Local filmmakers can compete in Austen-influenced film contest

It may be nearly 200 years since Jane Austen wrote anything, but her stories still resonate today.

That's why we're celebrating Austen in Autumn this September and October at Mentor Public Library.

That’s also why you can transport Emma to Beverly Hills like in Clueless or Elizabeth Bennet to Bollywood for Bride & Prejudice or to modern times with the Lizzie Bennet Diaries and it still works.

That’s why we’re challenging local artists to see what they can make of Austen. Use her characters, her stories, whatever you want from her, and use them to make something of your own and do it in a medium that Austen never knew—video.

Teens and adults can work individually or as a group to make short video (no longer than five minutes.) Videos will be judged on creativity, execution and how they incorporate Austen. The best films will win prizes.

All participants will be eligible to see their short film on the big screen during the Austen in Autumn Film Festival on Thursdays, from Sept. 24 to Oct. 15 at Great Lakes Mall Atlas Cinemas.

Starting on Sept. 24, Mentor Library will screen four films that all used Austen’s work as inspiration at Great Lakes Mall Atlas Cinemas. Each of the screenings will begin at 7 p.m. on their respective Thursday and are open to everyone.

The films include Persuasion on Sept. 24, Clueless on Oct. 1, Sense and Sensibility on Oct. 8 and Bride and Prejudice on Oct. 15. The screenings are free because of a grant from the Mentor Arts Commission.

The deadline for entries in the short-film contest is Sept. 16.

For more information, call the Mentor Public Library at (440) 255-8811 ext. 213.