Film fanatics will have a chance to catch free screenings of some local artists' own directing and production skills during the Theodore Case Film Festival.

Eileen McHugh, director of the Cayuga Museum, which organized the event, said the festival will highlight the work of students and adults looking to share their creativity. Categories will include dramas, comedies and even PSAs.

“It's named after Theodore Case, an Auburnian who first included sound with films.” McHugh said. “He is the creator of the talking movies. This will celebrate innovation in cinema. We want to encourage young filmmakers to look for ways to express themselves.”

The festival will show 17 films ranging from several seconds to 10 minutes long, McHugh said.

In the teenage categories, some of the films will include 10 to 20 second animations created by local BOCES students, McHugh said. The animations will highlight a word, such as tedious, in a comical manner.

While none of the participants are professionals, McHugh said the festival will give audiences a chance to see artists who may someday become industry leaders.

“You won't see any Academy Award winners here,” McHugh said. “A lot of them are just learning to use the equipment and put a film into action. Who knows what will happen in 20 years. These kids could be winning Academy Awards.”

For many of the artists, whether they are adults or children, the festival will be the first time they share their work with audiences or show it in a real theater.

“This is probably the first time people will see their work on the big screen,” McHugh said. “This will be a big movie screen and not on the computers where they cut and edited their films.”

Nate Robson

253-5311 ext. 248

nathan.robson@lee.net

If you go.

What: Theodore Case Film Festival

When: Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 6

Where: Auburn Public Theater, 108 Genesee St., Auburn

Cost: Free

Info: Call 253-8051