x
Breaking News
More () »

Kids Film it Festival returns to Northeast Ohio for fourth year

Not only is the festival bringing in big names, it's bringing in money too--for a personal cause.

CLEVELAND — One of the fastest growing Cleveland film festivals is drawing some big names.But this one's not for adults -- it's the "Kids Film It festival" -- back for the fourth year -- bringing in entries from across the globe.

Not only is the festival bringing in big names, it's bringing in money too--for a personal cause. 

The Kids Film It Festival is the brainchild of  Ryan Levine who started created the festival four years ago. His mission is two-fold: to bring young filmmakers together to celebrate their work and use it as a way to raise money for Parkinson’s research - a disease that's deeply personal to Ryan and his family.

"My grandmother has Parkinson’s and I wanted to find a way to help the cause. The Michael J. Fox foundation, which raises money for Parkinson's research. I wanted to combine the two,” explained Levine.

For high school freshman, Jake Henkel making films is a passion that he uss to combine his love of Legos and Marvel. 

Three years ago, from the basement of his home, Jake took a chance and entered the competition's stop motion animation category-- and to his surprise, he won!

“I got this $500 Best Buy gift card. It was probably the best gift I have ever gotten. After that I was like wow, I have to keep entering. It was a lot of fun,” he recalled.

So far, the festival has raised over $150,000 and continues to attract star power. Judging this year's festival are Northeast Ohio natives Mark Buckland of "My name is Earl and Todd Liberman, who produced "Aeronauts and Wonder."

And Cleveland's favorite film-making brothers, The Russo's, are returning too. 

RELATED: Cleveland's Russo brothers respond to Martin Scorsese's criticism of Marvel films

Jake Henkel dreams of meeting them in person and if given the chance he's ready with this message:

"I've always wanted to work with you, meet you, I love what you've done with marvel, and while you inspire me to be who i am now,” pitched Jake.

The 4th Kids Film It Festival will be held  February 21, 2020  at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Film submissions are being accepted until December 31, 2019.

For more information on the festival, click here

Before You Leave, Check This Out