The Teen Film Fest capitalizes on the trend of affordable, ubiquitous digital filmmaking tools and filmmaking’s popularity with teens. Never before has there been such access to filmmaking tools (even iPhones have video cameras!) and teens love to tell their stories with movies. Additionally, with educational curricula assigning group projects immersed in different digital media, more teens are experimenting with filmmaking and our library seizes the opportunity to support our schools as we provide additional technology instruction, essential resources (like our digital studios and equipment), and a platform (the actual Teen Film Fest) to deliver the films to a sizable audience.

The library leverages staff expertise with classes on all elements of filmmaking, provides technology-rich resources such as our circulating movie equipment, and access to our digital media studios enabling teens to make their movies. We partner with vital community members and organizations for success. Chicago Film Critics Association president Dann Gire has served as a judge for several years and gives direct feedback to teens. Another key partner is the Metropolis Performance Arts Theater, which has provided its 330+ seat theater for the event. Finally, the library’s own Teen Advisory Board plays a part in facilitating the event.

The Teen Film Fest achieves three important outcomes: it increases and expands digital media skills in our teens, creates opportunities to celebrate teens as creators, and enhances the library’s influence in the community through targeted partnerships. The Film Fest has increased the average number of films submitted to over 40 films each year for the last three years; attracted, on average, 225 attendees to the fest which showcases these creative films; and establishes important community partnerships with the Metropolis Performing Arts Theater, High School District 214, and the Village of Arlington Heights Arts and Youth Commissions.