It may not be Cannes or Tribeca, but the Vanderbilt Student Film Festival features some impressive work from Vandy's finest film students. Although the festival is only in its second year, it's rife with student-produced films that showcase the talent and vision of students who have a flare for film. The subjects range from the Vanderbubble to the greater Nashville community and everything in between.
The festival is showcasing work from all genres, and anyone is eligible to enter their work (even if they haven't been trained in the film department). A few of the fiction submissions include a film focusing on a senior worrying about life after college and a mockumentary on the harrowing journey of surviving difficult science classes. The festival will also feature documentaries from students, and a good portion of the entries comes from the course Filming Nashville. The topics focus on everything from the homeless epidemic in Nashville and food insecurity on the streets to the intimate journey and exploration of "spoken word" artists whose art focuses on expression, hope and healing discussion. "These works in many ways burst the myth of the Vanderbubble," says Film Studies lecturer Kathy Conkwright. The festival hopes not only to showcase the work of Vanderbilt's student filmmakers but also to facilitate and enhance discussion of issues and activities at Vanderbilt.
The Oscar-nominated documentary filmmakers Peter Gilbert and Steve James (Hoop Dreams, 1986) will also be in attendance. They'll be showing their newest documentary, "At the Death House Door," with a panel discussion to follow. The dynamic duo will also be announcing the winners of the film festival at the end of the evening. The Second Annual Vanderbilt Student Film Festival promises to be intriguing with a variety of student films, guest speakers and scintillating conversation.
The festival will begin in the afternoon and continue into the evening on Tuesday, April 22 in Buttrick 103.
 |
 |
||
 |
|||
