National 4-H youth film festival returns to Branson, Aug. 4-7

BRANSON, Mo.– Action can turn dreams into success stories, as young filmmakers across the country have discovered at the national youth film festival known as FilmFest 4-H.

“The presenters are all working professionals in the film industry,” said Bradd Anderson, state youth specialist with University of Missouri Extension 4-H and a co-founder of the festival. “If you’re in 4-H and interested in filmmaking, there’s no easier way to meet and learn from professionals with real Hollywood experience.”

The third annual FilmFest 4-H will take place Aug. 4-7 in Branson, Mo. Workshop topics include cinematography, special effects and makeup for films, with a focus on quality filmmaking on a teenager’s budget.

Presenters and additional workshops for FilmFest 4-H 2013 will be announced in the coming weeks.

Last year’s presenters included the editor of the ABC television series “Nashville,” the casting director on “Hannah Montana: The Movie,” and cinematographers whose work appears on National Geographic programs and the Outdoor Channel, among others.

FilmFest 4-H kicks off with a reception and special screening on a six-story-high screen at the Branson IMAX Entertainment Complex. The festival features screenings of youth-produced films and workshops designed to help young filmmakers immediately improve their skills. There are also opportunities to visit one-on-one with the presenters, plus the rare chance to compare filmmaking notes from other 4-H’ers around the country.

Categories for films this year are Narrative, Animation, Documentary, 4-H Promotional and Voices of 4-H History. Prizes are awarded to the top films in each category. Judges are all working members of the film industry.

The deadline for submissions is July 1, 2013.

FilmFest 4-H was created to provide a forum for a growing number of young filmmakers to show their work and learn from working professionals in the film industry.

Branson, home of this national film festival from the beginning, is known as the Live Entertainment Capital of the United States, with more than 100 theaters and 55,000 theater seats. It’s located on Table Rock Lake in the beautiful Ozark Mountains of southwestern Missouri and is annually ranked as one of the top family vacation destinations in America.

For complete information about festival registration and submitting films, visit 4h.missouri.edu/filmfest.