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Local film festival "Lights. Camera. Help.," gathered over 230 cause-driven entries that spotlighted everything from relief efforts across Latin America and Africa to efforts of local groups.

"What’s special about these entries is they have the power to motivate and captivate. They have the power to reach into people hearts and minds and get them to actually act out on a cause that they believe in," co-founder of the festival Aaron Bramley said.

Amanda Rife is the youngest contestant in the festival. She chose to make a film about her college-prep school.

"I wanted to show my school and what we do," Rife said. "I really like it because we work so hard every year to get into college and make sure everyone can get in."

Festival organizers said they received over 100 more entries than they did last year, but they narrowed their selection down to 33 films.

"People can expect to see full-length feature films, short films and also PSAs," Bramley said. "I think everyone’s going to have a good time this weekend."

The film festival kicks off Thursday and continues through Aug. 2 at the Mexican American Cultural Center.