Conner Shuh | Banner Micah Emerine, sophomore graphic design and film studies double major, works on the production of his short film, “Blinded.”
Celebrating the talents and moviemaking prowess of students, the California Baptist University Annual Student Film Festival will showcase some short films students have to offer April 15 at the Culver Center in downtown Riverside from 7-9 p.m.
The event, sponsored by the College of Architecture, Visual Arts and Design is being coordinated by Michael Eaton, associate professor of film studies and film production, as a way to create exposure for collaborative student work and to highlight the film program. Students were encouraged to also submit commercials, promotional videos and Public Service Announcements.
“Any film you’re making, you’re trying to do the best work you can do,” Eaton said.
The films were judged April 12 in several categories such as Best Picture, Best Actor and Actress, Best Cinematography and Best Music, creating a competitive atmosphere among the entries.
Micah Emerine, sophomore graphic design and film studies double major, has a film scheduled to be included in the event.
“I look forward to being able to see all the different films that students have made throughout the year,” Emerine said. “This is my first year submitting a film.”
Rebecca Lam, junior film studies major, is submitting three films this year of varying lengths, including a 15-minute short film she directed and collaborated with Emerine as part of a film and sound project.
“It’s called ‘Blinded’ and it’s basically a girl who becomes blind for a couple days,” Lam said. “So the drive behind it was getting the sounds and the music toward it first and adding the story that way.”
All submissions will be played at the screening, including several winners from last year’s festival, providing the filmmakers real world experience for their work to be critiqued and enjoyed.
“Going through the whole production aspect, it’s not even about just winning, just getting that experience,” Lam said. “The finished project, we have spent hours and hours and hours just waiting and getting everything done — so that’s the most rewarding — just having it finished.”
