Encinitas Student Film Symposium

There’s a new festival coming to town, this one brought to you the City of Encinitas and San Diego Filmmakers. I’m the first to grumble that art shouldn’t compete, but there’s more to the Encinitas Student Film Symposium and Festival than simply handing out trophies and pats on the back.

Yes, there will be the customary red carpet awards ceremony held on Sunday, May 15, at the La Paloma Theatre. One of the event’s biggest rewards is a chance for budding filmmakers to have their works projected on a giant theatre screen. More intriguing than the festival fixings is the symposium component.

“We’ve gathered together a highly respected group of professional filmmakers to present workshops in major filmmaking disciplines,” said Francine Filsinger, President, San Diego Filmmakers. “In addition, students will have the opportunity to watch a full production crew set up, light, and shoot two scenes. It is a rare opportunity for students to interact with professionals at this level.”

There are four industry pros scheduled to attend. Emmy-winning filmmaker and Groovy Like a Movie’s very own, Brent Altomare, will address the students on preparing for a career in film. Bill Holshevnikoff, an internationally known, Emmy-winning lighting designer, educator, and filmmaker, will hold a workshop on lighting design. Paul Babin, winner of the 2012 Society of Camera Operators Lifetime Achievement Award, will be on hand to teach the cinematography workshops. Paul is known for his work on Terminator 2, X-Men, True Lies, and Magnolia, among many others.

Last but not least is Jordan Roberts. Roberts scripted a pair of family favorites — March of the Penguins and Big Hero 6 — in addition to writing and directing 3, 2, 1... Frankie Go Boom, a perfectly nasty adults only comedy that this reporter took a strong liking to.

The one-day Filmmaking Symposium takes place on Saturday, April 23, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Encinitas Community Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive. All festival events are presented free of charge to students enrolled in accredited San Diego high schools, colleges, and universities. The deadline to enter films is April 15. For more information, visit the Encinitas Student Film Festival.