Aspiring filmmakers must hurry and get their submissions in for the NIU Reality Bytes Film Festival.

The deadline for entries is Feb. 15 and must be turned in to Laura Vazquez, the festival coordinator and media production professor, at Watson Hall, Room 213.

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The festival is for documentary shorts – meaning each film must be 20 minutes or less – and is the first-ever of its kind at NIU. Also, it is the only one in the Chicago area.

Anyone can enter the festival as long as he or she is a student.

Those wanting to submit a film may do so in one of four categories: Historical, bio/autobiographical, social issues or human interest. A $15 fee is required to submit a film.

All submissions must be on a half-inch videotape.

Vazquez said judging will begin in March, and screenings will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. March 25 to 27 at the Holmes Student Center’s Diversions Lounge.

The winners of the festival will be announced March 28 during a screening of the winning entries, Vazquez said. One winner from each of the categories will be awarded $100, and the Best of the Festival winner will receive $150.

Several documentaries by NIU students have received national recognition. “Tugs Untied” won top honors at the Arizona International Film Festival in 1996.

In 2002, “Our House: Life Beyond Rave Legislation” won Best of the Fest at the Rock River Alternative Film and Video Festival.

Submissions will be available for viewing at the Northern Star Web site (www.northernstar.info) during the last week of February.