Celebrity Judges Announced for Folktellers for Literacy Red Carpet Premiere Event Student Filmmakers to Shine at Emagine Theatres on June 3, 2026

Photo by Matheus Bertelli

Troy, Michigan  – Folktellers Studios and Emagine Entertainment are thrilled to announce the distinguished celebrity judges who will evaluate student-created movie trailers in the inaugural Folktellers for Literacy Program, “Student Filmmakers To Shine”, a contest where young readers are turned into filmmakers, culminating in a glamorous red-carpet premiere on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. Emagine Entertainment, a recognized leader in providing innovative and luxury movie going experiences has partnered with this program to cultivate in a grand finale opportunity to showcase these stories in a true state-of-the-art cinematic presentation, at an Emagine Theatre in Michigan.

This past fall,

Emagine Entertainment and Folktellers Studios, a nonprofit initiative, announced their partnership for this brand-new storytelling and literacy program that encourages young readers to become a filmmaker by scripting, directing, and producing. In partnership with regional literacy programs, the project blends reading, imagination, and movie magic, inspiring kids to see their stories come alive on the big screen.

The program invited students to dive into Josef Bastian’s award-winning seven-book series, Excerpts from an Unknown Guidebook, a universe filled with adventure, mystery, and the limitless power of storytelling. After reading the books, participants created their own three-minute movie trailers inspired by the series’ characters, worlds, and themes.

Working with regional literacy programs, Folktellers Studios and Emagine distributed program kits and connected with classrooms and community groups across the region to make the program accessible to as many young storytellers as possible. The program was open to elementary and middle school aged students and to educators, schools, and community organizations in Michigan, and required submissions by November 5, 2025.

The excitement of this film contest allowed participants to post their short films on the Folktellers for Literacy website, where celebrity judges and the community at large can vote for their favorite film. Selected finalists will attend the exclusive red-carpet premiere event at Emagine Theatres. There, their short films will be showcased on the big screen, giving kids, families, educators, community leaders, and the community, a chance to celebrate storytelling, literacy, and youth creativity, in true Hollywood style.

The expert celebrity judging panel includes:

• Terri Lee (Terri Lee Chandler) – Detroit-based film critic for WWJ Newsradio 950 (CBS affiliate), screenwriter, UCLA Professional Program in Screenwriting graduate, member of the Critics Choice Association and African American Film Critics Association, SAG-AFTRA member, and founder of The I See You Film Awards. Terri is passionate about amplifying emerging voices and everyday storytelling.
• Carl Weyant – Michigan filmmaker, actor, and CEO of Alliance Studios International. A champion of purpose-driven, family-oriented narratives, Carl leads high-concept projects including Harsens Island Revenge (2025) and Hold It Now!!! (2026), revitalizing independent filmmaking in the Midwest.
• Paul Glantz – Chairman Emeritus of Emagine Entertainment. A pioneer in cinematic innovation, Paul led Emagine’s transition to high-definition digital projection and introduced Dolby Atmos sound to Michigan theatres, earning recognition in The New York Times and Film Journal International.
• R.J. King – Acclaimed Detroit author of six books (including multiple Midwest Book Award winners), editor of DBusiness magazine, and founder of Written in Detroit publishing. A lifelong advocate for Michigan’s communities, R.J. serves on numerous boards supporting education, public safety, and economic development.

These judges bring unparalleled expertise in film criticism, independent production, exhibition innovation, and regional storytelling—perfectly aligned with the program’s mission to inspire literacy, creativity, and confidence in young people.

“The caliber of this judging panel reflects the seriousness with which we view our students’ work,” said Stephen Sadler, co-founder of Folktellers Studios. “We’re honored to have such respected voices championing the next generation of storytellers.”

The finalists and more information for the red-carpet event which will feature student premieres, family-friendly festivities, and a community celebration, will be announced soon.

For more information about the Folktellers for Literacy Program, visit www.folktellersforliteracy.com

Folktellers for Literacy is a nonprofit initiative partnering with Emagine Entertainment to blend reading, imagination, and filmmaking. Students explore fantasy worlds rooted in global and Midwestern folklore, then create their own trailers—fostering literacy, wellness, and creative confidence.

About Folktellers Studios:

Twenty years ago, Josef Bastian, a writer and instructional system designer, had a vision – to create a world of storytelling based on myth and legend. His concept was ambitious, and he had written over 20 novels, but something was still missing. In 2017, he was introduced to Stephen Sadler, also a writer, engineer, and tech innovator with success selling his technology to Walt Disney Studios, as well as other majors in Los Angeles. With the perfect complement of skills and talent, Josef and Stephen set off to build their collective dream – a world that combined technology and mythology. The goal was to create an interactive, immersive experience and forge a totally new storytelling platform. They knew it wouldn’t be easy, but they were determined to take this new idea as far as it could go. And that’s exactly what they did…

Made up of experts and artisans from film, music, television, gaming, literature, and digital media, our team crafts immersive tales of magic and wonder, encouraging audiences to engage with us on a deeper, more experiential level.

Being from Detroit, we’re used to creating physical, tangible things like V8 engines, carburetors and two-ton vehicles. Everyone knows what a car or a truck looks like, so we don’t have to help them visualize what we’re talking about. But in the entertainment industry and the world of storytelling, things are VERY different. This is an environment where creators must build castles in the clouds, in the hopes that someone will support and back them, helping the clouds thicken, so the castle can rise higher and higher until it can be seen from anywhere. At Folktellers Studios, we believe that a story, well told, can change the world.

About Emagine Entertainment:

Emagine Entertainment is a recognized leader and innovator in luxury cinema, operating 27 theaters with 330 screens and across Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Headquartered in Troy, Michigan, Emagine was the world’s first theater chain to fully convert to digital projection and continues to set the standard in the industry providing advanced technologies including 4K projection, Dolby Atmos® sound, and Super EMX® auditoriums (located in Novi, Michigan, Canton, Michigan, Rogers, Minnesota and Batavia, Illinois) which feature some of the largest screens in the country.

 Emagine offers more than just movies – delivering a full spectrum of entertainment experiences with features such as bowling, duckpin bowling, Krazy Darts, MX Axe experience and specialized spaces like the podcast studio at Emagine Palladium in Birmingham, MI, and the Caesars Sportsbook Lounge at Emagine Royal Oak, in Michigan, where sports fans can watch and bet on some of the most sought-after sporting events.

Emagine sets itself apart by pairing state-of-the-art cinematic presentation with upscale amenities, combining heated recliners, gourmet concessions, craft cocktails, and local brews like the signature Emagine Ale by Leinenkugel, to offer a premium moviegoing experience at an exceptional value.

Beyond Hollywood blockbusters, Emagine also offers a wide array of alternative content, including live concerts, sporting events, classic films, and private screenings. Through its Emagine for Everyone initiative, Emagine is committed to inclusivity, offering a program that ensures everyone, including families, individuals with sensory sensitivities, new parents, those who require on-screen captions, and individuals living with dementia, can enjoy the big screen experience together.

Emagine and Folktellers Studios invite young readers to bring their stories to life on the BIG screen

With a growing footprint and a dedication to community, comfort, and cutting-edge innovation, Emagine Entertainment continues to redefine the movie theatre experience. For more information, visit www.emagine-entertainment.com.