In October 2019, the King County Library System (KCLS) launched KCLS Reel Fest, a short-film contest and festival that asked patrons of all ages and filmmaking abilities, “What does the library mean to you?” Residents in the KCLS service area were invited to share their library stories in a two-minute film for the chance to win up to $1,000 and a slot in the KCLS Reel Fest film lineup.
KCLS received an impressive outpouring of heartfelt library stories, and were poised to host the KCLS Reel Fest Film Premiere and Awards Show on March 20, 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic struck King County. Following state and county public-health guidelines, KCLS postponed Reel Fest to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
KCLS will now premiere the finalists’ films and announce the winners in an online production on Monday, September 28 at 7pm. Register at kcls.org/reelfest to receive a YouTube link to the show. Watch the top 10 films, hear from the filmmakers and our expert panel of judges, and see who wins. Prizes will be awarded in two age categories—Youth (ages 17 and younger) and Adult (ages 18 and older). The first-place winners in each category will receive $1,000, second-place winners will receive $700, and third-place winners will receive $500.
“We may not be gathering in person for KCLS Reel Fest, but we still have a terrific show for you," stated KCLS Executive Director Lisa Rosenblum. “We are excited to share these wonderful library stories with King County residents, and hope you’ll join us in celebrating these talented filmmakers.”
KCLS Reel Fest and cash awards were made possible with support from the KCLS Foundation.
