By JANE MOUNTAIN, Contributing Editor

This year, Samsung Fresh Films joins AFI FEST as sponsor of a new free event, Samsung Fresh Films Youth Fest, which will serve as a kickoff for under-18 programming at AFI FEST 2007.

Samsung Fresh Films, now in its fourth year, is the nation's largest teen filmmaking program. Each year the program gives 100 teens, ages 14-19, the unique opportunity to make their own short films. The teens are split into nine film crews across the country, and the teams get a week to cast, create, shoot and edit a short festival-quality film.

"Samsung Fresh Films is a program that teaches teens to harness their creativity and believe in themselves," said Aviva Kleiner, Marketing Director for Dreaming Tree Films. "Our program provides teens with the tools and resources to produce quality work. We feel it's important to showcase that work in an environment where it is appreciated and respected, such as AFI FEST."

The Samsung Fresh Filmmakers in Seattle, who took the title for Freshest Film of 2007, will attend AFI FEST 2007 and get to see their film premiered at the festival. They'll also have the opportunity to attend interactive seminars featuring the ensemble cast of Napoleon Dynamite and some of Hollywood's best technical artists, participate in an awards ceremony for their win, and interact with teens and Hollywood pros at Youth Fest. Of course, they will also be able to attend film screenings throughout AFI FEST 2007.

Under-18 programming at AFI FEST is featured in the Under 18 Film Guide, which helps parents and teens choose films with appropriate content and themes. Films undergo a rigorous screening process to ensure content is suitable for younger audiences. Eight films made the cut this year, including the world premieres of SIGUR ROS and MANUELA Y MANUEL, and U.S. premieres of OPERATION FILMMAKER and CHOP SHOP. The line-up also includes THE BAND'S VISIT, JUNO, PLEASE VOTE FOR ME, and PERSEPOLIS.