Tacoma Public Library presents Ninth Annual 90-Second Newbery Film Festival Screening at Tacoma’s historic Rialto Theater on Saturday, Feb. 29
90-Second Newbery Film Fest Supporters: James Kennedy, opens a new window, King’s Books, opens a new window, and Tacoma Arts Live, opens a new window
TACOMA, WASH— Tacoma Public Library invites community members of all ages to the ninth annual 90-Second Newbery Film Festival Screening Party and Award Show, opens a new window on Saturday, Feb. 29 at 1:00 p.m. at the Rialto Theater (310 S 9th St, Tacoma, WA 98402). Advance ticket registration for free, general admission tickets is open now through the Tacoma Arts Live Box Office, opens a new window.
The 90-Second Newbery Film Festival is a national film competition, opens a new window spearheaded by author and host James Kennedy in which young filmmakers create a 90-second film interpretation of a Newbery Award-winning (or nominated) book. The Newbery Medal is awarded annually by the American Library Association for the most distinguished American children's book published the previous year; books that are nominated but not awarded receive honor status.
Tacoma youth have created hilarious and innovative films for the last nine years that have been screened nationwide, along with submissions from across the country. Ticket reservations are now open through the Tacoma Arts Live Box Office, opens a new window.
Tacoma’s 90-Second Newbery Film Festival on Saturday, Feb. 29 at the Rialto Theater will feature selected submissions from local youth filmmakers and a few national films as well. James Kennedy, opens a new window and local entertainer Doug Mackey will perform a hilarious introduction and color commentary throughout. As the show draws to a close, Kennedy will announce which local submissions will be screened nationwide.
“Our young patrons look forward to this event all year! It’s like the Oscars, but for local youth filmmakers,” stated Tacoma Public Library Teen Librarian and Festival organizer Sara Sunshine Holloway. “We’re so excited to be able to expand to a larger venue this year and we can’t wait to see what our local filmmakers have created in 2020.”
King’s Books, opens a new window will host a table in the lobby where audience members may purchase Newbery titles and Kennedy’s book, “Order of the Odd-Fish.”
Audiences are invited to arrive early to walk the red carpet, get autographs from the young actors and filmmakers, and enjoy mingling in the lobby at this Oscar-style event. Doors will open at noon and the house will open at 12:30 p.m. for seating, with the live event kicking off at 1:00 p.m.
Tickets are free and general admission and may be reserved in advance or by walk-up to the Rialto Theater on the day of the event. Seats may be reserved online up to six at a time, opens a new window, or, if patrons have a party greater than six, by phone at 253.591.5894 or in person at the Tacoma Arts Live Box Office located at 901 Broadway in downtown Tacoma. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
More information about the event can be found at tacomaartslive.org, opens a new window and tacomalibrary.org.
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About Tacoma Public Library:
The Tacoma Public Library serves the Tacoma, Washington, community with eight branches and year-round services and programming. Tacoma Public Library provides access to ideas and perspectives from around the world, and through innovative library services, stimulates the development of literacy, knowledge, wisdom, critical thought, and valuable interaction that yields positive experiences and a thriving community.
Media Contact:
Mariesa Bus, Public Information Officer | mbus@tacomalibrary.org | 253.292.2001 x1220
