The kick-off event for The Emmaus Arts Commission's 8th Annual Student Horror Film Festival, Oct. 27, Emmaus Theater, is 6 p.m. Oct. 10, Emmaus High School.

The Student Horror Film Festival showcases student horror films from schools throughout the Lehigh Valley. Winners take home cash and prizes, trophies and certificates of participation.

Student filmmakers in middle school and high school are asked to attend the kick-off event, a free, "how-to" class with industry professionals who will provide participants with the theme and genre for this year's festival, as well as filmmaking tips and techniques.

Students are given 96 hours to conceptualize, shoot, edit and produce a six-minute (maximum length) film. Submissions are judged. Selected films are screened at the Student Horror Film Festival.

The festival is organized as an individual, school or team competition.

Films are judged on set criteria by an independent panel of professionals in the film industry: effective use of required material, storytelling ability, quality of acting, editing, direction, creativity and originality.

Winning films are displayed on the Emmaus Arts Commission website and its YouTube channel.

Deadline for submissions is 6 p.m. Oct. 14, with film entries in DVD format and application to be dropped off at Emmaus Borough Hall.

Team members included on application receive free entry to the Oct. 27 screening. Film finalists will be screened at 2 p.m., followed by an awards ceremony.

Film are expected to be PG (Parental Guidance Suggested. Some material may not be suitable for young children.)

Previous Film Festival winners include Orefield Middle School, Bethlehem Area Vo-Tech, Lower Macungie Middle School, Salisbury Middle School, Emmaus High School, and North Pocono High School.

The Lehigh Valley Press is Title Sponsor, along with WFMZ69, PenTeleData and Service Electric Cable TV.

Information: emmausarts.org