BUDDING AUTEURS: Films such as “Tomorrow & Forever” by Justin O’Neill are among the entries at the 2024 Princeton Student Film Festival, taking place at Princeton Public Library on July 31.

By Anne Levin

It has been just over two decades since Princeton Public Library debuted its Princeton Student Film Festival (PSFF), screening the works of high school and college students from across the local area, throughout the U.S., and abroad. In that time, entries have gotten increasingly creative and sophisticated.

“This year, we’ve definitely seen some budding auteurs,” said Megan McCafferty, the youth services library associate and the coordinator of the festival, which takes place on Wednesday, July 31 at 6 p.m. “These are films that demonstrate such a strong artistic vision, from the opening title card to the closing credits. I think these young filmmakers are already thinking of branding themselves as creative people, which is really smart to do.”

Genres for the films to be screened include animation, dramatic features, and documentaries. For the first time in the festival’s history, the PSFF Screening Committee also chose nine honorable mentions in addition to the 10 to be screened at the event. All of the films will be available for viewing online between August 1 and 8.

“It was important to acknowledge outstanding work beyond the 10 official selections,” said McCafferty, who is in her second year heading the festival. Started by longtime Youth Services Librarian Susan Conlon, who recently retired, the festival is designed to give student filmmakers a chance to show their work to a live audience, share their insights, get feedback, and network with other filmmakers.

Taking over from Conlon “was a big honor,” said McCafferty. “We would talk about movies all the time. She knows how much I love movies. As a writer myself, I love stories. I was so on board last year, and I think she appreciated my enthusiasm. To be asked to head the festival this year was really exciting for me.”

Films to be shown at the festival, which is intended for mature teen and adult viewers, are The Great NJ Debate: Pork Roll vs. Taylor Ham, Tomorrow & Forever, Birds of a Feather, Fallout, Au 8éme Jour, Dog Pack, Under the Light of the Harvest Moon, Sacred Soil, Midnight Murder, and The Mayor of Idyllwild. Many of the filmmakers will be on hand to answer questions about their work.

“There are a few that if you had told me they were nominated for Best Short Film at the Oscars, I’d think, sure,” said McCafferty. “It sounds like hyperbole, but the overall technique and creative skills really blew me away this year,” said McCafferty. “We were wowed by the creativity, range, and talent.”

The screening is in the Community Room of the library, which is at 65 Witherspoon Street. Visit princetonlibrary.org/psff for more information.