The Falls library’s ‘On the Edge’ film festival seeks entrants
For those who enjoy looking through a video camera’s lens and capturing picture and sound, an upcoming local film festival will provide an outlet for those looking to have their work shown in front of a crowd.
The “On the Edge” film festival, intended to introduce area students and residents to the creation of cinematic arts, is seeking entrants through March 31.
“We’ve been trying to find new ways to engage kids, and teens in particular,” said Diane Adams, director, International Falls Public Library. As young people are trying to discover themselves during the formative years, Adams suggested that one way to do that is through creating a film about the world around them and what they know.
The same self-exploration and discovery of one’s area can be true for filmmakers of all ages, she explained.
“There is no better way to build awareness than through a viewfinder,” Adams said. “It’s a great way to build world awareness.”
The “On the Edge” film festival is open to anyone, regardless of previous filmmaking experience. And while the festival organizers are encouraging local applicants, filmmakers from across the country are welcomed to submit their films.
Adams said the films would be judged by what the entrant is able to accomplish with the skills, time and equipment available to them and amateur filmmakers are encouraged to submit their work.
The Falls library is offering classes on using two cameras available through the library for this purpose. Adams said the equipment requires some explanation prior to loaning the cameras to aspiring cinematographers. The cameras and classes are being offered on an as-needed basis by contacting the library.
There are seven categories for which the festival will place entrants: feature films, short feature films, documentary films, short documentary films, student feature films, student documentary films and public service announcements.
A complete set of requirements for each of the submission categories is available on the festival website, along with festival regulations and application materials.
The “On the Edge” film festival will be held at the Backus Community Center auditorium from May 5-6 for the public to view the films. A donation to the Falls Hunger Coalition will be requested from attendees in lieu of admission. The public will be able to vote for an audience choice award during the festival. Prizes will be given to the top entrants in each category depending on the number of submissions. The festival is billed as family friendly.
For more information, visit the festival website at www.ontheedgefilm.org or call the International Falls Public Library at 283-8051.
