A dozen filmmakers between the ages of 14 to 22 will showcase their short films during the MPLOY Youth Film Festival at the Hattiloo Theater on Saturday (July 6).
Hosted by the City of Memphis’ MPLOY Youth Summer Experience Program and CLOUD901, the film festival is set for 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at the Hattiloo Theater, 37 Cooper Street. The event is free to the public, with tickets available at Eventbrite https://mployfilms2019.eventbrite.com.
The MPLOY Youth Film Festival was created as a platform for young filmmakers to create and produce films that address social issues — such as immigration, foster care, homelessness, race relations, cyber bullying and social justice — that impact local or global communities.
The short film categories are comedy, documentary and independent.
The MPLOY Youth Summer Experience (MPLOY) is a locally funded initiative administered by the Memphis Office of Youth Services. In conjunction with local business partners, it provides Memphis youth ages 14 to 22 with summer employment experiences.
This year’s judging committee for the film festival featured Gebre Waddell, chief executive officer and co-founder of Sound Credit (Soundways); Lynn Sitler, Memphis and Shelby County film commissioner; Carlee McCullough, entertainment attorney; Chrysti CHandler, founder of Young Actors Guild Theater and Dance Company; Matteo Servent, film director; Jamey Hatley, writer/filmmaker; and LaDell Beamon, writer/filmmaker.
