With mistress of ceremonies Cara Maurizi. 

In PENS TO LENS, local kids write scripts which are then submitted to area filmmakers who pick their favorites to produce as actual short films. Local graphic artists and designers also select scripts to create posters for.

The completed films and posters are presented to the community in a red-carpet event that honors these talented young screenwriters.



PENS TO LENS aims to educate local youth about filmmaking. The program is a gateway to learning modern technology, classic artistic concepts, communication through writing and dialogue, and collaboration with peers and mentors.

PENS TO LENS provides opportunities, tools, and learning resources to the education communities of East Central Illinois and gives a voice to students of all backgrounds. The program is a unique, fun way for students to learn and express themselves through the medium of film.

2024 FILM LINEUP

Pig of Justice and the Unbelievable Robots
Written by Olivia Gazzola, directed by JDragyn

The Wrong that Made Things More Right
Written by Celeste Weaver, directed by Andrew Stengele

Don't Be Afraid
Written by Eva Gleason, directed by John Isberg

Carson and Bella Find a Sewer Apple
Written by Cooper Wilson, Colton Castor, Cade Wehrman, Landon Swinford, directed by Thomas Nicol

Broken Wings
Written by Kavya Haran and Isabella Shodunke, directed by Brian Hagy

The Super Epic Awesome Adventure of Super Twig
Written by Claire Hartman and Sydney Steinbach, directed by Michael Bach


STUDENT-PRODUCED FILM

The Espresso Exterminator
by James Porter

• Champaign Park District
• 40 North
• Champaign Movie Makers
• CUDO