We met Microcinema in Houston, Texas for a collaborative all-day, all-ages, all-free, all-good five-band gig called Unusual Animals. But that short rendezvous was not enough for either of us, so after a few carefully written telegrams and telephonic calls, we are getting together with Microcinema again to collectively present Independent Exposure 2008.

Since its inception in 1996, Independent Exposure has been a curatorial effort designed to bring the newest and most innovative short films to an untapped, broader audience by using non-traditional venues. These showcases are exhibited in non-traditional venues or "microcinemas" such as galleries, cafes, bars, nightclubs, outdoors, and other alternative spaces that support the independent arts. To date, Independent Exposure has been presented hundreds of times in 44 countries plus Palestine and Antarctica and at base camp on Mt. Everest.

Microcinema is therefore asking for film submissions, from everyone including you, our readers. Winning filmmakers will receive everything from a Panasonic AG-HSC1U 1/4" 3-CCD High Definition Video Camera (if you know what that means, you know how awesome it is), to a specially selected Asthmatic Kitty discography. And with base camp at Mt. Everest setting the bar, who knows where Microcinema might display your work?

Click here to read rules and submission instructions, and click more to see one our favorites from last years winners.

"Trace," by Chirstinn Whyte