Calzaretta coordinates student film festival

Area youth team with GESA Power House Theatre for international student film festival
SPIFFY
May 9, 2015
1 to 7 p.m.
GESA Power House Theatre
$12
Free 14 and under

Approximately 40 films from throughout the world made by filmmakers under 21 years of age, including several from Walla Walla students, will be shown during the SPIFFY (Student Produced Independent Films For Youth) festival Saturday, May 9 from 1 to 7 p.m. at the GESA Power House Theatre. Cost is $12 and those 14 and under are in for free. Pioneer Middle School teacher Dan Calzaretta is the festival director.

“It is the only student film festival in Eastern Washington,” said Calzaretta. “One of the most important skills they learn is how to manage a long-term project with many moving parts. These skills will follow them to high school, college and a career.”

A local committee of parents and students screened the films to narrow the field from 80 selections to 40 for public viewing. Each genre will receive an award based on audience participation via electronic voting via text on their cell phones. Many of the local students collaborated with CREW SPACE at the City of Walla Walla Public Library to produce their films. Food vendors will be at the festival from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a variety of local foods.

“We have had a lot of support from GESA Power House Director Ron Williams and the entire Power House staff.” Calzaretta said. “They have been behind SPIFFY from the first minute it was talked about.”
Event Information:
- Dan Calzaretta
- dcalzaretta@wwps.org
- 509.527.3050