The Galion Public Library is hosting a Teen Parody Film Festival and the deadline for submission is Friday, Jan. 16. Teens ages 12-18 can submit 3-5 minute parody films they produced for consideration. However, Head Children’s Librarian Heather Tiffany says she will accept them up until January 23, the day before the screening.
At the screening on Jan. 24 at 2 p.m. the films will be judged and voted on for people’s choice awards. Those who do not submit a film are still encouraged to attend the screening. However, registration is required beforehand by calling the library at 419-468-3203 or visiting in person.
Short parody films have been popular on websites like YouTube. The Galion Public Library Teen Board, according to Tiffany, “chose parodies because then it won’t be focused on if the film is ‘professional,’ but rather if the film is amusing or clever.”
There is no limit to what the films can parody. Some ideas include TV shows, books, music videos, and movies. The only stipulations are that the films not contain any nudity or profanity. People of all skills are welcome to participate, and there are books to provide guides and tips available at the library.
This is the first time the Galion Public Library has ever held its own mini -film festival. The goal is to create an opportunity for creative teens in the area. The children’s floor of the library is also considering holding a photography contest sometime this spring. Tiffany believes it is important to encourage creativity, especially in young adults, and hopes programs like the film festival will achieve this.
“Frankly, I like providing an opportunity for creativity because you may have no idea that you have a talent or an affinity for something,” she stated, “I love the stories of people who discovered a talent late in life. It makes me wonder what else they could have done if they discovered their talent sooner.” Tiffany further added that she hoped putting on a creative program like this that had never been done before would be especially helpful because, ”Often if we aren’t pushed to try something new, we just stick to what we know.”