Calling all local filmmakers, dramatic producers, content creators and social media influencers.
The Buster Keaton Festival is offering a film competition this year, awarding prizes for the best short film — and by short, expect a runtime of between 3 to 6 minutes.
The contest kicks off Friday with an event from 7 to 8 pm. at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center and an online version. Registration is required, with a $50 fee.
Completed films must be submitted by Sept. 16.
“This is a chance for our community, and especially young people here, to take a whack at making a movie,” Dan Kays, executive director of the Bowlus Fine Arts Center, said.
“Everyone is making movies these days. They’re just 30-second TikTok videos. So maybe take that and expand it.”
The film contest is inspired by the works of movie icons Buster Keaton and Gene Kelly. Both Keaton and Kelly were pioneers whose creative camera work, stunts and vision paved the way for decades of filmmakers.
The contest offers two categories. There’s a silent film division (think: Buster) and a music and dance division (Kelly).
“Both Gene Kelly and Buster were so innovative,” Kays said. “But young people today are also very creative, and with the types of editing and technology we have now, you can really do some fun things.”
For example: Perhaps a filmmaker wants to use a drone. Cameras are much more flexible than they were in Keaton’s day. A simple cell phone camera is more than sufficient.
“Anybody can get out there and have fun with it,” Kays said.
THE RULES will be kept to a minimum in order to allow filmmakers as much creativity as possible.
But there are legal considerations, such as copyright and licensing issues.
All work should be original, and should be family-friendly. That means watch the language and avoid nudity, drugs and violence.
Other requirements will be announced at Friday’s kick-off event. That’s why registration and participation is required.
For those who miss Friday’s event, you can still register and watch a recording of the kickoff announcement.
You can register as an individual or a team.
Any participant younger than 16 must have a signed agreement from a parent or guardian.
Films will be viewed during the Sept. 24-25 Buster Celebration. The winning entry will be announced late afternoon on Sept. 25
THIS year’s Keaton festival will offer a few new activities, Kays said.
In addition to the film contest, downtown businesses will be asked to decorate store windows. A scavenger hunt is also in the works.
For more information, go to the Bowlus website at bowluscenter.org and find the link for the 2022 Keaton Film Competition. Click that link to register.
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