Kids With Cameras

For a third year, AISD is running the Austin Student Digital Film Festival, a showcase for short films made by students and teachers in school districts throughout the state. Entrants can submit their films for consideration in the following categories: Documentary, Abstract/Experimental, Animation/Multimedia, Short Narratives, and Educational. Entries should be no longer than five minutes in length and must have been created within the past two years. Additional requirements, including a talent release form, are posted at the organization's Web site, www.austinschools.org/filmfest. The deadline for entry is today, April 2, 2004; selected films will be screened on May 8 at the Texas Union. The festival is designed to foster learning about digital technology and showcase the talents of public school students and faculty. David Nunez of the Capital Area Training Foundation explains, "Students are embracing low-cost yet powerful digital filmmaking tools in schools throughout our region. These are real-world skills that can lead to jobs." The festival is co-sponsored by the Capital Area Training Foundation, the University of Texas at Austin, and Apple Computer Inc. For more information contact Josie Hughes, AISD's instructional facilitator, at 841-0159.