Emerging storytellers and cinema enthusiasts will gather for the fourth annual Montecito Student Film Festival, Saturday, Nov. 14 at Westmont’s Porter Theatre.

The event celebrates rising filmmakers and fosters creative collaboration by connecting students directly with film industry professionals.

This year’s festival drew 59 submissions from around the world, representing about nine hours of content.

Organizers plan to screen roughly three to five hours of selected works, featuring about half of the total entries, across a variety of genres, including animation, action-adventure, documentary, experimental, drama and comedy.

“I have really been enjoying watching the films with students, rating them together and talking about what it takes to make a great film, tell a compelling story, as well as the challenges and pitfalls of filmmaking,” said Jonathan Hicks, festival director and chair of Westmont’s theater arts and film studies department.

A core team of about 10 Westmont students has been engaged in producing the event. In addition to watching the Best of Show screenings, attendees and student creators will participate in workshops led by industry leaders.

This year’s guest workshop leaders include director and screenwriter Christine Swanson of Faith Filmworks, and Brian Raleigh, former senior vice president of Netflix Animation.

“The festival allows students to receive feedback and connect with industry professionals and peers who can shape their careers,” Hicks said.

Beyond building portfolios and catching the eye of talent scouts, participants share films that reflect diverse human experiences often underrepresented in mainstream cinema.

Awards will be presented in six categories: Audience Award, Critics Choice Award, Best Documentary, Best Animation, Best Screenplay and Best International Film.