Students Become VIPs at CineYouth Festival

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Danielle Garnier
pressoffice@chicagofilmfestival.com

CHICAGO AND SUBURBAN STUDENTS BECOME VIPS AND FILMMAKERS AT THIS YEARS CINEYOUTH FILM FESTIVAL MAY 5-7th

Film festival supports next generation of filmmakers with red carpet and ‘world premieres’, gives public students the opportunity to make their own movie

(Chicago, IL)  April 18, 2016 – Chicago/Cinema, the presenting organization of the The Chicago International Film Festival’s 12^th annual CineYouth Festival gives students ages 22 and under from the Chicagoland area a chance to shine on May 5-7^th, 2016 at Columbia College (1104 S. Wabash 8^th Floor).

Just like the directors who attend the Chicago International Film Festival every fall, students this spring receive a similar VIP treatment at CineYouth. Not only do they see “Chicago premieres” of over 75 films, they get to walk and take pictures on the red carpet and participate in the awards competition. The winners will have their film on the ‘bigger’ screen at this year’s 52^nd Chicago International Film Festival, October 13-27^th

“We are so excited to present this amazing lineup of films,” says CineYouth Festival Director and Chicago International Film Festival Education Director Rebecca Fons. “Welcoming titles from as far away as Russia and the Netherlands to so many terrific locally made films that we are presenting two full programs of Chicagoland titles, audiences will be truly amazed at the talent and creativity of these young filmmakers.”

Any Chicagoland parent whose child’s film is not in the Festival still has a chance to be part of the ‘action.’ On Saturday, May 7^th, students age 7 to 22 years old can participate in the CineYouth Film Challenge, where participants will work in small groups to create, film and edit short films in one day.  Finished Challenge films will screen that evening at the CineYouth awards ceremony. All professional filming equipment is supplied by Columbia College – no experience required and it’s all free. Sign up here http://www.chicagofilmfestival.com/cineyouth/film-challenge/

Any other family can attend the Festival and walk the red carpet and take pictures too! The Festival is free and open to the public of all ages from Thursday the 5^th to Saturday the 7th. More information on the films and events can be found here http://www.chicagofilmfestival.com/cineyouth/schedule-and-films/

Bloomberg Philanthropies supports environmental, educational, arts and cultural, and health-related causes where the greatest good can be achieved. “Bloomberg and CineYouth are natural partners,” states Flynn McRoberts, Chicago Bureau Chief of Bloomberg News. “We’re both rooted in the community and at the same time have a global vision and a deep commitment to elevating our collective culture.”

CineYouth is the only festival in Chicago that is designed to showcase films created by young filmmakers from around the world and outside of a traditional school program.  With the 79 short films accepted this year, CineYouth presents hour-long programs of official selections. This year’s Festival will screen 11 one-hour programs, including Kid Tested, Parent Approved (Saturday, May 7 at 11AM), presenting fun films appropriate for the whole family; Freaky Friday (Friday, May 6 at 7PM), and hour of scary thrillers; Reel Women (Saturday, May 7 at 12PM), a program of films made by female filmmakers and two programs of locally made films:  Locally Sourced (Friday, May 6 at 6PM) and Check Your Local Listings (Saturday, May 7 at 5PM).

Columbia College Chicago, a leader in arts and media education, and home to one of the world’s most innovative film schools, is pleased to continue its support for Cinema/Chicago’s CineYouth in 2016.:  “Our two organizations share a deep commitment to the empowerment of young people through the screen arts, and are longstanding partners in promoting the Midwest as a center for media creativity and entrepreneurship,” states Bruce Sheridan, Professor and Chair, Cinema Art+Science.