Spent the weekend catching up on some overdue reading, both online and off. Here are a few of the goodies I stumbled across...

While many were thrilled to hear that Hugh Jackman would be hosting the 2009 Academy Awards, over on All These Wonderful Things, AJ Schnack focused on the fantastic news that the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has voted to extend the eligibility period for Oscar consideration to September 30, one month later than the current deadline of August 31.

While still requiring docs to qualify earlier than scripted films, this does mean that films can now premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September and then do their qualifying runs. AJ's post includes a statement from  Toronto Documentary Programmer Thom Powers, who has been an advocate for changing the rules. 

With Sundance a mere month away, many are wondering how the economy will affect films playing in Park City this year. Eugene Hernandez has posted A Letter to Filmmakers, Whether or Not You Got Into Sundance, a thoughtful piece about festival strategy. The post includes specific, practical information for filmmakers and should be read by anyone currently producing an independent film.

In related news, Basil Tsiokos has posted a dispatch from the International Film Festival Summit, which was held earlier this week in Las Vegas. Key issues addressed at the 5th version of the Summit include the relationship between festivals and distributors, and how online companies and fests can work together to best help filmmakers.