Markham Public Library to host its first film festival

By David Yin, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Markham Public Library opened submissions for the Markham Village Short Film Festival – the organization’s first film festival – on July 1.

Anyone, regardless of age or experience, can compete as long as they have a valid Markham Public Library card. All entrants must submit a short film up to two minutes long. They must upload their film onto YouTube and send the YouTube link to [email protected].

Entrants have until Sept. 1 to submit their films. A small group of pre-screeners will then review all submissions from Sept. 8 to 22 and choose their top 10 films for showcase. The final showcase will occur on Oct. 1 at the Markham Village Library, in which a panel of judges will vote to determine the winning film.

All entrants must record their films by the end of August, either at a Markham library or with a library theme. Films can be in any genre, but they must be PG-friendly and contain zero copyrighted music, clips, or other content.

Markham Public Library can provide cameras, lighting, GoPros, and green screens for entrants to ensure accessibility. Entrants can also use their own equipment – including smartphones – to produce their films.

Alex Hugh, digital literacy specialist at Markham Village Library, said that the film festival is an opportunity for anyone to explore filmmaking, show off potential skills, and engage in a creative two-minute film challenge.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re shooting in 4K or if you’re shooting in 360p,” he said. “As long as you have your creativity and it comes across in your two-minute film, then you all have a chance.”

Visit markhampubliclibrary.ca/news/mplfilmfestival for more information.

Photo: The Markham Village Short Film Festival is open to anyone, regardless of age or experience. Entrants can use their phones, and they can also borrow equipment from Markham Public Library.