Film and art festival at MontBleu

The second annual Blacklist Film and Art Festival, an event showcasing the talents of artists and filmmakers, is Aug. 19 at the MontBleu Casino. Doors to the theater open at 3 p.m. for the art showcase, films will be screened promptly at 5:30 p.m.

The Blacklist Film and Art Festival was launched last year by 1134 Films, a production company owned and operated by Jeff Speed, Chris Speed, Aaron Hernandez, Jason Coffey, Brandon Rein and Dustin Singler, to bring the community together in a celebration of creativity and self-expression.

Last year's event at the Lake Tahoe Community College was sold-out with more than 250 people. With help from the community, 1134 Films moved the festival to the MontBleu Theater.

"It's a privilege to be able to come home and give something back to the community that gave us so much growing up," said filmmaker Jeff Speed. "We hope this annual event will inspire young artists to create from their souls and embrace their own individuality."

Jeff Speed graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in film and was recently selected by Steven Spielberg as one of 50 emerging directors on the TV show, "On the Lot."

Filmmakers Aaron Hernandez and Chris Speed have received a collection of festival awards. Brandon Rein was the winner of last year's top Blacklist award for his skateboard film, "Tour de Dude."

Film festival events:

-- Art showcase features paintings, photographs, sketches, glasswork and 1134 production movie props. Many of the artists whose work is displayed are from South Lake Tahoe.

-- Film screening offers 20 short films from three countries and of various genres. The works range from festival award-winners and world premieres to the work of director Brandon Rein in his narrative debut, "Mustache." The audience votes to select the "Beast in Show" top director prize.

-- After party at the Blacklist hosted by Tahoe Underground includes performances by three bands and the Beast in Show award ceremony.

A portion of the proceeds earned from this year's event will be donated to victims of the Angora fire.

Limited edition merchandise and artwork will also be available for purchase.

Tickets can be purchased for $8 in advance by calling the MontBleu box office at (888) 829-7630, or $10 at the door.

For more information on the Blacklist festival and 1134 Films, myspace.com/black list1134.