Teen Film Festival
Los Angeles Public Library, Calif.
Education - Children & Adults
| 2020
Innovation Synopsis
The Teens of LA Film Fest, produced by the Los Angeles Public Library and the Library Foundation of Los Angeles, provides digital filmmaking resources and an opportunity for youth ages 11-18 to submit their short films to a film festival at no cost. Judges include film industry professionals, providing invaluable feedback to young filmmakers.
Challenge/Opportunity
- Increasing teen engagement
- Developing partnerships/relationships with local institutions (Academy Museum of Motion Pictures) and industry professionals (judges)
- Providing constructive feedback to teens who are passionate about filmmaking
- Encouraging teens to explore library resources related to filmmaking, including the Octavia Lab makerspace
- Creating an opportunity for teens to enter a film festival at no cost with a trusted institution, especially young filmmakers with no prior festival experience
Key Elements of Innovation
- First film festival in 2019
- Teens invited to enter a short film, experimental film, documentary, PSA or book trailer
- Links to digital filmmaking resources at the library
- Committee of library staff uses rubric for first round scoring
- Top three films in each category judged by industry professionals who select winners
- Public screening of top three films in each category, with winners announced and prizes awarded; transitioned to virtual event in 2020
- Audience Favorite award added in 2020
Achieved Outcomes
- Measured the number of film submissions
- Measured public engagement, event attendance, Audience Favorite votes
- Partnered with Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, who provided prizes and promotion in their newsletter
- Garnered positive feedback from filmmakers and parents
- Appreciation expressed for free submission policy
- Appreciation for opportunity to receive constructive feedback from industry professionals
- Positioned the library as a contributor to creative arts in the community
