What do get when you give some talented young people video cameras and freedom to explore? The En Fuego Film Festival hosted by the Free State High School. This annual showing of films from youths around Lawrence has evolved into a weeklong extravaganza, complete with an awards ceremony.

Entries were submitted from kindergarten through 12th grades in a variety of categories, including documentary, commercial and music video. Entries will be judged, and a winner will be declared for each of the respective categories. A final best in show will be acknowledged, too. All ceremonies are open to the public.

Julia Zinn, FSHS junior, would like to see her music video win, but she said, “It’s more for the fun as far as I’m concerned.”

“En Fuego Salutes Hollywood,” which features several student-provided musical numbers and skits. It will include a silent auction and concessions.

The En Fuego Film Festival is heating up to be a spectacular week of student-produced work. David West, executive director of the festival and teacher at Free State High School, said, “I’ll really enjoy the experience of watching young filmmakers display their craft.”

 Jessica Foulke and Amy Lavaveshkul are both juniors at Free State High School.