasured addition to any family’s collection. (Please put the name of the DVD in the subject line of your email. Only people who have not already won a DVD, please.)
Don’t forget to read my interview with the young stars of the film.

I have just two copies of the enchanting “Enchanted” to give away to the lucky first two people who send me an email at moviemom@moviemom.com — Good luck! (Be sure to put the title of the DVD you want in the subject line of the email. And only people who have not already won a DVD please.)

I have three Pucca DVDs to give away to the first people who send me an email at moviemom@moviemom.com. Pucca is the daughter of Chinese noodle house owners. Her adventures combine light-hearted romance (she has an unrequited crush on a silent ninja), silly comedy, and kung fu.

(This one is for first-timers only, so if you have already won a DVD, please do not enter.)