Little filmmakers

Presented by Artists United Network to help raise funds for the rehabilitation and support of theatre, the festival runs from Jan. 13 to Jan. 15.

Fans of independent film will get to see shorts and feature-length movies during the festival, including a short from the youngest filmmaker on the festival’s roster.

“Logan Park” is a suspenseful mystery about a young girl who gets lost in the woods after softball practice.

Nine-year-old Adalynn Hardin has a submission at the festival, and when the Silex resident found out her short would be viewed, it came as a surprise.

“I was shocked, because I didn’t know it was going to be featured until my dad told me – and I said, ‘Oh my gosh,’” Hardin said. 

Addy Hardin said she wanted to make a film because she had seen her father, Jon, create videos – and wanted to be in on the process. 

It turned out to be a true “family affair.”

“My dad was doing a lot of movies, and I wanted to see what it was like (to make a movie,” Addy Hardin said. “I asked Dad to see what it was like to make a movie, and I asked if (my sister and brother) Kora and Teddy could be in it too.”

Shooting for the film took around six weeks, and their parents are happy of not only the finished product, but also the work it took to get there.

“I’m just very proud of their creativity and perseverance in something they want to pursue,” said the children’s mother, Cayla Hardin.

“Every parent wants the best for their kids, no doubt there, and every parent probably thinks their kid is the most amazing kid in the world, but I’m pretty positive my kids are going places with this creative mindset, talent and work ethic they consistently put into their projects,” Jon Hardin said. “I’m super-impressed with all three of them, especially Addy Faye.”

Teddy Hardin said he was most surprised about the project, and hopes independent film fans turn out.

“At first, I didn’t know I was going to be in the movie,” the 10-year-old said. “I thought it was going to be just Adalynn and Cora, but then Dad asked me if I wanted to be in it.

“I was super-nervous, because I was laughing at first, but I think this can be successful overall.”

Once the film was finally finished, and the final cuts were made, the children were able to see the product of their vision in live action.

“I thought it was amazing,” Addy Hardin said. “All the hard work was done.”

“I thought it was pretty good,” Kora Hardin said.

Jon Hardin said he’s happy his children go to school in Lincoln County, which allows them to thrive, and he’s also seen a great deal of talented musicians and artists in the county as well.

“Silex is the best school for the kids. There’s no bullying, and the kids love it there,” he said. “The ‘diamonds in the rough’ are in Lincoln County. Some of the best artists I’ve heard are in Lincoln County, because they have heart here.”

The Hardins were still buzzing about their film being accepted for the event, which will be show on the final day, and thanked Artists United Network for the opportunity.

“It’s a privilege to have this opportunity, and I’m thankful they helped us,” Teddy Hardin said. “We couldn’t have done this without them.”

“I’m so glad they helped us,” Addy Hardin said. “(Event co-producer) Dustin Diggs and Artist United Network helped us out so much, and I thank them for accepting the movie.”

Addy Hardin also said she can go back to school, and tell her classmates she made a movie that was screened to a public audience.

“Some of my friends have said they want to see it now,” she said.