Finally a Student Film Festival
April 20th, 2005
By Archived Story
The University is about to get in on the film festival action. Thursday, April 21, marks a historic beginning for amateur filmmakers as Minnesota Programs Activities Council hosts its first-ever student film festival at Coffman Union Theater.
The festival was born out of need, says MPAC committee member Justin Scott. “On such a huge campus with so many students there [had] to be people interested in this.”
MPAC tried to host the film festival last year, but started planning too late. At the beginning of this year, however, MPAC decided to make it a priority, Scott says. This year the festival is open only to university students, but over the next few years may grow to encompass surrounding colleges and universities, he says.
The films are judged by a three-member panel composed of film professor Michelle Lekas, former Universal Studios employee and film instructor Leo Chen, and MPAC Spring Jam co-chair Travis Fischer.
The festival has short and long film categories with a total of 29 entries. First place receives a 14-day Eurail pass and $400 travel stipend from of STA Travel. The runner-up wins a $100 gift certificate to Best Buy. There are also audience choice awards for long and short film. Both winners receive an iPod Mini.
