Arts& Documenting Heroism for Film Fest

Feeling heroic? The My Hero Short Film Festival is accepting entries through Sept. 1 for its fourth annual competition.

In this competition, community members are invited to submit original short films that celebrate the work of advocates and activists for peace.

Author, artist, and anti-war activist Ron Kovic will present the "Ron Kovic Award for Peace" to the filmmaker with the best short film celebrating an individual or organization working for peace. Kovic shared his story in the 1976 autobiography "Born on the Fourth of July," which was made into an Oscar-winning film.

Laguna Beach-based My Hero, an international web project that features stories of heroes and heroism from around the world, is looking for films in the narrative, experimental/musical, documentary, and animation genres. There are categories for students (elementary school through college), adult enthusiasts, and professional filmmakers. Prizes will be awarded, including a $2,000 cash prize to the best of fest winner.

Kovic, a former Marine sergeant who served in the Vietnam war, was paralyzed when gunfire split his spine in 1968. He was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for heroism. But due to poor conditions at the Veterans Administration hospitals and painful war memories, Kovic turned his experiences into a lifelong effort towards peace.

The festival draws entries from filmmakers from all walks of life and around the world. Last year's entries came from Kosovo, Montenegro, Macedonia, Australia, Mexico, Senegal and the United States.

For rules, guidelines and resources, visit www.myhero. com/filmfestival.