The next Oscar-winning filmmaker might be among the 21,000-plus students on campus, but before that, they’ll need to face their first critiques at the Syracuse University Film Festival.

The festival, hosted by University Union, runs from April 4-6 and will showcase student-made films. An industry panel featuring professors from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and the College of Visual and Performing Arts will evaluate the entries. Following the festival, there will be an informal NBC Universal mixer, where students can learn more about the network and job opportunities.

“It was kind of astounding to us that there’s not already something like this in place,” said Mitchell Mason, UU’s director of public relations. “There’s a lot of good talent on this campus and we wanted to showcase it.”

SU and State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry undergraduates can submit their films into four categories: short films, music videos, film trailers and animation. Most of the screenings will take place in Watson Theatre — students will have the chance to watch their classmates’ talent shown on a big screen.

The submission deadline is March 9, and winners for each category will receive film-related prizes, Mason said.

Mason also said students should come to the festival to appreciate student cinema and show their support.

“At the Oscars there were different Syracuse alum involved in different projects, like the “Dallas Buyers Club,’” Mason said. “You don’t know which students someday are going to be the next big thing. Who knows where the future could lead to?”

With 30 films already submitted to the festival, Chaz Griffin, UU’s co-director of cinemas, said he predicts a full house. UU is trying to create something that will showcase students’ work and help them receive recognition, said Griffin, who hopes the festival will become a staple for SU.

“We’re a school of diverse talents,” Griffin said. “I think this is a great opportunity for people making films and editing them to get them out there for other people to see, and for other people to just come and attend and be more aware of what this school has.”

During the festival, UU will also screen blockbuster movies like “Anchorman 2.” A special movie will also be shown in the Quad, which is a change from the indoor screenings around campus. The movies will be announced within the next few weeks.

With the three-day festival only a month away, students are wrapping up their submissions. Julia Kipnis, a senior film major, submitted her short film, “Dino Park,” which is about two boys left in their mother’s car who end up exploring a park for deaf people and must learn how to interact with deaf children. She created the film with two other film majors in Prague during their semester abroad.

Kipnis said the student festival is a great way for aspiring filmmakers to receive feedback on their work. It’s something different, and they can start to gain hype and recognition for their films.

“It’s good practice for the real world,” Kipnis said. “When you have to submit your films to actual festivals, you know what the experience is like.”

Dylan Weinberger, a sophomore finance and information management and technology major, is going to the film festival to support his roommate. He said he is excited for the film trailers category, because he thinks they will be the most creative and innovative.

Said Weinberger: “Since it’s new to campus, it’s the first year that it’s being watched. I wanted to check it out and show my support.”

Published on March 6, 2014 at 12:21 am

Contact Jackie: jmfrere@syr.edu | @jackie_frere