Nova Southeastern University students competed in the 15th annual Undergraduate Student Symposium Film Festival where they showcased their talent on Wednesday, April 6, and Thursday, April 7. The festival was open for all students to compete, and no experience was required. This year there were four films featured in the competition.
Marlisa Santos, professor of film studies and literature in the department of humanities and politics and director of the NSU Center for the Humanities, was co-organizer of the undergraduate student symposium film festival alongside Weylin Sternglanz and has been working with the symposium since it started in 2007.
According to Santos, students submit short films that range from five to ten minutes long. She said that the films from students can come from anywhere or be inspired by anything, and that many are completely independent from the university, meaning they are done outside of a film class at NSU.
“At the university and the department of communication and media and the arts, we have courses in film production, or a film may come from their own independent interests and pursuits so there are lots of ways for the film to start,” said Santos.
According to Santos, students have creative freedom regarding their film and can use their friends as actors and production staff in their work. The film does not have to belong to any specific genre.
“Once the film is produced and submitted, they will work with a faculty advisor to assist in that process,” said Santos.
She also noted that every student participating in the symposium, even outside of the film fest, will have help from a faculty advisor and went on to further detail the process films go through after they are submitted.
“Sometimes students work individually or in teams, every year we have films submitted in both formats. The films are judged by a panel of judges, which include current and former NSU faculty and industry professionals. They view the films electronically, and then the judging occurs, and then the winners are announced on the day of the undergraduate student’s symposium award ceremony,” said Santos.
Weylin Sternglanz, associate professor in the department of psychology and neuroscience, was also a co-organizer of the festival.
Sternglanz said, “Those present included students and faculty, along with a few alumni and community members.”
The film festival reception took place on the first day of the symposium from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Honors Great Room, Room 4024 on the fourth floor of the Alvin Sherman Library. There were over 25 attendees during opening night.
Santos also said that the film festival is a great way for students to get involved in competitive film making and is a good introduction for students looking to further their experiences in film festivals. She also said that the 2021 winner of the festival had their films screened around the state and that it can lead to great exposure.
