The Knauss Homestead and Emmaus Arts Commission presented the 20th Annual Student Film Festival Feb. 2 at the Emmaus Theater, 19 S. Fourth St., Emmaus. It was a celebration of the “creativity, teamwork and dedication to the arts, cinema and design abilities of our youth in the greater Lehigh Valley area,” Lindsey Kleinberg said in her address welcoming the sold out theater. This year’s theme was Edgar Allan Poe’s “Nevermore 2024” implying the idea we can “never hold onto what we have or love.” The student filmmakers accepted this task, organized teams, began writing scripts, selected locations and prepared props, costumes, makeup and sound.

Participating students were from St. Ann’s Emmaus, Circle of Seasons Charter School, Seven Generations Charter School, Northern Lehigh Middle School, Parkland School District, Saucon Valley School District, East Penn School District, Emmaus High School, Jefferson, Lincoln, Willow Lane and Wescosville elementary schools, Lower Macungie Middle School, Little Green Learning Haus and homeschool students within the Emmaus and Fountain Hill areas.

The “great” Kate Hughes was master of ceremonies. Hughes serves on multiple boards throughout the Lehigh Valley and hosts a show on WXLV iHeart Radio. She can be found performing stand-up comedy at Inkwell in Allentown. Her presence in the Emmaus and Bethlehem art scene is recognizable. She entertained the crowd with her humor and made certain the audience knew the difference between an ovation and a standing ovation. “It is about celebrating these young artists,” she said during her introduction.

There were nine entries in the middle school category which required 2-4 minutes of film while the three high school entries were given 3-5 minutes of film time. The first hour of the event was spent viewing the 12 films. Student filmmakers chose the genre of drama, comedy, family-friendly horror, science fiction or mystery. Students had to use lines from Edgar Allan Poe’s work in their films. The students used locations throughout Emmaus in their films. The red covered bridge in Lehigh Parkway, the cemetery on Keystone Avenue and the Triangle are but a few recognizable areas used in the films.

Films from the past 20 years were shown. The student film involving Cocoa Puffs cereal was particularly haunting. Not sure how comfortable one will feel choosing that box of cereal to eat after seeing that student film. These student films show us the future is promising in filmmaking.

East Penn School District teacher Josh Dietz explained to the young filmmakers that “just because you are not a professional, does not mean you can’t do art.” He acknowledged teaching a number of the student filmmakers when they were at Jefferson Elementary School and he told them to “keep making art with your friends.”

Alex Pizolato directed and edited “Lectio Interruptus,” which won best editing and first place in the middle school category. This film depicted readers captivated within their stories only to be interrupted by a distraction. The use of shifting from black and white to color film was powerful in telling this story. Members of the winning film were from Parkland and Northern Lehigh.

“Tis My Mind and Nothing More” earned second place in the middle school category as well as best use of visual effects. This was a unique film in that it used a cartoon cat as a character. The cartoon cat traveled many places in the boy’s mind/dream. Adam Hough of Cedar Crest presented the best use of visual FX award to Wyatt Boehm and his team. He told the student filmmakers to “find your creative outlet and pursue that passion.” The students were from Little Green Learning House and homeschooled students in the Fountain Hill area

Another middle school film was “Raven’s Omen” which won best use of line and The Raven Poe Inspiration Award. This included horror and suspense and depicted night terrors. Students were from Lower Macungie Middle School.

While not a winner this year, student filmmakers of “The Feminist Heart” used lighting, sound and props that were suspenseful, especially the beating heart. Other film entries for middle school included “The Black Bird,” “The End of Poe-try” and “Lanore.”

“Shopping Spree” won for best use of props and had the viewers laughing at the creativity used in producing this film. This was produced by Lincoln Elementary School and Eyer Middle School students.

But it was “Queens and Crooks” that depicted the film winning best use of costume/makeup as well as winning The Emmaus Pride Award. This team was comprised of Circle of Seasons Charter School, Seven Generations, Jefferson Elementary School, Wescosville Elementary School and Willow Lane Elementary School students.

Christy Devlin of PM Friends School presented the best use of costume award and said, “Today is your day. Never underestimate the power of a wig!”

The train going by during the event is always anticipated when providing the award for best use of sound and when the train finally went by during the ceremony, the audience erupted in cheers. The best use of sound was awarded to “Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar” which was one of the high school entries. This film was unique in that it used a script to tell the story with limited speaking parts for the actors. A scripting technique added a creative touch to this film. This film was produced by Emmaus High School students.

Improv duo Matt Candio and Evan Stutts presented the second place winner for the high school category for best film. They encouraged the young artists to “keep going. Emmaus will always be your home.”

Emmaus is home for Vivien Felegy who directed, edited and wrote “The Letter.” This film captivated the audience with its genuine storytelling. The use of the shadowing character at the end was memorable. Felegy earned an award for best use of writing and best acting by cast members Ivan Felegy, Julia Visco and Veronica Felegy. These two strong categories helped Felegy secure second place for best high school film. Members of the team were from Emmaus High School and Wescosville Elementary School.

Presenter Cathy Ritter who is a singer/actor currently part of Civic Theater’s “Jesus Christ, Superstar” was proud to share she is from Macungie and an Emmaus High School alumni. She told the young writers/filmmakers that “writing is a powerful way to express your imagination. Keep writing!”

Mel Klausner of Civic Theater told the young filmmakers to “soak up everything you can” by volunteering at the local theaters and watching the classic films. She encouraged them to visit museums to see art and study art.

“And Now We Wake” was directed by Noah Schreiner, who also was editor and in charge of special FX. “All that we see or seem is but a dream” makes the viewer think while seeing this film. While the film was silent, it spoke volumes of moments between two people in love. The use of rewinding the film provided viewers with an incredibly different perspective on the story originally anticipated. Maggie Kelly and Charles Kenney were captivating in telling the story/stories. This approach explains why “And Now We Wake” earned best directing and the first place award for high school film. The team consisted of Emmaus High School and homeschooled students.

Parker Ryan, of Pennsylvania Youth Theater, told the student filmmakers they should “get involved in community theater and always be curious.” Noah Schreiner shared he has been part of this festival since sixth grade and now he is taking a movie making class through New York University, a prestigious school known for its filmmaking. He encouraged the younger filmmakers that each year they can grow with the experience. Former student film fest participant and winner for “Tell-Tale Heart” ” Lita Medernach presented Noah Schreiner with his award.

The talent was evident in each of the films and the young filmmakers are learning from one another. They grow with the experience. For interested students, visit the film fest website emmausarts.org to find the information clearly stated for participants. Checklists are provided. Sixteen remote judges from across the country evaluate the films for the awards. Could you be the next Alfred Hitchcock or M. Night Shyamalan?