r By Meagan Waren
Since 1922, the Newbery Award has honored authors who have made a “most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.”
Some of our children’s favorite books have been Newberys and many of them have been turned into movie classics. Just say the word Holes and most kids start humming the theme song from the 2003 movie they made of that Newbery Classic. The Tale of Despereaux and The Secret of NIMH made the smallest of creatures, mice, into the largest of heroes. Thirty years after it was written, the movie Bridge to Terabithia taught another generation that the truest bravery is in being a friend.
The 90-Second Newbery Film Festival honors the tradition of the Newbery Award and the innovation of film as young filmmakers create 90-second shorts movies that tell the entire story of Newbery-winners.
Every year the best movies are invited to be presented at special screenings in cities around the country. For the second year, CS Lewis Academy in Santaquin has participated in this festival. Both years, CS Lewis Academy’s entry has been voted as one of the best movies in the state and invited to the special screening event in Salt Lake City.
This year the students from the third through sixth grades selected 1998 Newbery Honor Book Ella Enchanted.
“They wrote the script, created the costumes, directed and even edited the video,” said Deynna McMillian, school librarian. “They come up with some really fun ideas.”
Friday, February 1, CS Lewis rolled out the red carpet for students, their families and the community to premiere their 2019 movie. Paparazzi greeted the filmmakers and guests as they walked the red carpet for pictures and interviews.
Festival Founder, James Kennedy, had high praise for the students and their entry.
”A breakneck-paced, fun adaptation of the book!” He stated in his judge’s remarks. “The performances were charismatic and engaging, and it looked like everyone was having a really good time throughout.”
Their next screening will be at Salt Lake’s event and the students are excited to see how their video stacks up against other entries.
