March 16, 2007

Media contact:
Ellen Maremont Silver
Director of Marketing & Communications
(707) 577-7632
esilver[at]sonomacounty.redcross.org

First Ever Young Filmmakers Workshops & Showcase

Santa Rosa—The American Red Cross, Sonoma County Chapter is producing the first of what it plans to be an annual event: the Young Filmmakers Festival to be held on Saturday, April 21, 2007 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. at 5297 Aero Drive, Santa Rosa, the local Red Cross headquarters.

The festival’s purpose is to introduce young people to the Red Cross through creating short films and videos (10 minutes or less in length) that support the Red Cross message.

Films are being invited from children in four age categories: 12 years old and under, 13 through 15 years old, 16 through 18, and 19 through 22. They may live in Sonoma or Mendocino Counties.

The film categories are My Culture/My Town, Red Cross, Volunteerism, and A Problem/My Solution. Judges will be looking for the best message, best communication of a message, most creative, and best use of time. DVDs and VHS movies will be accepted.

Entry forms and information are available on the local Red Cross web site, sonomacounty.redcross.org or by calling Maggie O’Brien, Director of Volunteer and Youth Services, 577-7604.

The festival has included two free film workshops led by Mike Harkins, a local filmmaker and Red Cross volunteer, who has provided guidance on film and editing techniques. The workshops were scheduled for March 9 and this weekend, on March 17, from noon to 4 PM. RSVPs for the workshop and festival should go to O’Brien.

A committee of young volunteers has worked with O’Brien to make the event a success, encouraging entries in styles such as comedy, drama and animation, reaching out to the schools and youth organizations.

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