Deadline approaching for Elk Grove film festival entries

The deadline for submitting to the 2017 CinéStudent Film Festival is Monday, Feb. 20.

Now in its third year, the CinéStudent Film Festival, hosted by Elk Grove High School, has attracted filmmakers from around the world.

"So far, we have received submissions from not just the Chicago area or the United States," said Bruce Janu, the festival director and sponsor of the Elk Grove Film Club, "But we have also received submissions from Portugal, Greece, Canada, Mexico and Australia."

In the past, the festival was mainly used by District 214 students. This year, the festival is using an online submission platform called Filmfreeway.com, which has increased the event's exposure beyond the Chicago area.

Because the definition of "high school" varies from country to country, the CinéStudent Film Festival has altered its rules to include a requirement that entrants be younger than 18.

"I think we are going to have to add a new category of 'Best Foreign Film' to the awards this year," said Janu.

Currently, the festival gives monetary and prize awards for Best Film, Best Cinematography, Best Narrative Film, Best Documentary and Best Performance. Last year, the awards given to young filmmakers totaled more than $1,000.

The CinéStudent Film Festival seeks to showcase talent among students currently enrolled in high school. The festival is accepting films made by young filmmakers. The films could be of any genre, but need to be under 10 minutes in length.

The festival, sponsored by the Elk Grove Village Soccer Club, will be held at Elk Grove High School, 500 W. Elk Grove Blvd., Friday, March 17, with a screening of the entries, a red carpet event and awards presentation.

More information can be found at cinestudentfilmfest.org.