When Allie Turner gets an idea, she acts on it. Such was the case when she decided that it would be a good idea to host a film festival at West Potomac High School and collect food for United Community Ministries.
She presented the idea, "Films for Food" to the student leadership class, and they liked it. Joan Reynolds, student government sponsor, then helped to facilitate the event, which was held last weekend at West Potomac.
Fifteen student-made films, the work of about 30 students, were shown at the festival. Subjects ran the gamut, everything from "Seven Days of Torture" to "My Stupid Life."
Some other titles were: "Mitosis Survivor," "The Last Date" and "The Best Movie Ever." Turner hoped that the festival would "inspire students at WPHS to explore the creative outlet of independent film making, in addition to enhancing their sense of community and altruism."
BY CHARGING ADMISSION of five or more non-perishable foods, she also hoped to benefit a needy organization. In describing the event, Turner said, "Films for Food is more distinctive than a canned food drive and more important than a film festival. It is a combination of creativity and philanthropy that simultaneously benefits the aspiring director and the hungry family. This event proffers an extraordinary experience for West Potomac students and those in need in our community."
Turner succeeded in her goal. The festival collected 630 cans of food and diapers for UCM. They will also donate the $200 that they made in profits selling t-shirts, to the UCM pantry.