The Main Event

Last night, the Lake Area Film Group hosted the First Annual Contraband Film Festival - it was a complete success. Patrick estimates there were three hundred in attendance who, "laughed at the right times and applauded with enthusiasm." Thanks again to all of our sponsors and volunteers, whom without, the event would not have been possible. For photos of film group members who were in attendance, follow this link.

Contraband's new home

You may now find information concerning the Lake Area Film Group's Contraband Film Festival at www.contrabandfilmfest.com - our thanks to Catalyst Media for their donation and support.

Contraband Film Festival

Film Festival to be held at Central School
The Lake Area Film Group invites the public to attend the first annual “Contraband Film Festival” to be held on Saturday, April 23 beginning at 7 p.m. at Central School, 809 Kirby Street.

Enjoy a night of laughter and drama while viewing short films created by Lake Area filmmakers.

“This is the first film festival for the City of Lake Charles and we were more than happy to assist with the coordination of this event,” said Mayor Randy Roach. “We have great talent in our community and, obviously, a growing passion for filmmaking. An event like this brings something new and fresh to the area and I hope to see this festival continue for years to come.”

After the show, audience members will have the opportunity to meet and talk with the artists. Admission is free, and food and beverages will be served.

For more information, contact Patrick Roddy at 337.475.5441.

Screenwriters Announcement

Guest speaker Dorne Pentes will give a lecture on "Why I Make Films" how he writes, and what drives him artistically this Tuesday. This is part of a three night festival of his lectures and film screenings that is a part of the McNeese Banners Series.

So this week the screenwriter's group will be taking a field trip instead of having the regular meeting April 12th. The lecture/screening will be at the Burton Business Conference Center on the McNeese campus at 8pm.

April Meeting Highlights

We had a great turnout for the meeting Tuesday. Approximately 35 attended with many new faces. Topics discussed included updates to scheduled events, grants and the First Annual Contraband Film Festival.

Patrick Roddy gave a brief mention of his feature film, "Mercy," which is scheduled to begin production in June. The screenwriters voted to attend a screening by independent filmmaker, Dorne Pentes rather than to meet next Tuesday. Dorne is the featured filmmaker in the first ever Banners Film Festival and will be screening his work April 12, 14 & 15 on the campus of McNeese State University at 8PM.

City ArtsNet partially funded a grant proposal by the Lake Area Film Group. The grant will go towards expenses incurred by hosting the First Annual Contraband Film Festival.

The Contraband Film Festival will take place at Central School Auditorium, April 23 at 7PM. The line up includes nine short films produced by local filmmakers: Scout's Honor, The Sleeper, Stickie, The Knockout, Happenstance and four shorts made by the LAFG during a 24 hour film-sprint competition. A reception will take place following the film screenings during which the filmmakers will be on hand. For more information concerning the festival, or any other film group business, contact Patrick Roddy at 337-475-5441.

April Meeting

The Lake Area Film Group meeting for April is this Tuesday, April 5th at 8:00pm. The meeting will be held at McNeese, Hardtner Hall (Mass Comm Bldg), Room 128.

This month's meeting will include information and a discussion about the upcoming film festival - our first. Be sure to attend.

For additional information or updates, please visit the Forum or email us at LAFilmGroup@gmail.com

For future meetings be sure to check out the Forum Calendar.