The curtain at Abilene's historic Paramount Theatre will rise Friday, March 20, for Abilene Christian University students who have created films for ACU's fifth annual FilmFest student short film competition.
FilmFest 2009 "Anonymous" will showcase the best films from this year's competition, featuring the top six of the competition in contention for "best picture." Awards will be presented at a formal red carpet gala starting at 7 p.m. at The Paramount, a grand 1930s movie palace at 352 Cypress Street.
The gala event is open to the public. Admission is $8 per person; $5 with a valid ACU ID. Tickets can be purchased at the ACU Campus Center Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day or by calling (325) 674-2069. Ticket will also be available at the door.
Twelve independent student-produced films are part of the competition. All 12 will be shown at a free screening at The Paramount at 3 p.m. Then, the top six will be showcased at the 7 p.m. gala.
The 12 will be critiqued by a panel of judges consisting of leading professionals in the entertainment, commercial and media industries. Students will also have access to those judges for professional feedback, development and insight into all facets of the entertainment industry.
Student entertainers will round out the gala event with entertainment sets between award presentations.
Those performing include:
• Lucas Wright and Sara Potter,
• Fair Forms,
• Clayton Stewart, and
• Daniel Hixon.
Byron Martin, senior psychology major from Mesquite, and Jamie Lyn Spires, senior communication major from Arlington, will serve as host and hostess for the evening.
Jon Davis, senior marketing major from Carrollton, and Christina Johnson, sophomore English major from Dallas, have served as co-chairs for FilmFest 2009, working since June to make this event happen.
For more details, go to www.acu.edu/filmfest or email filmfest@acu.edu.
If you are a member of the media who would like more information about this release, please contact ACU's Public Relations Office or call (325) 674-2696.
