For the first time, Film It West Covina annual student film festival has opened short-film submissions to students ages 5 to 21 throughout the San Gabriel Valley.
For the festival’s fifth iteration, this year’s theme — Dreams — challenges young filmmakers to share their imaginations on the big screen with a chance to win cash awards.
“I’ve always been passionate for the arts,” said Film It Board Member Stephany Barbosa. “This was just kind of a way to try to give back to the community.”
As a lifelong resident of the San Gabriel Valley, Barbosa noted the dwindling arts programs in the area. This inspired her to volunteer with Film It’s board of directors after West Covina Council Member Letty Viado-Lopez advocated for the program.
This festival is primarily student run, so Film It West Covina also offers internship opportunities with the project for students looking for hands on work in the industry.
Opportunities in 2023, include musical performances, graphic design, video editing, photography, filming, marketing, social media, event planning, emcee, presenters, I.T., sound tech and festival tech.
“We try to have the students connect and network with not only industry experts, but also with schools,” said Barbosa. “So any film school that we’ve reached out to that is available to come that day, will come out and help the students get connected and network with them, so they have a better idea of the industry and how to get there.”
Film submittions will be judged on theme, cinematography and editing. The finalists will premiere during the Aug. 18 festival. Beside individual prizes, the school with the most film submissions also receive a cash prize to use toward bolstering curriculum.
July 1 is the final day to submit a short film, and can be received via email to filmitwcsubmission@gmail.com or through www.filmitwestcovina.com.
To sponsor the film festival, visit www.filmitwestcovina.com/sponsor-2023-festival.
