Folktellers Studios and Emagine Entertainment have announced the celebrity judges who are set to evaluate student-created flims for the inaugural Folktellers for Literacy Program’s Student Filmmakers to Shine contest. The contest, which encourages storytelling and literacy in young readers, challenging them to script, direct, and produce their own short films, will culminate in a grand finale, to be held at one of Emagine’s Michigan locations on July 3.
The program invited students to dive into Josef Bastian’s award-winning seven-book series, Excerpts from an Unknown Guidebook. After reading the books, participants created their own three-minute movie trailers inspired by the series’ characters, worlds, and themes.
Working with regional literacy programs, Folktellers Studios and Emagine distributed program kits and connected with classrooms and community groups across the region to make the program accessible to as many young storytellers as possible. The program was open to elementary and middle school aged students and to educators, schools, and community organizations in Michigan, and required submissions by November 5, 2025.
The excitement of this film contest allowed participants to post their short films on the Folktellers for Literacy website, where celebrity judges and the community at large can vote for their favorite film. Selected finalists will attend the exclusive red-carpet premiere event at Emagine Theatres. There, their short films will be showcased on the big screen, giving kids, families, educators, community leaders, and the community, a chance to celebrate storytelling, literacy, and youth creativity, in true Hollywood style.
The expert celebrity judging panel includes:
- Terri Lee (Terri Lee Chandler) – Detroit-based film critic for WWJ Newsradio 950 (CBS affiliate), screenwriter, UCLA Professional Program in Screenwriting graduate, member of the Critics Choice Association and African American Film Critics Association, SAG-AFTRA member, and founder of The I See You Film Awards. Terri is passionate about amplifying emerging voices and everyday storytelling.
- Carl Weyant – Michigan filmmaker, actor, and CEO of Alliance Studios International. A champion of purpose-driven, family-oriented narratives, Carl leads high-concept projects including Harsens Island Revenge (2025) and Hold It Now!!! (2026), revitalizing independent filmmaking in the Midwest.
- Paul Glantz – Chairman Emeritus of Emagine Entertainment. A pioneer in cinematic innovation, Paul led Emagine’s transition to high-definition digital projection and introduced Dolby Atmos sound to Michigan theatres, earning recognition in The New York Times and Film Journal International.
- R.J. King – Acclaimed Detroit author of six books (including multiple Midwest Book Award winners), editor of DBusiness magazine, and founder of Written in Detroit publishing. A lifelong advocate for Michigan’s communities, R.J. serves on numerous boards supporting education, public safety, and economic development.
“The caliber of this judging panel reflects the seriousness with which we view our students’ work,” said Stephen Sadler, co-founder of Folktellers Studios. “We’re honored to have such respected voices championing the next generation of storytellers.”
The finalists and more information for the red-carpet event which will feature student premieres, family-friendly festivities, and a community celebration, will be announced soon.
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