The Lehigh Valley’s preeminent student film festival is now open for registration.
The Emmaus Student Film Fest, now in its 18th year and presented by the Emmaus Arts Commission, opened up its registration on Thursday for teams of middle- and high-school students of the greater Lehigh Valley to create their own original short film. The annual festival, in its third year under Festival Director Steve Cameron, provides students with a unique creative opportunity that culminates in an Oscars-style red carpet and awards ceremony on Nov. 11 at the Emmaus Theatre.
Registration for the festival closes on Oct. 14, the same day the festival will host a kick-off party at Back to the Arcade at Allentown’s South Mall, according to a release from the festival.
At the kick-off party, teams will receive their directions for their four-to-seven-minute short films, which include an assigned genre, a required prop and a required phrase. Last year’s prop was a helmet, and the phrase was “oh wait...we have to stop for cheesecake,” and there’s simply no telling what those requirements will be this year.
Cameron, a veteran of the production side of the industry, drew inspiration for the design of the festival from the 48 Hour Film Project competition series.
Teams will have eight days to make their film with a submission deadline of Oct. 22. A jury of industry professionals will watch each film and announce their nominations for various awards on Nov. 4.
The film festival will provide teams with equipment access and support from film and television professionals. While festival participation in the past has been predominantly Lehigh County students, the festival is open to students from Northampton County, Carbon County and Warren County, New Jersey, as well.
Cameron, in only his second year in a non-virtual format and with a new team dedicated solely to the festival, said he plans to fine-tune every aspect of the festival this year, from the kick-off party to the awards ceremony.
More information about the festival can be found on the fest’s new website, EmmausFilm.org.
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Connor Lagore may be reached at clagore@njadvancemedia.com.