On September 24-25, Hammond welcomes culture and some international flair with the first ever JamFest Indie Film Festival, which showcases independent spirit from across the globe.

The festival is comprised of over a hundred films from all over the world as well as here in Louisiana. The films range from comedy, drama, music videos and documentaries, to children targeted film, experimental, as well as the best of the fest: the festivals’ top honored, platinum award-winning films. Screenings are being held simultaneously at the Hammond Regional Arts Center as well as Tope La Catering over the course of the two days.

Saturday morning is specifically for kids with specially chosen children’s theatre from 9-11:45 a.m. at the Hammond Regional Arts Center. Afterwards there will also be a Q and A with the director and a contest for children.

On Saturday there will be a filmmaker seminar with Emmy award winner Robert A. Nowotny, and a director’s roundtable directly after, for those who have questions or just want to know more about the filmmaking process.

“You see people that have vision and that may not go with the Hollywood vision,” said Martie Fellom, co-festival director.  “[You] may not be used to the off putting ending, but it’s nice when you are not able to predict what is going to happen. That is rewarding. It’s a form of escapism, which is healthy.”

Tope La and Worlds End Café are the official caterers for the event providing refreshments for purchase, with menus designed specifically for the event.

Edward Morin, a professor in visual arts, will showcase in the experimental category with his animation “Away we go.”  

“It’s something I’ve been working on a long time,” said Morin. “All segments in the piece are about the idea of going somewhere, and is the celebration of the desire to be somewhere else completely other than where you are presently.”

 Jamfest is currently seeking volunteers to help with the event, if interested contact Fellom at [email protected].

The festival is sponsored by the Northshore Regional Endowment for the Arts. Admission for the two day festival is $10 or free with your University ID.

Tickets are available for presale at Dr. Ted’s Music Center, PJ’s Coffee & Tea Co. on 224 W. Thomas or Worlds End Café, or on the day of the festival at the door. Proceeds from the tickets will benefit the Northshore Regional Endowment for the Arts to support the arts in community.

“I think [the festival] is going to be great for the community,” said Morin. “Anything that brings culture, not only brings the community together, but is also really good for Hammond.”

For more information on the films, the event, as well as film trailers and ratings, please  visit www.strawberryjam.org