Our Mission
Reel Spirit, the Youth division of Kansas City FilmFest, provides a children's film contest. Reel Spirit: Young Filmmaker Showcase educates and nurtures children by extending learning through the process and science of filmmaking. We encourage and inspire creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and problem solving through cinematic arts. The student contest honors achievement in cinematic productions and provides young filmmakers expanding authentic audiences.
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Our History
In 2005, three educators collaborated to form Reel Spirit to highlight the cinematic endeavors of children. Barbara Noble, Rebecca Palmer and Toni Travalent had a vision in the great Hollywood tradition from Cecil B. DeMille to Steven Spielberg and to "put on a show" spotlighting children created productions.
The first Reel Spirit: Young Filmmaker Showcase was held in April 2006. Since then, over 1400 young filmmakers have participated.
From 2006-2011, Reel Spirit provided an opportunity for young filmmakers from 2nd grade through 8th grade, to showcase achievement in cinematic productions in an authentic manner.
In 2010, the STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) category was added.
In 2012 the showcase extended to include grades 9-12. Two new board members joined the board: Linda Thee and Wanda Hartter.
Every year, entries are reviewed and evaluated by independent judges from different fields of cinematic media. Winning productions are shown in a movie theater where young filmmakers receive "Oscar" like trophies and certificates in addition to the "red carpet" treatment. During the event, filmmakers have the opportunity to attend production workshops led by professionals in the cinematic arts.
Categories for submission currently include narrative, documentary, public service announcement, news feature, commercial, and animation.
As today's youth grow up in a visual age, it is Reel Spirit's intent to encourage inventive involvement in the digital storytelling process. Through cinematic production, the positive outcomes for these filmmakers are priceless in terms of self-esteem, problem solving, cooperation, character building, and perseverance.
Inspiring and empowering young filmmakers and celebrating their cinematic visions is the wide-screen projection of Reel Spirit.
Board of Directors
Barbara J. Noble
Rebecca Palmer
Toni Travalent
Linda Thee
Wanda Hartter
NEWS FLASH!
Seasons change, styles change and we are changing! Reel Spirit is announcing expansion of its film contest in 2013. It is now accepting films from high school students in grades 9-12, in addition to student films from grades 2-8. The Reel Spirit Young Filmmaker Showcase will offer the same red carpet treatment for all film finalists. Check the Showcase page for details, 2013 changes, categories, deadlines, and awards.
8th Annual Reel Spirit Showcase!
The 2013 Reel Spirit Young Filmmaker Showcase will be held on Saturday April 13, 2013 at the Alamo Cinema in downtown KC, formerly AMC Mainstreet Theater.
CALL FOR ENTRIES!
Welcome Filmmakers-grades 2-12! The Reel Spirit Young Filmmaker Showcase is now accepting entries for the 2013 film contest. The top entries in each category of every division will be invited to the showcase on April 13, 2013 to share their film on the big screen at a premier venue the Alamo Cinema, formerly AMC Mainstreet Theater, in Kansas City, Missouri. At the Reel Spirit Showcase winning filmmakers receive certificates and "Oscar" style trophies along with the full "red carpet" treatment. Young filmmakers will also have the opportunity to participate in media workshops presented by local distinguished filmmakers and professionals. Grab your camera and start now.
For complete details see the Showcase page
Deadlines:
Grades 9-12 is February 1
Grades 2-8 is March 1
Reel Spirit: Young Filmmaker Showcase is the Youth Division of Kansas City FilmFest the film festival organized by Kansas City Filmmakers Jubilee - a 501(c)3 non-profit.