CALCASIEU PARISH SHORT FILM FESTIVAL

Brimstone Museum to showcase 30 independent films at free event

The Calcasieu Parish Short Film Festival will feature 30 independent films from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Brimstone Museum Complex in Sulphur, 900 South Huntington St.

Patrick Bennett, festival director, said the films include a variety of genres, such as comedy, drama and action. All are produced using the latest film technologies.

“It’s not just your neighbor’s film shot with a camcorder,” Bennett said. “These are well-produced, well-written films, many of which have won awards at other festivals.”

Directors, actors and crew members involved with the films will attend the festival. Bennett said local filmmakers or actors can network at the event.

“Last year we were surprised at the amount of out-of-town and outof-state participants we had attend the festival,” he said.

One film, “The Kickback,” is a narrative short from Lake Charles filmmaker Aaron Mulligan, also known as Director Fresh, Bennett said. It tells the story of a woman who gets invited to a party by a man she recently started dating. As the night goes on and the drinks start flowing, things take a turn for the worst.

Bennett described Mulligan as a very passionate filmmaker who uses local actors and locations to tell his stories.

“His passion shows through in what he does,” Bennett said.

The festival is free and includes popcorn and beverages. Guests can view all 30 films during the day, but some may not be suitable for children. An awards ceremony will close the event.

For more information and a full schedule of films, visit lakecharlesfilmfestival.com or facebook.com/calshorts.

””2nd Annual Short Film FestivalSpecial to the American Press

SportsPlus