Get Ready for Some Scary Good Student Film-Making

The Student Horror Film Festival has been scaring audiences with some of the best student horror films from schools throughout the Lehigh Valley for the past seven years and this year returns to once again frighten and terrify on Sunday, Oct. 27 at Emmaus Theatre.

Student filmmakers in middle school and high school were invited to a free, kickoff “how-to” class with industry professionals on Oct. 10. During the kick-off event, participants were provided filmmaking tips and techniques and given the theme and genre for the festival. 

Students were then given 96 hours to conceptualize, shoot, edit and produce a 6-minute (maximum length) film. Submissions were judged and selected films will be screened at the 8th Annual Student Horror Film Festival on Sunday at 2 p.m. following an awards ceremony. Tickets are $3 at the door. (PG – Parental Guidance Suggested. Some material my not be suitable for young children.)

Sponsored by the Emmaus Arts Commission, the Student Horror Film Festival each year is organized as a school or team competition. Winners will receive cash and prizes.

All films were judged on set criteria by an independent panel of professionals in the film industry -- effective use of required material; storytelling ability; quality of acting, editing and film direction; creativity and originality. 

In addition to the screening on Sunday, winning films will also displayed on the Emmaus Arts Commission website and YouTube site. 

Previous Film Festival winners include Orefield Middle School, Bethlehem Area Vo-Tech, Lower Macungie Middle School, Salisbury Middle School, Emmaus High School, and North Pocono High School.

For more information, visit www.emmausarts.org

-- Contributed by Teri Sorg-McManamon of the Emmaus Arts Commission