Sitting in the Wealthy Theatre’s Koning Micro Cinema earlier this week as Mosaic Film Experience unspooled their Top 6 award-winning films, it was hard not to get a bit excited to share via social platforms what we witnessed on the big screen as members of the media were invited to see first-hand the 2013 award-winning works before they will be announced this weekend. In short, these are six solid works of cinema art from high school and college students that are going to inspire you for a diverse set of reasons.
At one point in one of the films, I applauded loudly in reaction to what just transpired on the screen. This caused laughter to fill the theatre and organizer Skot Welch to remark later how interesting it was to notice which moment I responded to so involuntarily. (It really wasn’t when you consider liberating the action of the character on screen.)
Mosaic Film Experience (MFE) is a juried international film festival that offers high school and college kids a chance to have their films seen on the big screen if accepted. Additionally, over the course of two days one can attend a range of related events, from workshops in storytelling to panel discussions with visiting artists. It is a festival about fostering creativity and opening a theatre in our community to showcase a variety of viewpoints using cinematic language.
Another feature of MFE is the chance to be inspired by this year’s narrative films – "The Intouchables," "The Sapphires," "Destination Planet Negro," "Pan’s Labyrinth," "Juggle and Cut" -- which will be shown side by side with the truly fascinating and diverse documentaries – "Wonder Women: The Untold Story of American Superheroines," "Free Angela Davis and All Political Prisoners," Kumare" and "Brooklyn Castle." These films are all rare in that they have already had their first run or have never had an opportunity to be shown locally.
If you are in the mood to network within the filmmaking community then make a point to attend any one of the many speaking events, which will feature Shola Lynch ("Free Angela Davis and All Political Prisoners"), Chelsea Manifold (special effects, make up artist), and Yodit Mesfin Johnson (Chief Chick at Charge at Lips & Hips.)
Like Lamp Light (see G-Sync Editorial), MFE is celebrating its 2nd year and if long-range plans keep coming true for the event planners, then we will be seeing expanded categories for the competition but also the franchising of this film model to other communities in the future.
And if they are successful in this endeavor then you can truly say, as the old saying goes, “I knew them when…”
Admission: Two-day pass $10 Adults, $8 Students w/ ID
More Info