NOTED DIRECTORS’ STUDENT FILMS WILL BE FEATURED IN USC BENEFIT

Films by seven now-noted directors made during their student days at the USC School of Cinema-Television will screen at a benefit Tuesday at the new AMC Century 14 Theaters complex in Century City.

The program, which begins with a 7:30 p.m. reception, will feature 15- to 20-minute works written and directed between 1967 and 1987 by George Lucas (“Star Wars”), Robert Zemeckis (“Back to the Future”), Randal Kleiser (“Grease”) and Albert Magnoli (“Purple Rain”).

Lucas will be represented by his 1967 film “Electronic Labyrinth,” which came to the attention of Francis Coppola. In 1971, Lucas remade it into his first feature film, “THX-1138.”

Works by Phil Joanou, Ken Kwapis (“Follow That Bird”) and Peter Gould also will be shown. Joanou’s first feature film, “Three O’Clock High,” is scheduled to open Friday, and Kwapis’ film, “Vibes,” is set to open next summer. The student films, initially shot on 16-millimeter film, have been blown up to 35-millimeter for the benefit.

“The benefit is to recognize and honor some of the outstanding film makers that studied here,” said David Werner, assistant dean of special programs and projects. This is the first time the school has offered a retrospective of student works to the public, he said.

Kleiser, Kwapis and Gould are among those scheduled to attend the benefit, proceeds of which will go to establish a fellowship fund for a graduate-level screen-writing program in development.

Information: (213) 743-2234.