Award-winning entertainer Daryl Nitz hosts 16th annual Elgin Short Film Festival Oct. 5
The Elgin Short Film Festival will celebrate its 16th year at the Hemmens Cultural Center on Saturday, Oct. 5, with live in-theater and at-home virtual screenings.
The film festival has drawn film entries from around the world making this an impressive event that has entertained film lovers since 2009.
After Dark Award-winning entertainer Daryl Nitz, delighting audiences for years with his musical antics and celebrity impressions, will bring his “supper club era” comedic talents as master of ceremonies to present this year’s finalists.
Winners will be selected by a panel of celebrity judges, and audience members will cast their votes for their favorite film. The audience vote has had an impact on who has won in previous years. In other words, your vote does count! Awards and monetary prizes will be presented to the top three films.
Festival highlights
• The top six films (20 minutes or less) will be shown in the intimate 1,200-seat theater of the Hemmens Cultural Center. The evening kicks off at 6 p.m. with the filmmakers and judges walking the red carpet and giving interviews before entering the Hemmens. The film screening starts at 7 p.m.
• In-theater and at-home virtual screening tickets available - watch at home or come out and join them for all the excitement!
• A special People’s Choice award will be presented based solely on in-person audience votes.
• Awards and prizes will go to the top three films.
The red carpet reception starts at 6 p.m. with the film screenings starting at 7 p.m.
Tickets to the Elgin Short Film Festival (including the red carpet reception) are $10 and may be purchased at the Hemmens box office, online at www.hemmens.org or by phone at (847) 931-5900.
Attendees may watch the festival from home again this year! Contact the box office for virtual screening tickets.
MPAA-R rated films permitted. Those age 17 or younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
For regular updates, visit facebook.com/hemmens or hemmens.org/annualfilmfestival.
The Hemmens Cultural Center, located at the corner of Symphony Way and North Grove Avenue in Elgin, is easily accessible from I-90. Parking is free.