Festival to showcase high school filmmakers

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Doko Film Fest, a statewide showcase for high school filmmakers, is accepting entries for its inaugural event.

Films between five and 10 minutes in length must be submitted by Jan. 7 in the following categories: short story, documentary, music video, comedy, animation and pocket studio (created on a smartphone).

The festival, created by business educator and documentary filmmaker Ray Smith in partnership with nonprofit arts organization Bravo Blythewood, will feature films by students ages 15-18. Its mission is to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence of young filmmakers and provide a storytelling medium.

Films will be presented to a live audience and judged by industry professionals. Filmmakers and festival-goers will also be able to attend master classes led by professional filmmakers at the festival, to be held April 26-28 at Westwood High School in Blythewood.

There is no entry fee, but participants are encouraged to register to keep up-to-date on festival information. Winners in each category as well as an overall winner will be recognized during the festival.

Smith is a former associate dean for executive education at Duke University and the associate dean of executive development and president of corporate solutions at the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business.