LEWISTON — “Homeless Youth in Lewiston… Who Are They & What Can You Do,” produced by the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council, is among the seven films selected to be shown in the last semifinal round of competition in the Lewiston Auburn Film Festival’s first student film competition. Films will be shown at the Lewiston campus of the University of Southern Maine on Westminster Street starting at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 9.

The LYAC documentary, which has only been shown once publicly to a standing-room only crowd at Lewiston’s City Hall, tackles the too-often overlooked problem of teen homelessness, including talking to a couple of people who have been in that situation.

Edward Little High School has two documentaries in the semifinal round. Both the product of Shawn Rice’s film-making class, Lilly Linscott presents “Dream Big, She Did,” a loving tribute to her older sister Rebecca who struggled with health problems in high school but is now an art student in college in New Hampshire.

ELHS sophomore Meggie Wise offers “Over Censored,” a look at what truly defines art and how that can lead to censorship. The film includes many interviews with her classmates.

Amber Thibault, a Lewiston resident who attends school at Ithaca College in New York, presents a short film, “The End.” This science fiction tale depicts an institution that is allegedly educational, but appears to be more about brainwashing of emotion.

Rounding out the films to be shown is a music video featuring Kalie Shorr’s song “Until I Open My Eyes” created by Freeport student Alec Salisbury and two films from the Sanford High School Film Club, “Regrets” and “Waking Up.” The SHS Film Club was nominated in last year’s film festival for best Maine film.

The evening will also mark the last location shoot for the Lewiston Auburn Film Festival’s promotional music video, “LAFF Get it Started,” a whimsical take on the Black Eyed Peas’ hit “Let’s Get it Started.” Filming has been taking place at various public events since December with community members dancing and lip-synching along with the lyrics. Anybody interested in appearing in the music video, which will debut at a film festival sneak preview event on March 1 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Auburn, is encouraged to attend the student film event.

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