Tickets are now on sale for the second annual Elgin Short Film Festival (ESFF), taking place on Saturday, September 18 at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way in Elgin. Red carpet arrival of host Dean Richards and the award finalists will be at 6:30 p.m. with the film screening of the five finalists beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 each. New this year is the Red Carpet Reception, taking place at the Heritage Ballroom, immediately following the film screenings. Tickets for the Gala are $20 each. Tickets are available through the Hemmens Box Office or on line at www.hemmens.org/filmfest2010. Gala seating is limited.
“We are excited to be able to offer the Red Carpet Reception for our guests to enjoy” said Pete Garlock, Chairman of the ESFF Committee. “It gives everyone the opportunity to have a meet and greet with the film makers and judges while they sip some champagne, eat some terrific food and dance the night away.” Sponsors for the event include In the Neighborhood Deli, Otter Creek Wine and Spirits, Patrick Raddatz DJ Service and The Milk Pail. Guests will also be able to enter to win great raffle prizes from area restaurants and stores.
The Elgin Short Film Festival is presented by the Hemmens Cultural Center and The City of Elgin, and is sponsored in part by The Cultural Arts Commission. The mission of the Elgin Short Film Festival is to create a platform for filmmakers to reach the best possible audience for their work. Films will be reviewed by a panel of judges who will select the top five, which will be presented to the public on the evening of September 18, 2010. First Place prize is $1,000; Second Prize is $500 and Third Prize is $300. In addition, a special “Hattie Hemmens Award” of $500 may also be given to a film that best portrays the city of Elgin.
“We were very pleased with the quality of the films that were submitted last year, and are seeing the same high quality again this year. Our preliminary judges will have their work cut out for them to select the five finalists to be aired” said Butch Wilhelmi, Hemmens Cultural Center Manager . “The Elgin Short Film Festival is gaining a reputation as a great event for filmmakers. Finalists from last year were very pleased with the quality of the event - so much so that one of last year’s winners has actually purchased a home in Elgin!”
Hemmens Cultural Center is located along the Fox River in beautiful historic downtown Elgin, and is easily accessible from I-90. Parking is free. Tickets can be purchased at www.hemmens.org or at the Hemmens box office at 847-931-5900. Information is also available on Facebook.
The Hemmens is owned an operated by the City of Elgin.