April is shaping up as a noteworthy month in terms of festivals debuting Downtown.
Six days before the first One Spark crowdfunding festival begins April 17, the Museum of Contemporary Art is hosting the first World Arts Film Festival.
Scheduled Thursday-Saturday, the three-day short-film festival is planned as a celebration of the art of filmmaking and of bringing the community together.
"It's our first year, so we have high hopes. I hope half of Jacksonville shows up," said Karen Sadler, festival director.
The event is a project of World Arts Education Inc., a 510c3 nonprofit that supports multicultural arts programs, including a summer film camp for special needs students.
"The organization is very much involved in supporting programs for inclusion," said Sadler.
She said the festival's involvement with the museum is a "really good match" based on the museum's involvement with inclusive arts education and that it's the home for "Rainbow Artists: Art and Autism Across the Spectrum," an annual exhibit of art created by children diagnosed with autism.
"The festival is a perfect partnership of art, education and filmmaking," said Allison Galloway, museum director of education.
She said children with autism exhibit challenges that might be addressed by encouraging creativity in art.
"Art is communication without speaking. It's also self-expression for children who aren't communicating. Art is the perfect outlet for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder," Galloway said.
In addition to screenings of more than 100 short films, the festival schedule includes a series of panel discussions and workshops on topics ranging from experimental animated films to improvisational acting.
An opening reception 5-7 p.m. Thursday caps the first day of the festival.
Friday's finale is scheduled at Burrito Gallery with a 5-7 p.m. after-party for teens followed by the "Festival Gold After Party" for adults.
The festival concludes Saturday with the Kaleidoscope Awards in the Atrium Gallery at the museum recognizing the top film entries. It will be followed by a celebration for filmmakers, volunteers and supporters from 5-8 p.m. at Underbelly.
Tickets for the event are $8 per day, or $20 for all three days.
"We encourage people to stay all day and see as many films as possible," said Galloway.
For a list of presenters, the complete festival schedule and to purchase advance tickets, visit worldartsfilmfestival.org.
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