BASIN SHORT FILM FESTIVAL PREMIERES IN STEVENS POINT

A new short film festival will showcase Wisconsin-focused filmmakers and their work, while promoting engagement with local creative organizations and screening spaces. The first annual Basin Short Film Festival will primarily feature short films (30 minutes or fewer) and independent cinema that fosters critical discussion and community connection and celebrates the spirit of independent film, providing a welcoming space for filmmakers and audience members alike.

According to Garrett Katerzynske, Project Manager for Create Portage County, the festival sponsor, selected films will be screened at locations around downtown Stevens Point, with a couple of screenings in nearby Amherst. Screenings will take place in locations that range from historic theaters, breweries, and local creative centers, to a renovated convent chapel and a newly constructed distillery.

Entries will be evaluated by a diverse mix of regional media professionals and professors. Prizes will be awarded by category for: Experimental, Animation, Documentary, Music Video, Performance & Installation, and Still Rendering (films made in 48 hours or fewer). To be eligible, films must be shot primarily on location in Wisconsin, and/or one or more of the project’s principal creative personnel (e.g. director, producer, screenwriter, cinematographer, lead actor, etc.) must be born in Wisconsin, a current or former Wisconsin resident for one or more years, or an alumnus or current student at a school located in Wisconsin.

The new film festival is part of Create Portage County’s efforts to promote creativity in a ten-county region in north-central Wisconsin they’re calling The Basin, that is the Upper Wisconsin River Basin that connects the communities of Adams, Forest, Juneau, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Oneida, Portage, Vilas, and Wood Counties. “We encourage any work or artist with a connection to Wisconsin to submit work produced in any year,” says Katerzynske. “Given that this is the first year of the fest and we are focusing exclusively on Wisconsin filmmakers and work, there's a greater chance for talent from across the state to screen, gain exposure, and get awarded.” The organizers expect to receive around 50 submissions and aim to screen the majority of them. The extended deadline for submissions to the film festival is July 31.