Almost a century ago, some of the first movies with sound were made in Auburn. This weekend, that tradition will continue.

The Theodore Case Film Festival, named after the Auburn resident who helped pioneer a system to put sound on film, will hold a public screening Saturday of its finalists' work.

The festival has been around for the past five years, taking film submissions from youth and adult movie makers around central New York. This year's event features 18 movies - nine each from youth and adults. Each movie is no longer than 10 minutes.

This year's festival spans a variety of genres, according to Eileen McHugh, director of the Cayuga Museum, which sponsors the event. There is a drama about two sisters who fear their father, a documentary about growing up in post-war Germany and a catchy music video, McHugh said.

“Any type of artist wants people to see their work,” she said. “This is giving these artists an opportunity to have their work seen by the public.”

This year's festival will also give people an opportunity to see Auburn's newest destination for movie fans. The Auburn Public Theater recently finished work on its small movie theater, and these will be the first movies screened at the location.

Joe Librandi-Cowan, 17, knows a little bit about movies and the Theodore Case Film Festival. When he was in eighth and ninth grades, the Auburn High School junior worked on horror films that won viewer's choice.

Now, he is on the committee and does technical work for the event.

Librandi-Cowan still has an interest in film, and last year made a number of music videos for local bands. He said being involved in the festival encouraged him to pursue his interest further.

“It was the extra push,” Librandi-Cowan said. “It was nice to know there were people behind you, who were not your age, and who appreciated what you did.”

He added that he is excited about the new movie theater in town.

“I think it is really cool to have something I am involved in be what's opening it up,” he said.

Fleming resident Kevin Losani has two movies in this year's festival. His submissions include an outlandish musical that spoofs Broadway cliches and a modern-day interpretation of William Seward's purchase of Alaska.

Losani, 23, has been making movies and music since he was a teenager, and he is currently working on a pilot for an animated television show. While he would be pursuing creative endeavors regardless of such events, film festivals like this help motivate him to put together quality work, Losani said.

“You can get a little recognition for what you do. Otherwise, you just put something on YouTube and that's that,” he said. “And you are able to network with others in the area who have the same interests.”

McHugh said validating the work of local filmmakers is an important aspect of the film festival. And at the same time, it can continue the legacy of its innovative namesake, she said.

“It does raise the profile of Theodore Case,” McHugh said. “He was an innovator, and we want to let his legacy grow.”

Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net