FOR THE GAZETTE

STEVENS POINT — The Basin Short Film Festival, presented by CREATE Portage County, will screen Oct. 5-8, featuring selected work created in Wisconsin and international films made by Wisconsinites.

This festival is devoted to showcasing Wisconsin-focused artists and work, while promoting engagement with local creative organizations and unique screening spaces. The fest also focuses primarily on short films (30 minutes or less), and aims to feature independent cinema that fosters critical discussion and community connection.

Screening categories include experimental, animation, documentary, music video, performance & installation and films made in 48 hours or less. Selected work will screen everywhere from historic theaters and breweries to local creative centers and makerspaces. Following each screening, awarded filmmakers have been invited to talk about their creative process and answer questions from the audience. Community members are encouraged to purchase tickets and passes in advance to secure a spot at their favorite screening or venue.

“Film festivals are a great way to showcase regional talent and engage with local businesses,” said Garrett Katerzynske, Project Manager with CREATE Portage County. “This fest will provide a platform for local filmmakers, support our creative economy and help us introduce new community spaces as screening locations,” Katerzynske added.

CREATE Portage County is a non-profit arts organization dedicated to accelerating creativity, connection, and collaboration to advance vibrant and welcoming communities. The Basin Short Film Festival launches alongside CREATE’s larger collaboration with arts and community organizations across north-central Wisconsin (a ten-county region collectively referred to as The Basin, derived from the Upper Wisconsin River Basin that connects these communities). By leveraging a network of shared resources and talent, CREATE aims to cultivate a shared identity of place and achieve greater collective impact for small and rural communities across north-central Wisconsin.

Learn more about CREATE Portage County, The Basin Film Fest and The Basin Collaborative Region at https://www.createportagecounty.org.