HOLLYWOOD LACER STARS HEADING TO WHAT IFFF KIDS? FILM FEST AND FILM CAMP

Budding young filmmakers from after-school program to participate in 12th annual event, screen film during Fest

Some 50 students from Hollywood-based middle schools' LACER Stars after-school program will take part in the 12th annual What IFFF? Kids Film Festival and Film Camp, to be held June 26-30 at the John Anson Ford Amphitheater in Hollywood.

LACER--which stands for a program emphasis on literacy, arts, culture, education and recreation--was founded in 1995 by community leaders, organizers, teachers, artists and volunteers, who developed a daily after-school program offered free to middle school youth.

Most recently, the LACER students of Bancroft Middle School, Le Conte Middle School and other L.A. Unified School District campuses throughout Hollywood, completed a short film comedy, P.I.G.: Police Investigation Group.

P.I.G. will be shown at 7 p.m. on June 26 at the Egyptian Theater, which is situated just a few blocks from the Festival site at 6712 Hollywood Blvd. in Hollywood.

The film event is being conducted in association with the Screen Actors Guild's affirmative action and diversity program and the Ethnic Employment Opportunity Committee, in partnership with the LA International Latino Film festival. To RSVP for the screening, phone (323) 957-6481.

NEW HOME FOR WHAT IFFF? FEST/CAMP

The What IFFF? Kids Film Festival and Film Camp this year moved from its longtime roost in Santa Clarita to the John Anson Ford Amphitheater, with the festival expected to attract even more attention for the artistic submissions of its young filmmakers at the new venue.

"The quality and quantity of submissions have grown so tremendously over the years, and we believe our new, high-profile venue in the heart of the film industry well reflects this festival's strides," says Chris Shoemaker, the festival's founder and executive director.

The What IFFF Kids' Film Camp begins June 26 and will run 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily through June 30, offering a comprehensive course in digital filmmaking designed for different levels of experience for kids aged 8-18.

Each camp participant will complete a short film during the week, and there will be daily immersive experiences with film professionals. Areas of concentration include special effects make-up, stage combat and stunts, animation, voice over, action sports cinematography and acting. The price of $360 for the camp includes all admissions fees, lunch, materials and equipment costs. Applications for attending the camp will be accepted through June 22, 2006. For information, e-mail whatifffkids@comcast.com or call (661) 993-3152.

The kids' film and screenwriting festival runs simultaneously with the camp. The fest attracts scores of films from budding young filmmakers 8-18 years of age from around the world. The finalists in each category will be screened at the Inside the Ford Theater during the fest.

Festival categories include competition for drama, comedy, animation, documentary, sci-fi/ adventure and educational films, and screenplays.

What IFFF? Kids aims to boost media literacy among young people ages 8-18, offering hands-on experience in filmmaking that will empower young filmmakers to skillfully craft and create their own stories.

The program helps youth to bridge generational and other divides and to communicate through film to a larger audience," says festival director Suzanne Shoemaker. "It encourages honest dialogue and helps young individuals find their own unique voice."

Some of the daily highlights of the 12th annual What IFFF? Kids Film Camp and Film Festival include:

Etnies-sponsored demonstration of cinematography for action sports by the renowned Mike Manzoori, Monday, June 26
Fight-scene choreography mentoring, Tuesday, June 27,
Native American stunts, Wednesday, June 28,
Film screenings, screenplay readings, Thursday, June 28 and 29,
Film screenings and awards program, Friday June 30.

The screenings on June 28-30 are open to the public. Film Screenings admission is $5 per day for the general public. For information or to reserve tickets call (661) 257-3131 or e-mail ifamilyff@sbcglobal.net.

The John Anson Ford Amphitheater is located at 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. in Hollywood. Media requests for press credentials, interviews and/or photos and other visuals are welcome.