The Lantern

Issue date: 5/5/08 Section: Arts

Forget about spending $9 to see a typical Hollywood flick, eat overpriced Reese's Cups and sit through 30 minutes of previews.

Saturday, Ohio residents will showcase their short films at the Wexner Center. Featuring a youth and adult division, the 13th annual Short Film and Video Showcase will give independent film artists the opportunity to show their work using some of the best projection and sound equipment available.

"It's annually one of the most popular events at the Wexner Center," said media relations coordinator Erik Pepple. "It gives the center itself the chance to shed light on Ohio artists."

Submissions were requested in January in various formats throughout the state. There were no requirements other than the creator be a resident of Ohio and the film be less than 20 minutes. The entries were then viewed by Jennifer Lange and Chris Stults, film curators at the Wexner, and Tim Lanza, the curator of the Rohauer Collection of films.

There was no specific number of films they planned on using when they began looking at submissions, Pepple said. "If the material is good, there's a spot."

This year, the selection board chose 18 of the 65 entries they received. The selection process was not easy. The judges often disagreed about which films should be included and had to make arguments to support the films they chose, Lange said.

"We try to (be) mindful of length, content, style and even geography," Lange said. "The program is meant to showcase the breadth and variety of really amazing work that is being produced all around the state."

Each year the chosen films exhibit many different genres, plots and production styles, illustrating the diversity and creativity of each filmmaker.

"In some cases, we're blown away by a work's production value but not by the story. More often than not, it's the story or the subject or unique voice that gets us excited," Lange said.

The youth division will present short films from artists up to 18 years old and will begin at 5 p.m., with awards for the top three videos. A reception will follow at 6 p.m. in the Wexner Center's cafe, featuring an acoustic performance by local guitarist Mickey St. Charles. Free snacks and beverages will also be available.

The adult showcase will follow at 7 p.m.

"This is a great opportunity to show support for artists from the Buckeye State," Pepple said.

Tickets are $3 for each showcse and are available at the Wexner Center ticket office.

Kelly McDonald can be reached at mcdonald.345@osu.edu.

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