Five filmmakers will compete for $15,000 in cash that comes with the Motion Picture Production Industry Association of British Columbia (MPPIA) Short Film Award at the upcoming Whistler Film Festival.

The shortlist includes Beauty Mark, by music video director Mark Ratzlaff, Happiless, by Ana Valine of  Rodeo Queen Pictures and Amber Ripley’s Mermaid in a Jar, an adaptation of Toronto-writer Sheila Heti’s short story.

Also competing for the 2011/12 MPPIA short film trophy is Brianne Nord-Stewart with No Return,  and Liz Van Allen Cairns with Withering Heights.

The competition winner will receive in $10,000 cash from MPPIA, another $5,000 from British Columbia Film + Media, and in-kind production services up to $100,000 for a short film to be made within 18 months after receiving the award.

The winning film will be chosen following a pitch session’ on December 3 before three judges in Whistler.

The Whistler Film Festival will also screen the 2010 MPPIA short film award winner, Jeremy Lutter’s Joanna Makes a Friend.