A five-minute movie, surprise prompts and just 24 hours to bring it all together.
Norfolk County Public Library’s Youth Film Challenge and Festival is returning this November, giving high school-aged filmmakers the chance to create a short film and see it screened at the Strand Theatre.
Coordinator Belinda Smith says participants do not need filmmaking experience to take part.
The challenge welcomes aspiring filmmakers and groups of friends simply looking for a creative activity. It is open to high school-aged youth across Norfolk County, approximately ages 14 to 18.
The challenge launches Thursday, November 19, at 6:30 p.m. at the Simcoe Branch.
Participants will receive registration packages and filmmaking tips before learning what they must incorporate into their movies.
From there, participants will develop their ideas, write, shoot and edit their movies before submitting them to the Simcoe Branch by 7 p.m. Friday, November 20.
Smith says those dates were chosen with students’ schedules in mind.
Films can be submitted on a USB stick or SD card, or transferred digitally.
Smith says young filmmakers can use whatever equipment they have available, whether that is a cellphone, tablet or camera.
The challenge involves more than recording footage.
Participants will need to decide how to incorporate the prompts, develop their story or concept, plan how it will look and bring everything together through editing.
There is room to experiment with music, sound effects, visual effects and different storytelling styles.
Smith says past participants have ranged from youth serious about pursuing filmmaking to friends who simply wanted to have fun creating something together.
For many young people, the challenge offers a chance to build on skills they already use.
The experience continues with a free red-carpet screening Monday, November 23, at 7 p.m. at the Strand Theatre.
Participants, their families, friends and community members are invited to watch the completed films on the big screen.
The theatre’s concession stand will be open for purchases, and audience members will vote for the Live Audience Choice Award.
Filmmakers will also have an opportunity to discuss their work and creative process with the audience.
For Smith, seeing something created just days earlier presented in a theatre is part of what makes the event special.
Beyond the screening, she says the challenge can help young people discover opportunities they may not have considered.
Whether participants are considering a filmmaking career or simply trying something new, Smith hopes they leave with new connections, lasting memories and a chance to explore their creativity.
