Campus MovieFest returns to IU

Aspiring student filmmakers now have the opportunity to participate in the student film festival Campus MovieFest, which returns to IU this week for the sixth straight year.
Students will be given filming equipment to create a five-minute short film in seven days. The production launch, where students can check out the equipment, takes place today.

“Students don’t need to be a film major in order to participate in this event,” said Jacob Gabbard, president of the Indiana Student Cinema Guild, which is hosting the festival along with the Business Careers in Entertainment Club.

The collection day for this year’s films, when equipment will be collected and films will be turned in before being judged by a panel of 10 judges, is April 1.

“The primary goal of Campus MovieFest is to give everyone the chance to produce something of their own and give them a place to showcase it as well,” Hallie Baumann, a fourth-year festival participant, said. “It’s a great forum to show off your skills in, and CMF even provides laptops, cameras and assistance to encourage those who might not have access to production equipment normally to go out and show what they can come up with.”

The finale for the festival, where 16 selected films will be unveiled and awards will be given out, will take place at 7:30 p.m. April 6 at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. The event is free.

The films may receive awarded in categories such as Best Picture, Best Comedy and Best Drama.

Campus MovieFest visits several universities throughout the country and screens the best overall films at an annual event in Hollywood.

Gabbard said IU traditionally does well, with films in Hollywood every year.

“There is usually a wide variety of film genres and topics to choose from,” Gabbard said. “This gives IU students the opportunity to compete against peers and other competition. This could be one of the most fun times college students can have, with how you get to see a number of really well-made films in the Bloomington area.”