Pens to Lens returns with youth films and red-carpet premiere

The Pens to Lens Student Screenwriting and Filmmaking Competition is returning to Champaign in 2025.

By Zeno Jo June 18, 2025 1:57 pm

Metro ServicesThe K-12 screenwriting competition will see local youth write scripts and area filmmakers pick their favorites to produce as actual short films. Graphic designers will also create movie posters for selected scripts.

CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – The Pens to Lens Student Screenwriting and Filmmaking Competition is returning to Champaign in 2025.

With WCIA 3 host Jaclyn Friedlander hosting, the K-12 screenwriting competition will see local youth write scripts and area filmmakers pick their favorites to produce as actual short films. Graphic designers will also create movie posters for selected scripts.

The event is organized 40 North, Champaign Moviemakers, CUDO, and the Champaign Park District.

The completed films and their posters are presented to the community in a red-carpet event that honors talented young screenwriters.

The event will take place on Saturday, August 16 starting at 3 p.m. at the Virginia Theatre in Champaign. General admission tickets are $10 and $6 for youths 18 and under with a per-ticket fee of $2. The event is free for children age 2 and under. Tickets will go on sale July 20, and can be purchased on the Virginia Theatre’s website.