Established in 2016 by the Waverly Community House, The Northeast Pennsylvania Film Festival is supported by the F. Lammot Belin Arts Foundation and its mission to “build community through the arts.” Dedicated to nurturing emerging and independent filmmakers from Northeast Pennsylvania and around the world, the three-day festival correspondingly promotes cultural awareness and appreciation of film as an art form by exposing local audiences to unique and original cinema. For more information or to purchase tickets for events scheduled April 14 through 16, 2023, visit nepafilmfestival.com.

More information on the WVIA Education Student Showcase can be found at wvia.org/studentshowcase

WVIA will present three workshops and as well as the winners of the first WVIA Education Student Showcase at the 2023 Northeast Pennsylvania Film Festival. The 2023 Northeast Pennsylvania Film Festival (NEPAFF) hosted by the Waverly Community House in partnership with WVIA will take place at the Waverly Community House the weekend of April 14^th-16^th.

Feature Documentary Production with Alexander Monelli

Producing a feature-length documentary can be an overwhelming process. Learn tricks and tips so you can go out and shoot your own feature with or without a budget – and with or without a crew. Award-winning filmmaker Alexander Monelli has shot, edited, and directed four feature-length documentaries and will provide practical examples of shooting, editing, and what goes into producing a feature film. 

Presenter bio:

Alexander Monelli is a producer/director at WVIA where he creates short and feature-length documentaries (“Agnes 50” and “Roar”). He earned a BFA in Film from Long Island University. Prior to WVIA, he produced the award-winning documentary “At The Drive-in” which opened the 2017 NEPA Film Festival and is now available on Amazon Prime and iTunes. Al resides in Clarks Summit with his wife, Amanda, and daughters, Mila and Nora. 

Telling the Story with Kelly Dessoye and Kris Hendrickson

The tools available to today’s visual storytellers are many, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed before you even click “record”. It all comes down to the story and how you want to tell it.  What do you need (and what do you really need) to begin the journey, and how does the story inform your approach, your choice of gear, and your message?

Presenter bios:

Kelly Dessoye is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and video journalist with over 12 years of experience. With a belief that video is the best way to give stories the dignity and nuance they deserve; she leverages technical skills gleaned from years as a cinematographer and editor in the advertising world with an insatiable curiosity and desire to amplify stories that are pushed to the wayside. 

Kris Hendrickson began his career directing live television at WYOU-TV in 1989 and, since 1999, has served as a producer, videographer, director, editor, and graphic designer of long-form and short-form content at WVIA. He has been recognized by the Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards and the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters for his work in the areas of documentary film, series television, live broadcasting, entertainment programs, promotions and digital short-form content.

Enhancing Productions with Animation & Graphics with Neil Prisco

Think quality animation and graphics are unattainable for the independent filmmaker? Think again as we show you how to enhance your story with special effects on any budget. Whether you are shooting a piece on your phone, or have a crew of 20 people, there are opportunities and options for you. In this workshop we will provide attendees with the resources and information you need to create help you put your imagination on the screen.

Presenter bio:

Neil Prisco is the Creative Director for WVIA, overseeing the branding, marketing, and overall look of the station. Over his 15-year career he has received multiple awards and nominations for his graphic design work, production, directing, editing, sound design and more. A native of the Hudson valley in New York, Neil graduated received his undergraduate degree in communications from Marywood University.

Details and free reservations are available at nepafilmfestival.com