[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 69 (Friday, May 24, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E930]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         WINDSONG FILM FESTIVAL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARK E. SOUDER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 23, 2002

  Mr. SOUDER. Mr. Speaker, Windsong Pictures, Inc., an independent, 
nonprofit motion picture company based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is 
holding its Third Annual International Windsong Film Festival.
  The Windsong Film Festival, which this year is featuring 25 award-
winning independent motion pictures, is unique among film festivals 
because it specializes not only in showcasing professional independent 
filmmakers and films, but also in working with students of all ages who 
are interested in film production. This year the festival will show 
several motion pictures created by students at Elmhurst High School in 
Fort Wayne, which is also hosting the festival. College students will 
also be showing their work.
  Holding this festival is a tremendous privilege for Elmhurst. It 
gives the school national attention while giving students there a rare 
opportunity to explore the world of filmmaking. It reminds us that even 
with the financial pressures that are bearing on Elmhurst--and many 
other schools--it is important to keep fine arts education a part of 
our children's education.
  This film festival, and the tremendous film program at Elmhurst, is 
due in no small part to Michael Floyd. Floyd is executive producer of 
the festival and, perhaps more importantly, the leader of Elmhurst 
Cinema Productions, the club that allows so many students the 
opportunity to make their own movies.
  In addition to showcasing student work, the festival this year 
includes special screenings of professionally-produced independent 
movies for students, who after watching the films will be able to talk 
to the directors and ask them questions about their experiences in 
creating the films. Also this year, 32 student groups--from elementary 
age through high school--will receive awards and prizes for their own 
student productions.
  You don't have to be in Hollywood to make movies. As a matter of 
fact, you don't even have to wait until you graduate from high school. 
I am proud of our students and our community for holding this festival 
and displaying once again Fort Wayne's thriving arts community.

                          ____________________