SEE TOMORROW’S AUTEURS TODAY

Football players have their Friday-night lights, says Lawrence High School film and media teacher Jeff Kuhr, “and I tell my kids that this is our moment, this is our time to shine.” The moment he refers to is the fourth-annual Focus Film Festival, which the school has presented since it first enlisted Kuhr to educate, inspire and embolden the next generation of cinematic storytellers. This year’s distinguished panel of judges has screened 70 entries (up from 45 last year) from 11 high schools throughout northeast Kansas, including 25 by Kuhr’s students. Awards are presented in nine categories, including awards for cinematography, editing and story, and honors for best in show and fan favorite. Ranging from five to 15 minutes in length, the winning films will be screened today at 1 at Liberty Hall in Lawrence (644 Massachusetts, 785-749-1972). Admission is free; donations are welcome.

Sun., April 19, 2009