Independent film festivals returning to Naperville

Independent filmmakers once again will have a chance to show off their work this year in Naperville.

This time around the rest of the world will have an eye toward the festival as well, with films available for viewing and judging online.

"We're thrilled to do this again," said co-founder Glessna Coisson of Naperville. "We want to make it better and better and better every year. This year is going to be phenomenal."

Starting next week, filmmakers will be able to submit their work to the Naperville Independent Film Festival that will run from Sept. 19 to 26.

Coisson and her husband Edmond, both filmmakers, founded the festival last year with Gary Pradel, whose nonprofit Arthur Ray Foundation presents the event.

Organizers were pleased with the first year of the festival that featured 107 films along with workshops, panel discussions with filmmakers and a Family Matinee Day. They are, however, making a few tweaks to the sequel.

For starters, instead of being spread out at a variety of venues, they hope to have just one or two.

Filmmakers also will have the option of submitting their work to the festival's Web site, providing them with even more exposure.

"The whole idea behind a film festival is to get exposure and recognition for these young filmmakers and get distributors or studios or stars interested in their talents and give them the opportunity to expand into the industry," said Vito Cavallo, marketing chairman for the event.

Fans not only will be able to view the films online during the festival, but for 99 cents, they can vote on their favorite. Voting also comes with an added bonus - the chance to win a cash prize.

A panel of judges will have the final say in handing out filmmaking awards, but will take the online vote into consideration.

Film submissions begin next week through withoutabox.com and will be due in mid-June.

Organizers also are working with Loaves and Fishes Community Pantry this year and plan to hold a raffle during the festival that will raise money for the pantry. They also are looking for sponsors to help with some of the costs of putting on the event.

Cavallo hopes the festival will become one of the city's signature events along with the Exchange Club's Ribfest and Jaycees' Last Fling.

"I believe this can be a nice addition to that group and bring a lot of ... visitors into Naperville who will come in to participate and view and see things maybe they don't normally see," he said. "Everyone knows Sundance Film Festival and Cannes Film Festival ... and Naperville deserves to have one that will put the spotlight on us."

For more information on submitting a film, visit naperfilmfest.org. Interested sponsors can call Cavallo at (630) 925-1800.