This year’s FilmFest theme is “Shift”. The student lead film festival is preparing for its 10th annual competition, with big changes and bigger expectations.
Stephen Estrada, junior management major from San Antonio and the FilmFest producer, said one of his expectations for this year’s film festival is to get more people involved.
“This year we are hoping to get twice as many films from last year, and twice as many people to come out,” Estrada said. “This year is the 10th annual film fest, so this year is kind of like a decade in the making, so we’re really trying to make it as big as we can.”
Tom Craig, director of Student Activities, said they are expanding the festival to include more 24-hour film competitions.
“With the 24-hour film competitions, we announce parameters and students have 24-hours to make a film. It’s fast paced, it’s fun, its not anything that’s too crazy but its can you take an idea and make it into a short film within 24- hours and see what you can come up with,” Craig said.
Craig said students can expect one 24-hour film competition this fall and two in spring.
“Its kind of like the Oscars. It makes it a more fun show,” said Craig.
As for the theme, Estrada said it will produce films that people will enjoy and connect with, not only on an emotional level but a spiritual level as well.
“I think this theme kind of embodies what college is for people. It’s a shift into a different part of yourself, a different part of your life,” said Estrada.
This year’s FilmFest gala will take place at the Paramount Theatre in downtown Abilene.
Students interested in being a part of Filmfest competition can email filmfest@acu.edu.