REEL NEWS:Ever wonder how the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences sorts its way though the hundreds of thousands of short films released every year?

Well, one qualification is grabbing an award at a major festival. It has been announced that the Galway Film Fleadh will now join the list of festivals whose winners are so honoured. Recipients of the James Horgan Award for Best Animation and the Tiernan McBride Award for Best Short Drama will, henceforth, qualify for consideration in the Short Films Category of the Oscars. Take heed, ambitious tyros.

In related news, the Junior Film Fleadh will host two interesting events over the weekend. The From Page to Screen workshop, kicking off in the Huston Film School tomorrow at noon, will investigate how novels and comic books inspire the movies. An hour later, the Hot House short film panel will host a discussion at the Town Hall Theatre. Both events cost €3 and can be booked on 091-562200