LDS film fest starts Thursday

PROVO — The producers of "Napoleon Dynamite," actor-turned-director Rick Schroeder and filmmaker David Weidner will be featured at the LDS Film Festival Thursday through Saturday.

All feature films will play at the University Mall Cinemas in Orem.

Films made as part of the festival's "24-hour Marathon" will be shown at the Provo Library at Academy Square, 550 N. University Ave.

The 24-hour Marathon invited filmmakers Jan. 14-15 to make a short film from start to finish in 24 hours. Approximately 30 took up the challenge.

• "Sons of Provo" from filmmaker Will Swenson. Characters Will, Kirby and Danny, the hottest new sensation in Mormon pop music, make up the band Everclean. The film chronicles the struggles and successes of this group fighting to become the most spiritual Mormon boy band in history. Rated PG. Shows Thursday at 5 p.m. and Saturday at 10 p.m. at the University Mall Cinemas.

• "Black Cloud," a drama from Rick Schroeder. "Black Cloud" is an inspirational story about a young Navajo boxer who overcomes personal challenges as he comes to terms with his heritage while fighting his way for a spot on the U.S. Olympic boxing team. This is actor Schroeder's directorial debut. Rated PG-13. Screenings are Thursday at 10 p.m. and Friday at 7:30 p.m.

• "Think Tank," a comedy from filmmaker Brian Petersen. This film comes from the producers of "Napoleon Dynamite." The story line is about a group of self-proclaimed geniuses who form an inventors club to save their local hangout and defeat the evil Lord Billiards. Not rated (probably PG). Screening Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

• "The Spirithunter," a drama from filmmaker David Weidner. A recently deceased man wakes up to find his memory erased. He must discover the unfortunate circumstances surrounding his death while keeping ahead of an unstoppable supernatural force determined to collect his soul. Not rated (probably PG-13). Screening Friday at 9:30 p.m.

For more information about short competition screenings and the 24-hour Marathon films, check the Web site at www.ldsbox.com or contact the Provo Library at 852-6660. For feature films call University Mall Cinemas at 226-1770.