June 9, 2010 --Approximately 30 films made by teens will be screened during a two-day period on June 19 and 20 as part of the fifth annual Santa Monica Teen Film Festival. The films chosen for screening were selected from among 160 entries.

People of all ages are allowed to attend the event on both days. The kinds of films that will be screened include live action, documentary, animation and experimental/music video. Audience members will have an opportunity to vote on their favorite films after each screening.

Films will also be judged by a panel of industry professionals and teenagers. This panel will present the overall film achievement awards after the second day of screenings. There will also be awards distributed in the categories of “Best Documentary” and “Best Live Action.” The Santa Monica Budding Filmmaker award will go to a local teen who displays the talent and passion for a future filmmaking career.

The final awards ceremony will take place after the second film screening on June 20 at the Santa Monica Main Library, located at 601 Santa Monica Blvd. Screenings that day will begin at 2 p.m. The first day of the festival will take place at Miles Memorial Playhouse, located at 1130 Lincoln Blvd.

The Santa Monica Teen Film Festival is an interdepartmental initiative between the Santa Monica Cultural Affairs Division, the Santa Monica Public Library and the Virginia Avenue Park Teen Center. According to a press release, “Its purpose is to provide an outlet for, and to showcase the creative talents of teen filmmakers, as well as encourage youth to use the art of filmmaking as a form of creative expression and commentary on the world in which they live.

For more information about the film festival or to make a reservation for the free event, call Justin Yoffe at 310-458-8634.