The Center for Education and Performing Arts will host its first film festival, the “Spotlight Film Series,” a celebration of locally created films, Saturday, July 13, from 2-6 p.m. at the CEPA facility.

According to Studio Coordinator, Anna Claire Hathorn, the event aims to foster greater community involvement in the arts, particularly in film. The Spotlight Film Series does not require a ticket and is a come-and-go event that will have concessions available on site for purchase.

The series will showcase CEPA’s first feature-length film, “Fine By Mourning,” alongside the debut of a new original short film titled “Neighborly.” The short film is directed by Anna Claire Hathorn, a senior at Pell City High School, and written by Anna Crosson, a recent high school graduate, a freshman at the University of Montevallo.

“I am very excited that CEPA is bringing a film festival to our stage,” Hathorn said. “We need more outlets for experienced and upcoming filmmakers to showcase their work, especially in this area of Alabama. Film is so important to me, I hope that this will give my peers the chance to enjoy the art as much as I do.”

In addition to showcasing talent from Pell City, CEPA will include films from across Alabama. The festival will feature pieces by CHOG Media, a production company based out of Trussville, and The Jax State Film Production Club, a collegiate group from Jacksonville State University.

“The entire experience of creating a film is a very long process. It requires talent and hard work from everyone involved,” Anna Crosson, CEPA Director of Operations, said. “A big motivation behind making a film is to show others, so having a place here in Pell City to show off what we created is exciting for the people involved and inspiring for those who watch it.”

The Spotlight Film Series will showcase every film created by Spotlight Studio. Since its start in 2020, Studio has expanded, moving from primarily audio podcasts to the creation of a full feature-length film in 2024.

“This event underscores CEPA’s commitment to supporting and nurturing local talent,” Hathorn said. “By offering a free platform to showcase their work, CEPA hopes to inspire more community members to explore the art of filmmaking.”

Attendees are encouraged to drop by anytime between 2-6 p.m. to enjoy the films and engage with the filmmakers. The Spotlight Film Series is a family-friendly event open to all ages.

For more information about the Spotlight Film Series, visit CEPA’s website at pellcitycepa.com/spotlight-film-series or contact CEPA at 205- 338-1974.