SANDPOINT - For some amateur filmmakers, the chance to show their hard work on the big screen before an audience makes all the difference.

That's the kind of positivity that motivates the members of Sandpoint Films, the local nonprofit organizing the Sandpoint Films Festival scheduled for Nov. 5 at the Panida Little Theater. Following up the successful first year of the festival in 2010, Sandpoint Films chairwoman Janice Jarzabek said the group hopes the evening will leave both filmmakers and audience members inspired by the power of movies.

"Even if it's the most elementary film, if (a filmmaker) can see it play on a big screen, that could encourage him or her to make another film," Jarzabek said.

This year's festival expands on last year's structure. Like 2010, the festival is divided into three two-hour blocks. From 1-3 p.m., films from last year and movies shown out of competition occupy a free block of movies. Films in competition screen from 3-5 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. The latter two blocks each cost $5.

A festival kick-off party at Laughing Dog Brewery should generate the initial buzz. Set for Nov. 4 from 5-7 p.m., the evening will provide an opportunity to share a drink with some of the filmmakers before screening their work the following day.

While this year's structure is similar to last year, the films are even more diverse. The selections range from comedy to sobering drama, fiction to documentary and live-action to animation. The filmmakers themselves are similarly diverse, collecting together artists like animator and recent college graduate Juliette Johnson, 16-year-old "The Victor" director Stephen Byrum and last year's Audience Choice Winner, local enthusiast Ron Ragone. Even kids from Sandpoint Charter School got in on the action, creating films to be shown both in and out of competition.

"I'm really excited that those kids are learning about the art of filmmaking," Jarzabek said.

At the end of the day, a panel of judges selected by an independent body from Sandpoint Films will evaluate each entry and rank them for first, second and third prizes. The first prize winner will take home $300, while second and first prize winners earn $200 and $100 respectively.

The evening of film should be even more memorable thanks to festival sponsors Elsaesser Jarzabek Anderson Elliot and Macdonald, Laughing Dog Brewing, Idaho Grip and Lighting and Trinity Cafe. Jarzabek also thanked Genie Monte-Pelizzari for creating the festival poster's artwork.

As for the evening itself, the competition might be fierce, but Jarzabek hopes everyone involved will be unified by a love of movies.

"I'm most excited to see the new filmmakers feast their eyes on their work on the big screen," she said. "That should be a great experience."