Pittsfield’s Berkshire Bank has teamed up with the Berkshire International Film Festival to create the Next Great Filmmaker Award.

This first-ever award is designed to provide increased exposure and support for short film makers and continue to invite the community to voice their opinion through an online voting process.

The Next Great Filmmaker Award will include a $5,000 cash award given to the filmmaker who has the greatest amount of online votes.

Berkshire Bank will have the final five short films available for viewing on its Web site at www.JoinTheExcitement.com/BIFF and will have online voting available from April 15 through May 31.

"We are thrilled to take part in the Berkshire International Film Festival this year by presenting the Next Great Filmmaker Award," said Sean A. Gray, senior vice president of Berkshire Bank. "We are especially excited to invite our community to help us recognize and support talented film makers … Whether your dream is saving for an early retirement, buying your first home, or becoming the next great film maker, we believe in helping you realize your dreams."

The Berkshire International Film Festival, now in its fifth year, will screen 75 American and foreign independent feature films, documentaries and short films in Great Barrington and Pittsfield. In addition to screenings, there will also be panel discussions, Q&A sessions with filmmakers and other events. The festival will take place June 3 through June 6.