The first thing you should know about this Saturday’s (May 14) Westport Youth Film Festival is that it’s in Fairfield.
The 2nd is that the day-long schedule — filled with local and international films, panels, workshops, music, awards and an after-party — make it well worth your while to head east, and spend at least part of a spring Saturday indoors.
Action begins at 10 a.m. Alternative band Move Out West plays in front of the Fairfield Community Theatre. Simultaneously and around the corner, Las Vetas Lounge hosts a meet-‘n’-greet.
Film screenings — including comedy, drama, animation, experimental, documentary and music video — begin at 11 a.m. at the Fairfield Community Theatre. They continue until 6 p.m.
Two of the films are by Staples students: Matt Lindahl and Alanna Morton.
Panels include “WYFF and the Reel World” (WYFF filmmakers and alumni discuss their experiences in the field), and “My Big Break,” with Westport’s Golden Globe-nominated actress Cynthia Gibb; TV director David Straiton (“House, Dawson’s Creek”), and executive producer Mike Hausman (“Gangs of New York,” “Brokeback Mountain,” “Amadeus”).
The teenagers behind WYFF
Instructional workshops — new this year — feature “How to Make a Viral Video” (taught by NYU’s Ann Lupo; $20), and “Scratch! Paint! Dye!” (16mm hand-painted animation, with Emerson Film School alum Sean Hanley; $25).
Emmy–nominated filmmaker Alexandra Pelosi will host the last panel of the day, “Filmmaking on the Campaign Trail.” She’ll share her experience making political documentaries like “Journeys with George” (5:30-7 p.m., Fairfield Community Theatre).
At 7 p.m., WYFF Award-winning youth filmmakers will receive Tiffany crystal awards and cash prizes of up to $500. Afterwards (8-9 p.m., Fairfield Arts Center), artistes and attendees celebrate at the after-party.
When directors film a scene, they yell “Action!” The young organizers of the Westport Youth Film Festival have taken that command to heart.
(Click here for full details of the day, including schedules, directions and ticket sales.)
Lots of action in Fairfield Center this morning! Bands playing and crowds forming. Looks to be a great event. Now if Westport Had its movie houses (5 of them in the 80’s!), This event would be held in Westport. Can anyone name the locations of all five of them? If yes, give me location and theater name….
Fine Arts I (and later II): now Restoration Hardware. Fine Arts III: around the back (now Matsu Sushi). Fine Arts IV: around the corner from what was then Baskin-Robbins (now a maternity shop or furniture place). Post Plaza Cinema: up the Post Road to Fairfield, near Angelina’s (now Pompanoosuc Mills).
How’d I do?
Perfection Dan!!