Four years since the inception of the Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95 Film Festival, the number of submissions has tripled, according to organizers.
The fourth annual district-wide film festival will take place Feb. 9 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Lake Zurich High School Performing Arts Center, 300 Church St. Admission is free and open to the public.
“The purpose of the festival is to empower District 95 students of all ages to express their ideas and demonstrate their creativity through the complex medium of film,” said Vanessa Griffin, publicity coordinator for the district Educational Foundation. The festival is sponsored by the Educational Foundation along with District 95.
Each year, student filmmakers from the district schools are invited to submit films, documentaries, animations, comedies, drama or public service announcements of between three to five minutes.
In addition to the quantity of submissions, Griffin said the quality of film has also improved over the years.
The films are independent student projects, a trial-and-error process where students utilize their lessons from class and resources like school-issued iPads, Griffin said. For example, the high school just recently added a Digital Media Production elective to its curriculum that students can take advantage of. For the younger students, she said, some elementary teachers will lead group filmmaking efforts.
“As it happens, many of our elementary-aged filmmakers are surprisingly adept in using their family technology tools,” Griffin said, noting they also have parent or sibling mentors to help too.
A portion of the submitted films will be screened at the event and prizes awarded by grade levels: high school, middle school and elementary school, as well as a Best in Show award. Films are judged based on categories, including: technical quality, effective storytelling and communication, artistic merit, acting quality, overall effect and emotional impact, and use of music.
Prizes are gift cards valued at $50, $30 and $15 for first, second and third place in each age category, as well as a trophy for one overall “Best in Show” winner.
Christine Won is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press
Twitter: @tinewon
