San Marcos Blankets

San Marcos Student Film Festival shows off talent

More than 20 short films made by regional college, high school and middle-school students will screen as part of the third annual San Marcos Student Film Festival this weekend.

The free outdoor festival takes place at 8 p.m. Saturday on an outdoor screen at the San Marcos City Center Plaza, 141 N. Twin Oaks Valley Road. Sponsored by the Plaza and its merchants, the event features short films made by students at Palomar College, Cal State San Marcos, High Tech High Media Arts, Classical Academy High School and several other schools.

Awards will be given to films deemed particularly noteworthy by a panel of judges, and certificates will be given to all participants.

"The festival was started to give student filmmakers a public venue to screen their work, as well as an opportunity to participate in a professional contest," said Jacob Angelo, the festival's co-director. "We strive to create a meaningful and glamorous event that rewards filmmakers for all their hard work."

The films demonstrate strong film-making talent in the region, Angelo said.

"The quality of entries gets better every year," Angelo said. "Students from grade school through college are producing complex and beautiful films that could stand up to competition in festivals nationwide. As high-end equipment becomes cheaper and more readily available, it becomes easier for students to truly realize their ideas and put their imagination on the screen."

Film and media teachers at the schools are essential to the process.

"While students in general have some amazing ideas, and are more tech-savvy as cameras and video become commonplace, the teachers provide guidance and encouragement to help focus them," Angelo said. "We also find that teachers play a crucial role in helping to develop the character and stories of these films as they evolve throughout the school year."

As always, the festival offers a little of everything, Angelo said.

 "We have everything from colossal superhuman battles, to black and white experimental films to complex character documentaries."

One of the festival highlights is a "Luann" music-video contest, inspired by the popular newspaper comic strip. Greg Evans, the San Marcos resident who created "Luann," is one of the festival judges.

There is live music at the event starting at 6 p.m. Several restaurants surround the event area. Blankets or chairs are recommended.

Visit www.smfilmfest.com .

In praise of the San Marcos blanket - LA Observed

For those of you who do not know someone on the eastside, more than likely you have never seen a plush, faux-mink blanket from Korea called a San Marcos. These blankets come in the most garish colors and eye-hurting mural prints such as wolves, elephants, Statue of Liberty, cheetahs, Raiders logo, Elvis, Scarface, pandas, zebras stripes, American Flag, Tupac, y La Virgen to name some. One blanket can take up a whole closet when stored—but they are the warmest, snuggliest and cozy luxury on cold winter nights.

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