JUST BE YOU Youth Film And Theater Festival Lands In Bound Brook

Where can you find a youth film festival screening films from all around the globe, a theatrical talent competition, and a family-friendly comedy show, all in one event? You can find it at the debut of the Just Be You Performing Arts Film & Theater Festival. A youth driven event coming to the Brook Arts Center on Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 12 p.m.

"After receiving over 800 submissions from young filmmakers from numerous international countries and within the United States I realized how important this platform will be for the youth. We are excited to give them a fun, encouraging and positive environment to showcase their talents. As a parent, it's important for me to help children express themselves artisically," said Mahogany Reynolds-Clarke, founder/executive director.

Special VIP Guest of Honor:

The festival is proud to have their VIP Guest of Honor, Dupre "DoItAll" Kelly, legendary hip-hop artist from the platinum selling group Lords of the Underground, attend the festival. He will deliver a motivational speech to the children in the audience. Kelly has successfully transitioned from a widely successful artist to a strong community leader in his home town of Newark, New Jersey.

"The festival and I share one of the same vision; and that is to make a greater investment into our youth, and this program does that by giving young people information that will propel them in the visual performing arts industry," said Kelly.

Joining Kelly at the festival is an emerging artists that he mentors, Isabella "BellaStar" Cruz, an 8-year-old singer, dancer and model, from Newark, New Jersey. BellaStar will be performing live at the festival on the main stage. She has won 55 talent show awards in the past two years. Reynolds-Clarke believes other children will be inspired by BellaStar's drive and dynamic stage presence.

"I'm so excited to be a part of the Just Be You Festival. I love performing and can't wait to share my singing and dancing with the audience. They'll be in for a real treat," said Cruz.

Not just a film festival

With the objective of merging the performing arts and visual arts into one full day event, the festival will feature the debut of Just Be You Performing Arts' "Triple-Threat Talent Competition". This unique contest; created by Reynolds-Clarke, is more than a singing competition. Each contestant must demonstrate strong skills in singing, dancing and acting. Young performing artist from all over the country; as well as, internationally, will be competing live on the main stage.

The festival also includes an interactive workshop for aspiring actors to gain audition technique skills. Following the workshop will be a symposium panel discussion for parents to gain tools and knowledge on the business behind show business.

Comedians from Just Be You Performing Arts hit stand-up comedy show "Cracking Up In Rahway", Candace Kelley of New York, Vince the Comedy Magician from New Jersey, and Andrew Barrow also from New Jersey, will perform a family-friendly show during the festival.

Films by kids all over the world:

The festival organizers recently announced the 42 finalist selected into the festival. Filmmakers from numerous cities in the United States; as well as, international countries, such as: India, France, United Kingdom, Malaysia, and Nigeria, will have their films screened at the event. Attendees will enjoy films in various categories; such as, animation, live-action, documentary and more.

"We are thrilled for our finalist. Especially our homegrown filmmakers from New Jersey who were selected as a finalist. This festival will give all young filmmakers a chance to see their work on a big screen and get support on how to further their film career," said Reynolds-Clarke.

Just Be You Performing Arts is known for being a champion for children in the arts. With four strong years under their belt as a mentoring organization, the mission of the festival is to bring filmmakers, performing artists, and industry professionals together, to celebrate youth in the arts.

Student discount tickets are available for only $10 for all students, including college students. Adult tickets are $15. To purchase tickets visit their website: www.justbeyoufestival.com. They are seeking a few more vendors to sell merchandise at the event. Vendor tables are affordable and a great way to support the performing arts. They are also seeking more sponsors to support the efforts of the festival with monetary donations, or goods and services. The Brook Arts Center is a historic 600 seat theater located in downtown Bound Brook, New Jersey.

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