The Johnny Langdon Film Education Initiative is Lone Star Film Society's educational commitment to supporting creativity and nurturing young talent interested in film.
Love watching movies?
The Lone Star Film Festival is in search of high school-age students who love to watch movies. With the assistance of our LSFF programmers, the Youth Film Jury Programming Team will work together to watch, rate, and curate this year's high school film category.
This unique opportunity is not only a fun learning experience for students interested in the world of filmmaking and programming but is also a great program to add to any college application.
How Does It Work?
On designated Saturday's (listed below), an LSFF programmer will lead a one-hour viewing session of submitted high school short films with our Youth Film Jurors. Between each screening, Jurors will have the abilty to discuss and rate each film submission, ultimately deciding which films will screen at the upcoming Lone Star Film Festival in November.
Watching and rating peer produced short films is a great way to develop critical thinking skills, experience art from other regions, and absorb film techniques that young filmmakers are using right now!
What is the time commitment to being a Juror?
It's flexible. We understand that students' lives are filled with extracurricular activities. If you are able to make one session or all twenty, we are excited to share the film programming process with you. We like to think of the program as an exclusive film club. You'll get to view unique content from filmmakers your age.
Keep in mind, the more active a Juror is in the program, the more that Juror gets out of the program. See the perks for attendance below.
Is this program in-person or virtual?
This program will be produced virtually, starting on March 27th. Each session will be online through a private screening URL where participants can watch content and communicate with each other and the LSFF programmer hosting the session via video.
What type of computer do I need to have?
You will need a laptop or desktop computer, a recent version of Chrome, Firefox, or Safari for iOS, a mic and webcam, and a good internet connection. Phones and iPad or tablets are not recommended.
Is there an application process?
Yes. We ask that each person interested please register so that we can have contact information to easily correspond with each Juror through email. You only need to register once. Each Friday before a scheduled Saturday screening session, all individuals will receive a unique URL link to join the call virtually. Register Anytime.
Please note, those attendees under the age of 18 will need to have a parent or legal guardian's authorization completed on the registration form.
Is there a restriction or cutoff when I can register?
No. You can register anytime during the programming season. But remember, the later you register, the fewer sessions there will be available to attend.
If you have submitted a film for consideration to the Lone Star Film Festival's High School category, you will not be permitted to participate as a Youth Film Jury member.
When does the Youth Film Jury Programming Team meet?
These Saturdays* are scheduled for 2021:
March 27
April 3, 10, 17, 24
May 1, 8, 29
June 5, 26
July 17, 24
August 7, 14, 21, 28
*Each session will take place at 10:00 am CT and end at approximately 11:00 am CT (one-hour per Saturday)
Again, you can participate in as many sessions as you like.
Is there a cost?
No. This program is free and open to anyone regardless of location.
Credit for Attendance
Attend 10 or more sessions
You are an OFFICIAL Youth Film Juror and Programmer and your name will be listed on our website with a photo. Your name will also be listed in the Festival program and on a pre-roll slide before every screening at the Lone Star Film Festival. You will receive (2) Film Passes ($700 value), giving you access to all the Festival's screenings and panel discussion - November 11-14, 2021. Plus a film festival T-shirt will be available for pick-up at the Festival or have mailed after the Festival. As an Official Juror, you and your fellow Jurors will decide what film is awarded the "2021 Best High School Film" honors.
Attend 5-9 sessions
You will be listed on our website as a film juror, and your name will be listed in the Festival program and on a pre-roll slide before every screening at the Lone Star Film Festival. You will also receive a film festival T-shirt after the Festival in November.
Attend 1-4 sessions
You gain some insight and have some fun watching and talking about short films. And you get to meet fellow Jurors when you attend a session.