Elgin Short Film Festival returns, with in-person and virtual screenings

  • Jenni Kempf of Algonquin crosses the Wisconsin state line and into McHenry County on Sept. 12, 2022. Kempf paddled, at times with others, the entire 202-mile Fox River in 10 days. The trip is highlighted in a short film, "Watershed Warriors," which will be shown at the Elgin Short Film Festival.

    Jenni Kempf of Algonquin crosses the Wisconsin state line and into McHenry County on Sept. 12, 2022. Kempf paddled, at times with others, the entire 202-mile Fox River in 10 days. The trip is highlighted in a short film, "Watershed Warriors," which will be shown at the Elgin Short Film Festival. Courtesy of Jenni Kempf

  • Daryl Nitz will bring his "supper club era" comedic talents as master of ceremonies to present this year's finalists at the Elgin Short Film Festival.

    Daryl Nitz will bring his "supper club era" comedic talents as master of ceremonies to present this year's finalists at the Elgin Short Film Festival. Courtesy of The Hemmens

 
 
Posted9/20/2023 12:59 PM

The Elgin Short Film Festival will celebrate its 15th year at The Hemmens Cultural Center on Saturday, Sept. 23, with live in-theatre and at-home virtual screenings. The ESFF has drawn film entries from around the world making this an impressive event that has entertained film lovers since 2009.

Daryl Nitz, who is known for 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-theatre and at-home virtual screening tickets available -- watch at home or join in person 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.

Tickets to the Elgin Short Film Festival (including the Red Carpet Reception) are $10 reserved seating and may be purchased at The Hemmens Box Office, online at www.hemmens.org or by phone at (847) 931-5900.

by signing up you agree to our terms of service
                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
 

Virtual screening tickets will be available online at www.hemmens.org.

MPAA-R rated films are permitted. Attendees age 17 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Follow the festival on Facebook at Elgin Short Film Festival, facebook.com/hemmens or visit the website at hemmens.org/annualfilmfestival.

The Hemmens Cultural Center is at 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Parking is free.

Go to comments: 0 posted
                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
 

Get articles sent to your inbox.

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.