IFP Seattle is a not-for-profit organization that exists to help local filmmakers advance their craft by providing education on the business side of film making and helping them make connections and get exposure on a national level. One of their programs is the Spotlight Award, a grant that gives a filmmaker the in-kind goods and services to produce a short 35mm or 16mm film.

The winner of the Spotlight Award is chosen from a pool of local filmmakers whose short films are judged by an IFP jury. This year’s finalists are Justin McGowan with “Going Home”, Jeremy Mackie with “While You Weren’t Looking”, David Miller with “Love in the Year 2000″, Shawn Telford with “The Last Virgin” and Timothy Watkins and Charlie Ferguson with “Photo Booth”.

The winner will be announced at a free to the public party at Central Cinema Wednesday, November 11 at 7:00 pm (doors at 6:30). Fans of local films should definitely make it to the party to find out which of the very deserving candidates gets the award.