By Lezlee Gutierrez, Student Reporter
A handful of students are preparing to showcase their hard work at FilmFest 2009 “Anonymous” this weekend.
The fifth annual student short film competition will be Friday at the Paramount Theatre, 352 Cypress St. The host and hostess for the evening will be Byron Martin, senior psychology major from Mesquite, and Jamie Lyn Spires, senior communication major from Arlington.
Ten independent student-produced films will be shown at a free screening from 3-5 p.m., followed by a red carpet celebration at 7 p.m. that will showcase the top six films.
“This is a great way for the ACU community to have fun and experience the Oscars with an ACU twist,” said Christina Johnson, FilmFest co-chair and sophomore English major from Dallas.
A panel of four judges that consists of leading professionals in the entertainment, commercial and media industries will critique the films, according to a press release issued by Tom Craig, director of Student Productions and FilmFest faculty sponsor. The judges also will be available for feedback, development and insight into all facets of the entertainment industry.
The ultimate award for “Best Picture” is among the 13 awards given that night, including best writer, best producer and best director. Some of the criteria for judging are creativity of writing, story, direction and technical direction. Clayton Stewart, sophomore Bible, youth and family ministry major from Spring; Daniel Hixon, freshman marketing major from Irving; Lucas Wright, freshman electronic media major from Abilene; Sara Potter, senior integrated marketing communication major from Crowley, and Fair Forms, which consists of Paul Knettel, senior management major from Boerne; Jacob Knettel, freshman finance major from Boerne; and Claire Hardin, freshman English major from Lubbock, will provide entertainment between the awards presentation.
“We want to rebuild, renew and brand the name of FilmFest at ACU,” said Steve Cardona, FilmFest’s legal and PR chair and junior political science major from Abilene. “We want to eventually make FilmFest the big film festival for southern universities.”
Co-chairs have been working to prepare FilmFest since June by including freshmen from Welcome Week, Facebook groups, June and August Passports and Twitter feeds. They hope to make positive changes to FilmFest this year, such as increasing attendance and making it more comparable to the Academy Awards by incorporating entertainment.
“We hope to recognize talent at ACU and allow everyone to reap the rewards of the show,” said Jonathan Davis, FilmFest co-chair and senior marketing major from Carrollton. “Expect the unexpected and expect to be entertained; it’s going to be a great presentation this year.”
The event is open to the public; admission is $8 per person and $5 for students with a valid ACU ID. T-shirts and tickets can be purchased at the Campus Center on Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by calling 674-2069. Tickets also will be available at the door.
This year’s videos:
