by MATTHEW HAYS

Due to its incredible expense, film has often proven an elitist art form, keeping too many at bay while thrusting unworthy types into the limelight for far too long.

The local chapter of the Documentary Organization of Canada (DOC) is attempting to counter some of that with its ingenious short-film competition, 2880 Film Blitz, now in its second annual incarnation. The plan is as simple as it is brilliant: 12 different groups of filmmakers (from the experienced to CÉGEP students) sign up for the challenge. This Friday, they will all be given one theme they have to incorporate into their film (that can be no longer than six minutes long). Two days later (2880 minutes later - get it?) the groups will reconvene with their finished films to screen them in front of an enthusiastic crowd.

Last year's 2880 Film Blitz turned up some funny and lively entries and the second time around should prove every bit as surprising. The Sunday screening (June 6) of the final films will take place at the Cabaret du Plateau (4530 Papineau) at 7 p.m. Audience members will be asked to vote on entries to decide who gets a number of different prize packages. Kudos to DOC for coming up with such a great idea and a superb way for novice filmmakers to get some exposure. Info: www.2880.ca

Bande à part is widely considered to be one of French demigod Jean-Luc Godard's most accessible films. It's an odd piece, part three-way love story, part musical (strange, but true), part small-time gangster movie. I loved the oddball dialogue, the voiceover by Godard himself (in which he ruminates over his decisions as filmmaker) and the final heist sequence, which unfolds like an existential comedy of errors. Anna Karina (Godard's then wife), Sami Frey and Claude Brasseur, who are so memorable in their roles, all star. Notably, Bande à part is one of Tarantino's favourite films, paid homage to in his Pulp Fiction (and his production company is called A Band Apart). Opens at the Cinéma du Parc this Friday, June 4.

And finally, for those looking to trek out of town for the weekend, this year's Lake Placid Film Festival (which runs June 2–6) offers a number of new and old films, all presented in an idyllic setting. As this event has grown over the past few years, organizers have managed to attract bigger and better talent. A case in point would be this year's guest of honour, Martin Scorsese, who will present a new print of Visconti's '63 masterpiece The Leopard. As well, Scorsese will sit down for an interview with actor Jon Favreau before an audience. Attendees will have the chance to see Goodfellas and The Last Temptation of Christ on the big screen once more.

New films will be screened, including Guy Maddin's latest, Cowards Bend the Knee, as well as James Toback's When Will I Be Loved? (starring Neve Campbell). And Seducing Doctor Lewis, the hit Quebec film that proved so popular at Sundance, will also get a showing. The event is enhanced by film forums, panel discussions and soirées - this is an extremely well put together event, one that has gained a reputation for quality and enlightening entertainment since its inception a few years ago. For more info visit www.lakeplacidfilmfestival.com

>> Movie Listings