World Arts Film Festival – unique visual voices on film

Event: World Arts Film Festival

Venue: Main Library and downtown Jacksonville

Date/Time: Oct 15-17

Tickets: $10-$125

Contact: www.worldartsfilmfestival.org

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First-time and established filmmakers are invited to showcase their talents at the 3rd annual World Arts Film Festival October 15-17 in downtown Jacksonville. The three-day event features short film screenings, panels, workshops, and exhibits and is headquartered at The Conference Center at the Main Library.

The festival will bring diverse groups of filmmakers of all ages and backgrounds with an emphasis on those with special needs to meet and mentor each other and their audiences.

Individuals with special needs such as dyslexia and Autism Spectrum Disorder will share their work and the impact that film has on their lives and families. Docents will be on hand to support attendees.

“Dedicated to a global message of communication through the arts and education, the film festival is inclusive, open to all ages and all abilities,” says festival director Karen Douglass Sadler. “We want to truly elevate the unique visual ‘voices’ of all film artists and how they see, hear, feel, and touch the world. Industry guests will be here to share their experiences with attendees. We also have hands-on workshops with artists from New York, Canada, and Japan.”

Among the special guests slated to appear at the festival is producer Michael Hausman, who will speak Oct 16 at the main theatre. Hausman produced such feature films such as Gangs of New York, directed by Martin Scorsese, and Brokeback Mountain, directed by Ang Lee.

Films that will be screened in such categories as narrative, documentary, animation, experimental, student, and new media, including music video, public service, and mobile films. Entries must be no longer than 20 minutes. Visit www.worldartsfilmfestival.org for information and descriptions of each category.

“The festival recognizes top films and the talents that create them, providing a showcase of quality work and a venue for exploring the artistic process,” Sadler says. “In addition, our focus on education and inclusive programming helps to raise awareness of the growing opportunities for creative individuals with differing abilities.” Sadler’s organization leads film mentoring programs and filmmaking residencies with opportunities for the students’ films to be featured at the festival. School field trips are available with a standards-based packet for teachers to expand the learning experience into classroom discussions and workshops.

Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are available. Inquiries can be directed to Sadler at director@worldartsfilmfestival.org. Tickets are on sale at worldartsfilmfestival2015.eventbrite.com.