Local, International Films Highlight 6th Video Festival

A video festival in Salem that has grown steadily, this year goes international.

Courtesy: Wikimedia

(SALEM, Ore.) - The 6th Mid-Valley Video Festival returns for two day of independent films, networking and parties, February 27 and 28 at Northern Lights Theatre Pub in Salem.

Several locally-produced full length features will also be shown. The debut from writer, director, and star Raymond Steers, "Sum of the Parts" blends action, science fiction, innovative editing and a montage of photos and computer effects to reveal a captivating and suspenseful thrill ride.

Shot on a shoe-string on film, DV and HD Video, the film will keep audiences guessing until the very end. Shawn Nelson's "Cube Dwellers" follows the exploits of ordinary office workers in a large Salem-area hi-tech company.

A program of international short Spanish language films will be offered including "A Better Life" by Luis Fernandez Reneo. Based on a true story, the film is the account of 3 Mexican children who got lost in the Sonoran desert while trying to cross the U.S. border. The film exposes the human toll of illegal immigration, one of the most profitable illegal businesses.

Dutch filmmaker Jelmar Hufen's highly acclaimed "For a Few Marbles More" depicts a childhood conflict as four ten–year-olds are kicked out of their favorite playground by two aggressive drunkards. When they realize their parents are not going to help them, there’s only one solution. They have to find a way to get the toughest boy in the neighborhood to help them.

New to the program this year is the "Best Shorts of Mid-Valley Video Festival", featuring past award winners and favorites of the judges.

A DVD compilation of exhibition will be available for purchase with proceeds benefitting the nonprofit festival.

Tickets for film programs are $3. For more information about the festival, visit mvvfest.org.

Past Salem-News.com articles on the Mid-Valley Video Festival:

• 2008: Independent Spirit Award Nominees Headline 5th Mid-Valley Video Festival
• 2007: Mid-Valley Video Festival on KWVT Sunday
• 2006: Sundance Finalist to Appear at Mid-Valley Video Festival