Film festival workshop this Saturday morning

Over the past few months, I've had the distinct privilege of helping to put together the first-ever Fox-NET Film Festival, which I think is one of the most exciting events to come to McCook in years. If you haven't heard about the festival yet, it starts Thursday, Sept. 8, 2011, and features four days of extraordinary non-fiction films produced by Nebraska's own NET Television, as well as an additional world-premiere documentary, created by the McCook's own Divine Productions.

There is another component of the festival, however, that you might not be familiar with, but it's one that I'm particularly excited about. (And not just because I have the honor of hosting and moderating the event.) The Fox Theatre is also going to play host to a workshop and Q&A session Saturday, Sept. 10, starting at 10:30 a.m.

The workshop features a quartet of talented and experienced filmmakers and educators who will offer brief presentations and conversations about the basics of film production. The goal of the program is to inform and inspire folks of all ages who have an interest in making their own films, but might be looking for that extra bit of guidance in their pursuit. I know that I'm looking forward to the opportunity to speak with -- and learn from -- the excellent group of presenters that has been assembled.

The workshop panel is set to include Christine Lesiak, the NET Television-based producer-director of "Standing Bear's Footsteps," which will be presented Saturday, Sept. 10; former NET producer-director Joel Geyer, whose "Walk-Ons: Huskers' Edge" will open the festival on Thursday, Sept. 8; McCook filmmaker Cody Dame, who will premiere his own company's "Salute to Our Heroes" on the final day of the event (Sunday, Sept. 11); and Becky Meyers, a visual arts instructor at McCook Community College. I've been lucky enough to communicate with each one of the panelists, so I can say with confidence that this group is looking forward to the opportunity to meet and talk about the process of filmmaking with people both young and young at heart.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention the best part -- workshop attendance is absolutely free of charge for everyone. Yep, you read that right: there is no cost to come to this event, to meet and talk with some very accomplished and talented folks.

But just in case you need a little extra incentive, how about a free lunch? Once again, your eyes aren't playing tricks on you. The Fox is also offering every workshop attendee a noon-time meal, which will be held between the two one-hour presentation and discussion sessions. This hour-long lunch period will give those who come to the workshop the chance to meet one-on-one with our panelists in a relaxed, casual atmosphere.

This event promises to be an interesting and informative one; I hope you can join us Saturday morning for it.