KINO Short Film Festival returns to Moscow with films and workshops

MOSCOW, Idaho — University of Idaho’s KINO Short Film Festival, the longest-running short film festival in the Pacific Northwest, returns to Moscow on Friday and Saturday, April 24-25, bringing together filmmakers, students and cinephiles for two days of immersive storytelling, hands-on workshops and curated short film screenings.

This year’s festival expands its educational programming with a full slate of workshops running throughout each day, offering access to industry professionals with decades of experience in film and television. Events take place at venues across Moscow, including the Kenworthy Theatre, the 1912 Center, the Borah Theater in the Bruce M. Pitman Center and Mikey’s Gyros.

“We’ve done a lot of work to grow KINO this year,” said Kyle Howerton, festival director and clinical assistant professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Media. “There’s really nothing like it in the Pacific Northwest — a short film-focused event that brings together screenings and networking opportunities for college students and regional professionals, along with truly world-class workshops.”

A major highlight of the festival is a storytelling master class led by Jeffrey Townsend, an Emmy-winning writer, LA Music Video Award-winning songwriter and longtime Hollywood creative who collaborated with Matt Groening on “The Simpsons.” Drawing from a lifetime of experience developing stories across mediums, Townsend will present “Seven Hacks to Improve Your Storytelling,” offering practical, insider tools for writers and filmmakers at 3:30 p.m. Friday, April 24, at the 1912 Center, 412 E. Third St.

“Once I realized KINO was developed by folks at the university, I was even more interested,” Townsend said. “Most film festivals emphasize networking and trying to hustle for the next project, but I appreciate that with a university behind it, the focus is on learning. For me, that’s a sweet spot. I didn’t have much mentorship early in my career, so I value the opportunity to coach young filmmakers when I can.”

Cinematographer and lighting expert Ian Christenberry, an alumnus of the American Film Institute’s Master of Fine Arts program, will lead a workshop on “Lighting for Story” at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 25, in the Radio and Television Building on U of I’s campus. Christenberry’s credits include working as a lighting technician on major productions such as “Star Trek,” “Entourage,” “Wayne’s World” and “The Dark Tower.” His session will explore how lighting shapes emotion, tone and narrative.

Saturday’s programming also includes a “KINO Coffee Convo” with acclaimed independent producer Daniel Bekerman at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 25, at the 1912 Center.

Bekerman, known for producing “The Witch,” “Ready or Not” and “The Apprentice,” will discuss his career, the challenges of the film industry and offer advice to emerging filmmakers. This free event provides an opportunity for direct engagement with a leading voice in independent cinema.

Additional workshops include a session led by faculty members from the U of I Film and Television Program titled “How to Make Better Music Videos with Next-to-No Budget.” Photographer and cinematographer Michael Notar, owner of Shutterworks Rentals Spokane will also present “Outdoor Gaff + Gear,” bringing professional lighting equipment for hands-on learning.

In addition to its workshop programming, the KINO Short Film Festival will feature four curated blocks of short films across both days, showcasing 45 films created by filmmakers from or produced within the Pacific Northwest region at venues across Moscow.

“The KINO Short Film Festival is becoming the best festival in the state for aspiring filmmakers to share their work and connect with their peers,” said Russell Meeuf, director of film and television and professor.

By pairing professional development with thoughtfully programmed screenings, KINO continues its legacy as a platform for emerging talent and a cornerstone of the Pacific Northwest film community.

For more information, including a full schedule of events, visit kinofilmfest.org.

Media contact

Kyle Howerton
Clinical Assistant Professor
Festival Director
253-381-7554
howerton@uidaho.edu