Gary Actor William L. Johnson

Gary actor William L. Johnson, who is an Emerson High School graduate, is returning home to Northwest Indiana this weekend to host the 2nd Annual Film Festival.

Scene from "Out of Body Experience" Short Film by Director Van Elder

Discussions of family possibilies consume a newlywed couple in director Van Elder's new short film "Out of Body Experience" screening this weekend in Gary at The Glen Theatre at the 2nd Annual Film Festival on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013.

"Truth Among Men" Film Poster

"Truth Among Men," directed by Van Elder, has its world premiere tonight, Friday, Feb. 22, at The Glen Theatre in Gary, Ind.

"Out of Body Experience" Film Poster

An intricate conversation between a newlywed couple about whether to start a family is the premise in director Van Elder's short film subject "Out of Body Experience" screening this weekend at the 2013 Film Festival at The Glen Theatre in Gary on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013.

Film Director Van Elder

Film director Van Elder is in Gary this weekend to participate in the 2nd Annual Film Festival, including screenings of two of his new short films.

Role by Roll: Film Fest weekend returns to Gary

His is a face that's very recognizable on the big screen. "I knew him right away from his many roles the first time I saw him in person," said Indiana state Rep. Vernon Smith talking about Gary native-turned-Hollywood film star William L. Johnson.

OFFBEAT: Spooky film fest at Music Box includes classic scary movies and Sybil Danning

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

LUNAFEST features short films by, for, about women

HAMMOND | LUNAFEST, the fundraising film festival dedicated to promoting awareness about women's issues, highlighting women filmmakers, and bringing women together in their communities, will be hosted tonight by Girls on the Run of Northwest Indiana at the Indiana Welcome Center, 7770 Corinn…

A film fest weekend in Gary shares the work of a region actor

This weekend will showcase the first film festival dedicated to William L. Johnson, and it will be hosted by the actor, who's planning his homecoming so he can participate.

Gary Native Turned Hollywood Actor William L. Johnson

Actor William L. Johnson, who is an Emerson High School graduate, is returning home to Gary to be honored with a film festival Feb 17-19 showcasing his screen work.

New Film Fest Weekend in Gary shares work of region actor

His is a face that's very recognizable on the big screen. "I knew him right away from his many roles the first time I saw him in person," said Indiana state Rep. Vernon Smith talking about Gary native-turned-Hollywood film star William L. Johnson.

It's a wrap

Filmgoers attend director Alrick Brown's 'The Death of Two Sons' on Saturday at the Glen Theater as part of the Gary International Black Film Festival's inaugural event.