Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, nearly 20 percent of high school students report serious thoughts of suicide and nine percent have made an attempt to take their lives.
Startling statistics like these are the motivation behind the FirstLink Film Festival and Competition, returning to the historic Fargo Theatre this spring.
“We can’t ignore these numbers any longer. Our young people are suffering,” said Jennifer Illich, Executive Director at FirstLink. “We are thrilled to bring this event back for a second year and continue the conversation we started last spring.”
The competition, presented by Fargo-based creative agency Tellwell, is divided into two categories: High School and College/Young Adult. Submitted films will premiere in a public screening at the Fargo Theatre on April 13, 2023, and receive scores for their use of script, performance, camera, sound, editing, and theme. Select films will be awarded a cash prize of up to $1,000.
FirstLink’s inaugural film festival, held in the Fargo Theatre’s second auditorium, garnered far more attention than organizers anticipated; Illich shared that folding chairs had to be brought in to accommodate the sold-out crowd. This year, the event will move into the legendary main auditorium of The Fargo Theatre.
“We were blown away by the submissions and community support we received in our first year hosting this event,” Illich said. “This time there will be more seats, a bigger screen, and hopefully even more incredible films. You don’t want to miss it!”
Submissions are now open for the FirstLink Film Festival and Competition and will be accepted through April 10. More information about competition rules and scoring guidelines, as well as the link to submit, can be found at myfirstlink.org/2023-film-festival/.
FirstLink is a Fargo-based nonprofit providing support, referrals to resources, and crisis intervention across the entire state of North Dakota and parts of Minnesota. FirstLink answers the 211 Helpline and the 988 suicide and crisis phone line for the region. For questions contact Jennifer Illich, Executive Director, 701-293-6462, [email protected]
