Seven Mini-Films Going To Screen On Friday

The mayor's race and the office's changing role may figure into a set of short films going to the screen this Friday.

Seven teams have until 7:30 p.m. to submit a four to seven minute long piece to the , where the films will be aired at 7 p.m. on Friday. Competitors in the had the weekend to complete all aspects of a movie, from the concept to post-production, after receiving a set of clues and themes that must be incorporated into the film.

Those set pieces: characters named Ruby and Morris Turner, at least 30 seconds of footage of a New London location, an existing or created political sign, and the line of dialogue "Where is the mayor's secret office?"

Bill Hamell, organizer of the event, said the character names were in honor of , New London's first woman to serve as mayor, who died earlier this year at the age of 103. 

Barbara Neff, of , said four teams are new this year while three are returning for the competition, now in its fourth year. One of the teams is made up of fifth grade New London students.

A panel of judges at Friday evening's screening will choose a winning team for a $500 prize. The audience will also choose a team for the People's Choice Award. Tickets for the Friday event are $5 at the door.