Entries sought for Elgin's first film festival

The city of Elgin will host its first "Elgin Short Film Festival," on Saturday, Sept. 26 at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way in Elgin. The festival provides an opportunity for area filmmakers to showcase their talents while competing for cash prizes.

Presented by the Hemmens Cultural Center and the city of Elgin, the event is sponsored in part by the Palmer Foundation, the Cultural Arts Commission and Beaux Arts.

The competition is open to anyone over the age of 18, and to all levels of expertise and experience. The application fee is $40 per entrant and films must be no more than 20 minutes in length. Films will be reviewed by a panel of judges who will select the top five, which will be presented to the public on the evening of Sept. 26.

First-place prize is $1,000; second prize is $500 and third prize is $300. In addition, a special "Hattie Hemmens Award" of $500 will recognize the film that best portrays the city of Elgin.

Applications and the complete list of rules for the Elgin Short Film Festival will be available beginning Monday, June 1, online at www.hemmen.org or at the following locations: Hemmens Box Office, 45 Symphony Way; Elgin City Hall, 150 Dexter Court; and The Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way.

Applications can also be requested by e-mail at elginshortfilmfest@cityofelgin.org or by calling (847) 697-3616. Films must be received by Sept. 1.