An annual event taking place in Lafayette is set to empower young filmmakers by providing them with an opportunity to showcase their work on a grand scale. The third edition of the Kids Film Festival, scheduled for May, invites children of all ages to submit their films and share their artistic vision with a wider audience. This festival serves as a unique platform that fills a gap left by most other film festivals, which predominantly cater to adult creators.
According to Brandon Berman, the festival director, there are limited opportunities for children to exhibit their filmmaking talents in such venues. The festival represents the culmination of the participants' efforts and offers a supportive environment where they can experiment with this art form or refine their existing skills. Students from kindergarten through high school are eligible to enter their creations by the submission deadline of April 14. There are no restrictions regarding themes or genres, but entries must not exceed three minutes in length and should maintain family-friendly content.
The festival will take place on May 10 at 6 p.m. at the Arts Hub, located at 420 Courtney Way. Selected participants will be notified by April 25 if their films have been chosen for the festival. If accepted, these films will be screened on a large theater screen before a live audience. Moreover, the young filmmakers will have the chance to engage with the audience by answering questions about their creative processes.
Kenzie Rosen-Stone, the Artistic Director at the Arts Hub, emphasized the value of allowing children to express themselves freely without constraints. This unrestricted creativity fosters self-confidence and encourages dialogue between generations. It also provides an outlet for children to narrate their own stories authentically. Rosen-Stone highlighted that this experience aids in developing empathy and creativity, traits that contribute to becoming more compassionate individuals.
Berman's involvement stems from his prior experience mentoring college students in filmmaking. Witnessing the transformative impact of creative expression inspired him to extend similar opportunities to younger audiences. He personally appreciates seeing his daughter embrace this challenge, gaining pride in her accomplishments and sharing them with others.
This festival stands out due to the camaraderie among participants and the shared joy experienced by the audience. Both Berman and Rosen-Stone agree that the mutual support and increased confidence gained from presenting work on a larger stage make the Kids Film Festival an exceptional event. For more details, interested parties can visit artshub.org/film-festival-kids.
The Kids Film Festival not only highlights the potential of young filmmakers but also emphasizes the importance of nurturing creativity from an early age. Through this initiative, the Arts Hub continues its mission to inspire and educate the next generation of storytellers, ensuring that they have the tools and encouragement needed to thrive in the world of arts.