MILWAUKEE (Dec. 15, 2008) - Harley-Davidson swapped out the red carpet and hosted an orange carpet premiere party for the winner of Bikes, Camera, Action!, a special contest challenging U.S. female film makers to capture the passion, independence and empowerment that embodies the spirit of female riders last Thursday in Los Angeles. More than 65 party guests, including the contest winner, her film crew, members of the media, local Harley enthusiasts and film school professors, were among the first to view the winning film.
Because Harley-Davidson knows that women have the power to motivate and encourage other women, they created the Bikes, Camera, Action! contest to challenge female film makers from around the country to inspire other women to get behind the handlebars of their very own motorcycles. Dozens of female film makers answered the call, creating original two-minute short films that capture the freedom and control that riding offers women.
Victoria Sampson of Shadow Hills, Calif. was selected as the Grand Prize Winner and honored at the premiere party for her film, Her Need for Speed. Her film stood out for the quality and creativity of the content as well as the success she had in capturing on film, the empowerment inherent to women riders. Aside from unveiling her film at the premiere party, Sampson received $5,000, a new High Definition video camera and a Harley-Davidson leather jacket. Already a rider, Sampson will also have the opportunity to fine tune her riding skills through with a gift certificate for a 5-day bike rental through Harley-Davidson's Authorized Rentals.
"We know there are thousands of women dreaming of hitting the open road," said the emcee of the evening, Karen Davidson, great-granddaughter of one of the Harley-Davidson founders. "The Bikes, Camera, Action! films captured the powerful visual of women embracing their independence and we hope they will inspire those still dreaming to take life by the handlebars."
With entries from prestigious film school students and graduates, such as the American Film Institute and Columbia University, the judge's panel of Harley-Davidson representatives, including Karen Davidson, had a tough time choosing the winner.
Bikes, Camera, Action
Melissa Kosar of Orange, Calif. and Marta Masferrer of New York City were selected as First Prize Winners, receiving $1,500 to use toward their next project, a Harley-Davidson leather jacket and the opportunity to learn to ride through Rider's Edge, Harley-Davidson's rider training program. Kosar's film, entitled Girls Night Out and Masferrer's film, Here Comes the Bride can be viewed, along with the Grand Prize winning film at www.facebook.com/harley-davidson.
What Else Harley's Doing to Inspire Women to Ride
With women representing more than 12 percent of U.S. motorcyclists, Harley-Davidson published We Ride, a basic overview on what a new rider or a woman interested in riding needs to know about getting into the sport. It features information on how and where women can learn to ride with details on the Rider's Edge New Rider Course and the best way to fit a motorcycle for a woman's ergonomic and functional needs. It also includes tips on getting involved and staying active with riding groups, as well as inspirational stories from real women who have answered the call of the open road. The special 48-page riding guide is available for free download at www.harley-davidson.com/womanriders and can also be picked up at any local Harley-Davidson dealership.
Harley-Davidson dealerships across the country are hosting free women-only Garage Parties to encourage them to get involved in motorcycling. The Harley-Davidson Garage Party event provides a non-intimidating environment for women to learn more about motorcycling and to meet other women who are interested in riding.