Launched in 2006, the Disposable Film Festival is a major force for grassroots moviemaking. By exhibiting films ranging from complex to simple. the Festival accomplishes two goals.  First, its more sophisticated productions demonstrate that new video technologies can produce works that rival those made using traditional tools. Second, the simpler movies suggest that relative novices  can make movies worth watching.

This year, in  the complex category is a three-minute short “Signal Strength,” in which composer/conductor Lev Zhurbin uses nine laptop computers to direct musicians performing in various New York City subway stations. (This description doesn’t come close to capturing the film’s amazing achievement.)

The simpler—yet memorable—offerings in the Festival encourage the rest of us to experiment with the new technologies. A clear message is that—as in Hollywood—the key to winning an audience is to start with a strong idea.  The tools now available—phones, lenses, even Steadicams—are affordable and generally user friendly. You can get great results without going to film school.

Entries in the Disposable Film Festival must be shot on mobile devices, webcams, or DSLRs. None of that gear is “disposable.” The Festival’s founder,  Carlton Evans, explains that he chose the word  at a time when amateur video was sometimes shot using one-time digital video cameras.  While no one is throwing away an iPhone, the term “disposable” does suggest affordable filmmaking compared to the cost of Hollywood gear.

Following its exhibition in San Francisco (April 9-11), the Disposable Film Festival collection of shorts will be shown around the world. For information, visit Disposable Film Festival.

The Festival’s past offerings—dating back to 2008—can be seen here.