Local talent to be shown

For all those students sad to see the Oscar season end, there is good news. The magic of the silver screen continues beyond "the big night," and can be enjoyed without all the hoopla of Hollywood. New and future filmmakers will soon have an opportunity to exhibit their work as a number of annual movie events are set to take place right here on campus.

Saturday, Atwood Little Theater will be host to the 4th Annual Student Film Showcase. Starting at noon, the event will feature a dozen films made by young film auteurs from the St. Cloud area. The event has developed a devoted following of students interested to see the sometimes wacky, sometimes astonishing films their fellow students create.

This year, the UPB has added an even greater incentive to those interested in the festival. Each person who attends will have the opportunity to win a number of prizes, including a free DVD player.

"It's a great chance to see films made by fellow students," UPB Film Coordinator Tiffany Williams said. "You might even learn something about the movie making process you never knew."

The deadline for entries for the Student Film Showcase may have already passed, but those looking to exhibit their work still have another chance. Apple computers is sponsoring a Student Digital Video Film Showcase, to be held Wednesday, April 16 in the Miller Center Auditorium.

All students need to enter is to film a three to five minute movie on digital film, edit it using iMovie software and submit it by Monday April 14. The cameras are available on loan from the Miller Center and several of the library's computers are equipped with editing software as well.

The contest will boast a number of cash prizes for the winners, including a $300 award to the film deemed 'Best of Show.' That film will then go on to compete against four other Minnesota schools at Carleton College in Northfield. Barry M. Osborne, executive producer of such films as "The Matrix" and the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy will be on-hand to judge the event, at which thousands of dollars in prizes will be awarded.

"The contest came about as a way to encourage competition between universities that wasn't just sports-oriented," SCSU Apple Rep. Eric Richey said. "All you really need are a couple of friends and a good idea."

In addition to the 'Best of Show' award, a $100 award for 'Most Innovative Use of Technology' will be awarded. Both will be determined by a panel of judges. The third award is the $100 'Critic's Choice' award, which will be determined by the audience.

"Students should bring their friends, their parents and even their teachers to cheer for them because it's all up to the crowd who wins," Williams said.

For additional contest information, students can inquire at the SCSU Computer Store, located in the Miller Center basement, room B42, or check online at http://computer store.SCSU.edu/dv.

Williams says he is excited about the incredible opportunity for young filmmakers this contest represents.

"It's all about getting yourself out there and noticed," Williams said. "But above all, it's about having a good time."