OREANDA-NEWS. November 18, 2015. Lexus and The Weinstein Company announced today the four winners of the third annual Lexus Short Films series at the Napa Valley Film Festival. Selected from thousands of submissions, Alexis Michalik, Byoung-Gon Moon, Damian Walshe-Howling and Pippa Bianco received their honors during last night's closing ceremonies at Napa Valley Film Festival at the Uptown Theatre.

Since the entry process began in July, filmmakers from around the world have submitted their resume and short films for the chance to direct their own short film around this year's theme of "Anticipation". This year's Lexus Short Films series has been unique, as submissions, through Withoutabox, were opened worldwide for the first time ever to aspiring directors from within the filmmaking community to be selected as one of four finalists. These finalists will have their short films produced courtesy of Lexus and The Weinstein Company, receiving first look deals.

The four finalists will also receive promotional theatrical distribution for their short films, participate in a tour of top film festivals around the world and receive an at-home filmmaking and editing suite to further bring their imagination and passion to life.

The Weinstein Company co-chairman Harvey Weinstein said, "The Lexus Short Films series has been a fantastic partnership to help discover young filmmakers while shining a light on the short film format. This year's Lexus Short Films series provided an opportunity to reach aspiring filmmakers around the world looking to gain exposure and experience through the chance to work with Lexus and The Weinstein Company. We have been truly impressed by the number and quality of submissions received with more than 4,000 submissions from over 100 countries. We look forward to helping the finalists turn their visions into truly great films."

Mark Templin, Executive Vice President of Lexus International, added, "Our third annual partnership with The Weinstein Company for the Lexus Short Films series has once again offered a great opportunity for up-and-coming filmmakers to share their own unique narratives through the short film format. Lexus strives to create unforgettable experiences and from the submissions we've reviewed, the filmmaking community clearly shares this same passion. It has been incredible discovering these filmmakers' creativity in storytelling and we look forward to seeing the four final short films in 2016."

This year's Lexus Short Films winners will receive acclaim with Lexus and The Weinstein Company hosting regional premiere events for each film at top short film festivals starting in June 2016. The filmmakers will also have their films shown for the first time in an exclusive world premiere event at the 2016 Napa Valley Film Festival.

"Partnering with Lexus on the Lexus Short Films series allows us to discover new filmmakers that are the potential future stars of the film industry, providing the community with their approach on storytelling and directing, said The Weinstein Company COO and President David Glasser. "The third Lexus Short Films series received some truly original and impressive submissions and it was hard for us to select only four winners. We can't wait for the world to get to know these talented young filmmakers and see their premieres next year in Napa and around the world."