CLEVELAND — The future of filmmaking was recognized at a festival right here in Cleveland. The fourth annual Kids Film It Festival was held on Friday evening, showcasing young filmmakers and awarding winners with the festival’s equivalent of an Oscar.
More than 140 international filmmakers between the age of eight and 18 submitted to this year’s festival held at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The film festival has three different age groups and three categories—animation, music and film.
Children and teens attending the event walked the red carpet before heading into the festival, which was created by Northeast Ohio native Ryan Levine in 2016.
The 16-year-old Hawken School sophomore loved making movies and didn’t think there were enough events for kids to showcase their work, so he founded Kids Film in Festival in 2016 when he was just 13. The event raises money that Levine donates to the Michael J. Fox Foundation of Parkinson’s Research (MJFF).
"I love movie making but there aren't many festivals that encourage movies made by kids and we want to encourage, celebrate and recognize filmmaking by today's youth. At the same time, we want to show kids that their passion can impact a cause and we chose the Michael J Fox Foundation because my grandmother has Parkinson's,” Levine said in a press release.
Since the festival began, more than $200,000 has been raised for the MJFF.
To learn more about donating to the Kids Film It Festival, click here.
