SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Four Illinois 4-H members represented Illinois 4-H at the 23rd Annual International Route 66 Film Festival in Springfield Nov. 1-2. Their short films were selected among submissions from 21 countries, highlighting the creativity and dedication of these young filmmakers. Only a limited number of submissions were chosen for live screenings, making this an incredible achievement for the 4-H members.
Colin Weber from Hancock County presented Illinois State Capitol & Illinois State Archives, a documentary showcasing Illinois history. McLean County’s Alyssa Thompson shared The Addiction, a powerful film exploring personal challenges and growth. Gracelyn Abell from Whiteside County premiered Meraki: A Week in the Life, a film originally created as a high school English project that transformed into a 4-H entry. Larson Huss of DeKalb County debuted his animated stop-motion film, Mr. Cool and the ATM, developed through a 4-H video-making project.
Larson Huss was honored as Best Junior Filmmaker.
Held as a live two-day event, the Route 66 Film Festival celebrates independent films that entertain, elicit thought, laughter, and tears, and bring fresh perspectives to global issues. Illinois 4-H is honored to have these talented members share their work with a global audience.
This experience was made possible thanks to the Central Illinois Film Commission.
About Illinois 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. 4-H grows true leaders, youth who are empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow. The hands-on approach in 4-H gives young people guidance, tools, and encouragement, and then puts them in the driver’s seat to make great things happen. Independent research confirms the unparalleled impact of the 4-H experience, demonstrating that young people are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.
For Further Information Contact:
Writer: Carissa Nelson, Media Communications Manager, carissa7@illinois.edu
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.