By Rebecca Danvers

The 3rd annual Shawna Shea Film Festival (SSFF) has grown this year with two full days of indie cinema at the Somerville Theatre on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 21 and 22 in Somerville.

SSFF honors the independent spirit of the late Shawna Shea, the daughter of local filmmaker Skip Shea, and brings together independent filmmakers and while supporting young women graduating from high school and starting off on their path in the world.

“Our family is very excited to see such a tremendous interest in our mission and what has become a fantastic annual gathering of independent filmmakers from the U.S and around the world,” said Shea. “Shawna loved theater, performing and acting and she would really appreciate this kind of film festival, one that brings together the best and brightest of indie film and showcases innovative creativity in this corner of the film world. It’s the best way we can honor Shawna as an independent spirit.”

Tickets are available at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shawna-shea-film-festival-tickets- 14100455843.

The festival lineup is:

Friday Nov. 21

Local Block, 2 to 4 p.m.

Monae’s Room by Raeshelle Cooke; Always a Reason by Chris Esper; Raising Matty Christian by Christian De Rezendes

Horror Shorts Block, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

The Demon Deep In Oklahoma by Lance R. Marshall; Silk by Rob Himebaugh; Slow Burn by Stephen Martin; Deception by Josh Zini; M is for Mundane by Andrea Wolan; Picket by Izzy Lee; Gloom by Randy Memoli.

Horror Feature Block, 7 to 9 p.m.

Opens with short film Cyclic by Sean Carmichael; followed by feature Alice D by Jessica Sonneborn.

Saturday November 22

Foreign Block, 2 to 4 p.m.

Butterfly Fluttering by Roman Kayumov; Silence by Pegah Arzi; Luminaris by Juan Pablo Zaramella; Mi Ojo Derecho by Josecho de Linares; Porque Hay Cosas Que Nunca Se Olvidan (Because There Are Things We Never Forget) by Lucas M. Figueroa.

Feature Block 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Opens with trailer for The Loudest Sound by Jason Miller; and short Out of the Night by Skip Shea; followed by feature Complicity by CB Harding.

Feature Block 7 to 9 p.m.

Opens with short The Actor by Mike Messier and Skip Shea; and short Alright by Sean Carmichael; followed by feature Lies I Told My Little Sister by William J. Stribling.

The film awards ceremony follows immediately after in the theatre at 9:30 p.m.

SSFF benefits the Shawna Shea Memorial Scholarship that was established in 1999 after Shawna at 16 tragically lost her life in an automobile accident. Her twin sister Erin and her classmates memorialized Shawna by raising $10,000 and establishing this unique scholarship, which is awarded annually to a female Uxbridge High School graduate who exhibits Shawna’s special individualism that imprinted a lasting impression on everyone she touched in her short life. Since then, dozens of young women graduates from Uxbridge High School have received this award to continue their education.

“We are truly blessed to provide this support in Shawna’s name since we know she would always want to help her friends and anyone who lives on the margins and deserves everything beautiful that life can give,” said Shea The Shawna Shea Memorial Scholarship Fund also includes a memorial award in the name of Michael Liberty, Shawna’s cousin. This award is presented to a male Uxbridge High School graduate who exhibits the qualities of inclusion and respect for all abilities and interests. Each year, Shawna’s family members and friends create fun and meaningful events to sustain The Shawna Shea Memorial Scholarship Fund to continue this legacy that honors Shawna, her character and her values.