Teen Film Fest a terrific collaboration
Our economic climate is creating an opportune time for community event planners to think creatively, partner, and share resources. A case in point drew more than 310 people to the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre on Aug. 5 to celebrate the creativity of teen filmmakers.
The sixth annual Teen Film Fest was a special day for the 27 teens competing with their original films at a red-carpet screening event for their families, friends and local arts supporters.
By partnering with Metropolis and the Arlington Heights Arts Commission, the Arlington Heights Library’s Teen Film Fest moved out of the library for the first time with its perennial event host, film critic Dann Gire, and broadened the event’s focus.
This collaboration created a community celebration to inspire budding filmmakers with professional judging, cash awards and swag bags thanks to the generosity of 20 local business and community leaders.
Special guests were 40 middle school-age kids from Arlington Park’s backstretch, who traveled on a bus funded by the Friends of the Library to enjoy a cultural arts experience right in their own backyard.
Congratulations to all the creative-thinking partners on the Teen Film Fest Committee, which was chaired by Debbie Smart, Arts Commission member and library trustee. You are all a cause for our community’s applause!
Deb Whisler
Arlington Heights Memorial Library