CLEVELAND — As our region continues to churn out movies for the big screen and on demand, it turns out we are also playing a role in developing the next generation of filmmakers.
Levine also had another plan, to use the festival as a way to help fund a cure for Parkinson's Disease. His reason is personal. "My grandmother has Parkinson's and I wanted to help the cause. The Michael J. Fox Foundation which raises money for Parkinson's research. I wanted to combine the two," Ryan said when we met with him at the Rock Hall recently. The location will once again serve as the location for the festival, on Friday, February 22, when winning films are shown and young filmmakers can walk the red carpet.
Lindsay O'Keefe is a festival veteran and back at it this year with her latest submission. "It's hard to find a film festival for kids. So I think this is a great opportunity for kids to submit their movies and have a platform," she said.
Levine wasn't sure about the response when he planned the very first competition. But it attracted nearly a hundred entries and raised $32,000 for the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Year two was even better. And Fox couldn't help but take notice.
"Yeah, he actually tweeted about it which was really great. And I got to meet him in New York at a dinner for the Michael J. Fox Foundation, which was super cool. And he is just an amazing person," Levine recalled.
There is still time for budding directors to enter their work. Submissions will be accepted until December 31 at kidsfilmitfestival.com
There are 3 different age groups and categories for submissions. This year, clothing manufacturer Vineyard Vines is sponsoring a new category with a $500 prize.
Celebrity Judges include producer/director Marc Buckland, co-owner of Mandeville Films and Television Todd Lieberman (Beauty and the Beast 2017), as well as President of the Greater Cleveland Film Commission, Ivan Schwarz.
They will be joined by Cleveland's own Russo brothers.
"They did Captain America, the Avengers, and they are from Cleveland which is really cool. And it just shows anyone from around here can become something great like they did, " Levine said.
For young dreamers who see a future in film for themselves, this festival gives them a chance to shine and see all the wonderful possibilities.
"When you see other people's work, you are like 'Whoa! I am actually going to help all the people by doing this," said festival veteran Theo Hawk.
All proceeds from the festival go directly to the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
For more information, check out the festival website here.