Figgis backs short film contest

Mike Figgis directed Leaving Las Vegas

Oscar-nominated director Mike Figgis has launched a film contest where budding film-makers have just 15 seconds to impress the judges.

Entrants will have to submit a 15-second digital film, encouraging the making of movies for mobile phones.

The winner will get to make a longer film, while finalists will have theirs shown at London's Raindance festival.

Figgis said: "I am intrigued to see how ideas can be expressed in 15 seconds. This is not as easy as it sounds."

"It requires real film-making and a profound understanding of visual imagery. I am looking for poetry. The future is digital but a good idea will always be a good idea."

All submitted films will be viewed by a panel of experts, who will select 10 finalists whose work which will be screened at the Raindance event in October.

The winner will then be voted for the public, with the successful film-maker getting the chance to make a slightly longer short film, aided by experienced staff with professional equipment.

The closing date for entries to the Nokia Shorts contest, which can be submitted in a number of formats, is 31 August.