The American Film Institute (AFI) announced today its collaboration with the White House on the second annual White House Student Film Festival to be held in the spring of 2015. Open to K-12 student filmmakers, the theme of this year’s festival is “The Impact of Giving Back”–public service on local and national levels.
“The American Film Institute was born of an ideal in the White House Rose Garden nearly 50 years ago,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI’s president and CEO. “Since that day, new technologies have allowed the art form to encourage voices from a new generation, and we are proud and honored to partner with the White House in encouraging the young people of America to tell their inspiring tales.”
The first White House Student Film Festival received thousands of submissions on the theme of technology and its role in education. Sixteen young filmmakers were welcomed by President Obama and screened their films in the East Room of the White House to an audience that included leaders of the education and entertainment communities.
The White House Student Film Festival highlights both the Administration’s commitment to public service and AFI’s ongoing mission to nurture the next generation of filmmakers.
Complete rules and submission guidelines are available here. Entries are being accepted now through January 20, 2015.
Jean Smart, Ariana Grande, Michael Keaton among hosts for “SNL” season 50
Fresh off her Emmys win, Jean Smart will kick off the landmark 50th season of "Saturday Night Live."
NBC on Thursday announced the lineup of hosts for the season, which premieres Sept. 28. Joining Smart on the first show will be Jelly Roll as the musical act. He was also at the Emmys, singing during the ceremony's in memoriam segment.
It will be Smart's first time hosting "SNL."
Comedian Nate Bargatze will host on Oct. 5, with Coldplay as the musical guest.
Ariana Grande will host Oct. 12, with musical guest Stevie Nicks.
"Beetlejuice" star Michael Keaton will host on Oct. 19, the last show before Halloween, and Billie Eilish will be that night's musical guest.
The host on Nov. 2 will be "SNL" alum John Mulaney, with breakout sensation Chappell Roan as the music guest.
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