Screen gems: Talented youths show their films at Schaumburg festival

"Out of the mouths of babes," could be a great subtitle for the village of Schaumburg's Screen Test Student Fest. It was through a suggestion by a then-seventh-grader that the festival came to fruition.

"The village manager received an e-mail from a seventh-grade student saying Schaumburg is such a festive town, we should have a student festival," said Rob Pileckis, the event coordinator.

"The Prairie Center for the Arts covers all art, including film. So, we thought it would be good programming for the community and an opportunity for students to show their work."

More Coverage Video Dann Gire interviews Trace Gaynor and Stephen Sotor "Peace" Dann Gire interviews Raag Harshavat "The Race"

Last year, eight films were shown at the festival. This year, the screening will feature 10 films from students from the West to the Northwest suburbs who responded to the village's solicitation campaign.

"These are real mavericks who went on to find their own resources, casts and locations and put the project together," said Pileckis.

"We had 22 submissions. Five judges, who rated on a point system, brought the (number of) finalists down to 10. That was no easy task, because all the films had some merit to them."

Pileckis is expecting about 200 to attend the affair, which should run about two hours. Filmmakers will introduce their films, and respond to questions after the film runs.

Participants, most of whom used digital and other types of home video cameras, had very few rules to follow. They needed to be fifth- to 12th-graders and submit in the categories of comedy, drama, experimental and non-fiction.

Allison Haeussler chose comedy for her genre and titled her film "Crazy."

"It's a comedy/music video takeoff on Britney Spears' song and the media events between her and Kevin Federline," said the senior at Bartlett High School.

"I'm dressed like Britney Spears and my friend is dressed like Kevin Federline. We sing and dance and make it funny."

Haeussler, who plans to attend San Diego State University in the fall, wrote and directed the film. She entered the contest for specific reasons.

"I'm an aspiring director and thought this would be a good jump-start, and a way I could get my feet wet," she said. "And, I'll like to see people's reaction to the film. That's the thrill for me."

Raag Harshavat, a senior at Hoffman Estates High School, also looks to the reaction of viewers.

"I find film for communication is more powerful than other types," he said. "In two hours, a film can change a person's perspective on life."

Harshavat became a finalist with "The Race," the same film he wrote and directed as a portfolio piece for New York University.

He describes the film this way: "There are three runners, whose stories intercut as they prepare for a race," said Harshavat.

"However, the race is never shown in the film. It is merely the race to prepare that becomes the true story."

Screen Test Student Fest, which takes place at the Prairie Center for the Arts at 7:30 p.m. this Friday, is presented by the village of Schaumburg. The program is partially sponsored by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, as well as other agencies, who contribute the $900 in award monies.

As for that seventh-grader who inspired Screen Test Student Fest -- Jay Flynn? He is now a sophomore in high school and acts as one of the festival judges.

He also holds the honor of establishing "Sundance," Schaumburg-style!

If you go

Screen Test Student Fest, presented by the village of Schaumburg

7:30 p.m. Friday

Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg

$5 ($4 students and seniors)

Order tickets by calling 847-895-3600, online at www.prairiecenter.org or at the door

Call: (847) 895-3600

Festival finalists

bull; "Of King and Man," comedy, Jon Richardson, freshman from Algonquin

bull; "The Road," experimental, Katie Matz, senior from Hanover Park

bull; "The Race," drama, Raag Harshavat, senior from Schaumburg

bull; "King III: The Fellowship of the Kings," comedy, Ben Richardson, sophomore, and Jon Richardson, freshman, both from Algonquin

bull; "Peace," non-fiction, Stephen Sotor and Trace Gaynor, sophomores from Elmhurst

bull; "Crazy," comedy, Allison Haeussler, senior from Bartlett

bull; "An Odd Package," experimental, Matt Lethert and Jose Barrera, seniors from Hanover Park

bull; "Mr. Moustache," comedy and "Clap Hands," experimental, Emma Horner, junior from Bartlett

bull; "Cold Reflections," drama, Dane Shubert, junior from Chicago