When the feature film "The Giver" is released on Aug. 15, viewers will see how Lois Lowry's award-winning book was condensed into an hour and a half.
Area teens will face a similar task over the next four Saturdays at Eastgate Library - except they'll get just a minute and a half to show their results.
Called the 90-Second Movie Makeover, the video contest is part of the 90-Second Newbery Film Festival in which young filmmakers create movies that tell the entire stories of Newbery Award-winning books in 90 seconds or less.
Lowry's 1993 dystopian novel centers on 12-year-old Jonas and his gradual disillusionment with the world he lives in. It seems ideal, a place where war, disease and suffering have been eradicated. But to reach this utopian state, the society has converted to "Sameness," which has eliminated emotional depth from their lives as well.
Participants in the video project will meet at 2 p.m. on four consecutive Saturdays (July 26 and Aug. 2, 9, and 16) to discuss the book, create a script, make costumes and film their version.
The film they create will be entered into the national Newbery contest. According to contest organizers, the goal is not so much about merely summarizing the books but instead letting young readers make the books their own "through creative interpretation."
Participation is open to ages 12-18. There is no cost to take part.
The Eastgate Library is in Suite 1500 of the 5900 Building at Eastgate, 5705 Marlin Road. For more information, call 423-855-2689.