It cost almost nothing, it was made by an inexperienced filmmaker, and it was an unexpectedly big success.

No, I’m not talking about Paranormal Activity. I’m talking about a high-school senior from a small town in Israel, making his final project in cinema studies: a short apocalyptic movie called Banisko. It got the attention of 100 top execs from Hollywood and major TV networks, after winning the NexTV Web Series and Short Film Competition in the scripted drama category over 700 applicants. Watch Banisko via Jinni here.

Helping people discover a gem like Banisko is what Jinni is all about. We hope people will use Jinni’s smart search and recommendations to look beyond the usual blockbusters and find what fits personal tastes or mood in the moment, from a much richer variety of video.

Check Jinni for Banisko’s “genome,” watch the trailer or the whole movie, or find out what makes it similar to great movies like Children of Men or the classic Things to Come. Or if you search for more titles like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, you will see Banisko in the results set (with an explanation). We’re sure its director wouldn’t object to the comparison…

Other than “regular” rewards like cameras, software and so on, the most significant prize and idea behind the NexTV Competition is discovery by industry insiders. Discovery over the internet, by both industry insiders and the audience of viewers, is increasingly important for indie filmmakers.  So it’s interesting to look at the role of internet discovery in the success of Paranormal Activity and Banisko…

Both movies were made by inexperienced filmmakers - Paranormal by Oren Peli, Banisko by Omer Zigdon. Peli started the old-fashioned way, by applying to film festivals. He continued rolling out via late night and festival screenings. As soon as his movie got the attention of the industry with a limited release by Paramount, an exceptionally strong online marketing campaign led to wider release and amazing success at the box office. Peli also gained distribution for his second, upcoming film via online word-of-mouth.

Zigdon’s process was online from the beginning. A panel of respected industry judges got to see his fabulous work – all over the internet, without any physical event – and now, after winning, he will gain even more exposure. Of course, he’s yet to prove himself on a screen bigger than 22″ or 24″, but now he has a chance to do so. And this took just a couple of months…

In a conversation with Zigdon, he told me that the jury included members of The Office and In Treatment, execs from NBC, ABC, talent agencies, and more. Among those who will now get exposed to it are execs from all studios, mini studios, TV networks and other relevant firms. Top that with press and media coverage and you get a very thankful young filmmaker. Zigdon says he was already contacted about new projects and he plans to take advantage of the many doors now opening.

Omer Zigdon is just one example of how the internet can support independent, low-budget works, open doors, create word of mouth - and contribute to the richness of the film we watch.

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