Video game companies want you to make short films. First Microsoft calls for an original TV pilot. Then Midway called forth our inner Woo. Now Nintendo announces their Short Cuts Showcase, which challenges budding directors to create a short film with a Nintendo theme, with the top three entries being premiered at Rockefeller Center's annual summer film showcase.

The theme is, of course, Nintendo. Movies can be action, comedy, animated, drama, dromedary, unleaded, or strawberry, as long as they feature Nintendo hardware or characters, preferably not being stuffed into body cavities. Sorry Wii Sex guy.

The first place winner gets ten grand, a trip to New York for the premier and a lunch meeting with a Tribeca Film Festival co-founder Craig Hatkoff. The top three entries all get Nintendo goodies as well. Entries are due by June 6th, so you'd best get a move on if you are so inclined. Hit the jump for all the juicy press release details.

Nintendo is searching for the next great director. Lead by Nintendo's flagship store, Nintendo World, the Nintendo Short Cuts Showcase invites filmmakers from all walks of life to demonstrate their passion and skills by creating a Nintendo-themed short film or video. The top three films will be chosen by a panel that includes a Tribeca senior programmer, an entertainment industry reporter and a Nintendo executive. The final films will premiere as a part of the inaugural short film showcase at the Top of the Rock(TM) Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center during Rock Center's annual summer film showcase, June 19-22.