In a few more days, Abilene Christian University students will see their hard work appear on the big screen, as FilmFest 2007 weekend arrives, Nov. 2-3. More than 27 films were submitted to the contest, and the final 14 will be judged by an esteemed panel made up of leading professionals in the entertainment, commercial and media industries.
ACU's fourth annual student short film competition challenges students to be directors, writers, producers, sound designers, technical directors and production designers.
"While FilmFest celebrates expression and creativity, it is also an opportunity for students to grow," said Doug Darby, creative and media specialist at ACU and creator of FilmFest. "The structure of the teams fosters interdisciplinary involvement. Students are able to use their gifts and skills by writing, design, organizational management, music, editing, or other areas to create a production."
This opportunity for interaction with others is key in preparing students for the professional world they are headed into and will certainly give them an advantage, adds Darby.
Judges will come to ACU from across the country to participate in FilmFest 2007. Cali Lewis of GeekBrief TV is scheduled to broadcast a live podcast during FilmFest. Jill Parr, a Christian music artist from Tenn., will be the featured artist for a concert on Saturday night, as well as serve as a judge. She and her husband and record producer, Brian Hardin, will participate in the judging of the films.
Other judges of the event include:
Randy Brewer, producer and founder of Revolution Pictures in Nashville, Tenn. His recent video, Jesus Take the Wheel for performer Carrie Underwood won CMT's Breakout "Video of the Year" award.
Dave Stotts, host and editor of Drive-Thru History, a History Channel International series. He has worked with ColdWater Media since 2001 and has shot and edited award-winning documentaries in 27 countries.
Roman White, a producer with Revolution Pictures and "CMT's Director of the Year." He directed Carrie Underwood's CMT "Music Video of the Year."
"One of the most valuable aspects of ACU's FilmFest is the quality of alumni and non-alumni who volunteer their time and knowledge to working with students and supporting a program they feel is important and worth developing," said Darby.
All films will be screened on Friday at the Paramount Theater at 4:30 p.m. during the pre-show. The films selected as finalists will be shown at the Premiere Night Awards Show at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $5 each.
"FilmFest exists because of the ACU mission," said Darby. "We strive to connect and involve our alumni, by not only bringing them to campus, but calling on their involvement in the formation of students and programs. We also strive to engage our students in learning by giving them access to technology and feedback; extending the classroom and the learning environments in new ways that relate to their experiences and the world they live in. As ACU continues to develop its 21st Century Vision, FilmFest, and programs like it, will provide foundations for meeting the needs of our students."
The public is invited to the pre-show screening and the Awards Show on Friday, as well as to the Judges Symposium held Saturday at 10 a.m. in the Living Room of ACU's Campus Center. Jill Parr's concert, scheduled for 8 p.m. in the Bean Sprout in ACU's campus center, is also free and open to the public.
For more information about the events, visit the FilmFest website at http://acu.edu/filmfest.
If you are a member of the media who would like more information about this release, please contact ACU's Public Relations Office or call (325) 674-2696.
