Someone recently said to me, “What’s your movie?” It was a question posed not for the discussion of a favored Hollywood treasure, but rather as an exploration of the yet-to-be-made film that played in my head.
So what would it be? Perhaps a smart and funny female buddy movie starring a cast of women over 40 with normal sized lips, breasts and hips? Or maybe a spellbinding documentary focusing on the missing wife of a local former policeman incarcerated for the murder of another wife and facing an upcoming trial for plotting to kill the prosecutor that was instrumental in his conviction? How about a break-out too-hot-gotta-kiss-myself-I’m-so-pretty #1 music video? This list could go on forever – so where do I go from here?
The After Hours Film Society has an answer! Student filmmakers of any age are invited to enter their cinematic creations in the “Say It In Eight” Student Film Competition. Now in its 13th year, the festival is accepting submissions with a running time of 8 minutes or less through June 30 for consideration.
All levels (grammar, high school, undergraduate and graduate) are eligible and may submit their entries electronically by visiting www.filmfreeway.com or by mailing a DVD of the film to the After Hours Film Society, P.O. Box 5266, Wheaton, IL 60189. Either way, an application is required and can be found at www.afterhoursfilmsociety.com.
A team of judges will evaluate each individual film based on age level and category (fiction, non-fiction, music video or animation/experimental). Films receiving the highest ratings will be compiled into a special program and presented to the public at the After Hours Film Society’s “Say It In Eight” Student Film Festival at the Tivoli Theatre, 5021 Highland, Downers Grove, IL, tentatively scheduled for October 19, 2015.
For more info on the student film fest or the After Hours Film Society, please check out www.afterhoursfilmsociety.com or call (630) 534-4528.
