Michigan Student Storyteller Finalists Celebrate Literacy by Showcasing Their Stories on the Big Screen

Photo courtesy of Emagine Entertainment

Folktellers for Literacy Program Ends Inaugural Year with Red Carpet Event at Emagine.

Folktellers Studios and Emagine Entertainment to celebrate the success of 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 at Emagine Royal Oak Theatre, located at 200 N. Main Street in Royal Oak. 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.

More than 1,300 Michigan elementary and middle school students participated in the program,

transforming from readers into storytellers and filmmakers. From hundreds of submissions, ten finalist teams were selected for this Hollywood-style recognition. This past fall, Emagine Entertainment and Folktellers Studios, a nonprofit initiative, announced their partnership for this brand-new storytelling and literacy program that encouraged young readers to become a filmmaker by scripting, directing, and producing. In partnership with regional literacy programs, the project blended reading, imagination, and movie magic, inspiring kids to see their stories come alive on the big screen.  The submissions were reviewed, and finalists were selected by judges who 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 expect celebrity judging panel includes  Terri Lee (Terri Lee Chandler) a Detroit-based film critic, screenwriter and founder of the I See You Film Awards; Carl Weyant, Michigan filmmaker, actor, and CEO of Alliance Studios International, Paul Glantz, Chairman Emeritus of Emagine Entertainment and 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

The evening will feature: Wednesday, June 3, 2026:

Red Carpet Arrivals 6:00 pm – Ten student finalist teams celebrated in true Hollywood style

Student Film Screenings 7:00 pm – Ten finalist movie trailers on Emagine’s state-of-the-art big screen

Live Award Ceremony – Announcement of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners, judged by a distinguished celebrity panel

World Premiere: Phases of the Moon – The pilot episode of the new streaming series based on the first book in Josef Bastian’s award-winning Excerpts from an Unknown Guidebook fantasy series.

Students read Phases of the Moon and created original two- to three-minute movie trailers inspired by the book’s characters, worlds, and themes. The premiere of the pilot—co-produced by Folktellers Studios and Alliance Studios International—offers a full-circle moment for participants, who will be among the first to see the book adapted for streaming.

“This night belongs to the 1,300 Michigan students who proved their stories matter,” said Josef Bastian, series author and co-founder of Folktellers Studios. “Every step of this program was designed to show them they are the storytellers the world has been waiting for.”

The Folktellers for Literacy Program combines bibliotherapy with visual storytelling to spark imagination, strengthen literacy skills, and support emotional well-being.

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

About Folktellers Studios:

 A nonprofit initiative founded by Josef Bastian and Stephen Sadler, Folktellers Studios combines technology and mythology to create immersive storytelling experiences. Made up of experts from film, music, television, gaming, and digital media, Folktellers Studios believes a story, well told, can change the world.

About Alliance Studios International:

 A Michigan-based, purpose-driven production company led by filmmaker and CEO Carl Weyant, Alliance Studios International champions family-oriented, high-concept narratives and is actively revitalizing independent filmmaking in the Midwest.

About Emagine Entertainment:

 A recognized leader in luxury cinema, Emagine Entertainment operates 27 theaters with 330 screens across five states. Headquartered in Troy, Michigan, Emagine was the world’s first theater chain to fully convert to digital projection, setting the industry standard with 4K projection, Dolby Atmos® sound, and premium amenities. Visit www.emagine-entertainment.com.