Deadline Nears for L.A. Student FIlm Contest

With just days before the Jan. 16 deadline to submit films for the third annual Los Angeles Student Media Festival, officials called on students to finalize projects to ensure they are able to participate in the only film festival solely for Los Angeles County high school students.

The LASMF is looking for original pieces created by high school students that do not exceed seven minutes in length. Student work in the animation, comedy, commercial, drama or documentary / PSA category may be submitted. The deadline for submissions is Jan. 16 and the festival is slated for March 30, at the El Portal Theatre in the NoHo Arts District.

“This is an amazing opportunity for all high school students in Southern California who’ve dreamed of seeing their name in lights,” said Councilmember Paul Krekorian, who created the festival. “Any student with a creative vision and a camera is encouraged to participate and compete with student filmmakers from every part of Los Angeles County for great prizes and a chance to show off your talents in the moviemaking capital of the world.”

This year, the festival will offer each of its winning films a $500 scholarship sponsored by the Jack Oakie and Victoria Horne Oakie Charitable Foundation. The film that is chosen for the “Best of Show” award will receive an additional $500 scholarship. Winning filmmakers will also be treated to a special lunch hosted in their honor at CBS Studio Center with Studio President Michael L. Klausman.

Winning students will also receive an official commemoration from the city of Los Angeles for their work.

Last year, the LASMF received nearly 300 submission with the final 32 works screened at the historic El Portal Theatre at which the winners were announced. For a complete list of guidelines and more details on how to apply, please see lasmf.lacity.org or call festival coordinator Hrag Yedalian (818) 207-5724.