“This year’s Big Lens will have films from 2020 graduates as well as 2021 graduates,” said Jeremy Bolden, festival director and motion pictures instructor. “Almost everything you’ll see on the screen was either finished or entirely created during the COVID-19 pandemic. A large part of the filmmaking process is problem solving, and our students have and continued to put in a tremendous amount of work to create content and tell stories that are important to them.”
In particular, the lineup is a reflection of up to two years of preparation and production, which has been a feat considering the aforementioned COVID climate. In fact, there were added requirements of following industry standards for COVID-safe conditions for filming, editing and preparing the premieres.
“The Big Lens Film Festival is always a great event,” added Joe Deer, chair of the department of theatre, dance and motion pictures. “But this year is special, seeing a group of students that have banded together to make films while much of their industry has had to go on hiatus. I have such admiration for them and for their gifted faculty and staff, who have gone so many extra miles to make this event possible. I don’t think any of these filmmakers will ever forget this festival.”
Credit: CONTRIBUTED
Credit: CONTRIBUTED
This year’s lineup includes:
“Will I Make It Thru the Springtime,” Music Video, Directed by Adam Clark
“27 Pages of Notes,” Documentary, Directed by Parker Bowling
“MAGGIE & SARAH,” Short, Directed by Ella Price
“Meat,” Animation, Directed by Vincent Short*
“Sick and Tired,” Music Video, Directed by Adam Clark
“CANVAS,” Documentary, Directed by Ryder Caldwell
“The Disaster Mitzvah,” Animation, Directed by Brandon Were*
“DEON,” Documentary, Directed by Danny Fain
“You May Feel,” Animation, Directed by Joe Greenwell
“I’m Lonely Even Though I’m Not Alone,” Music Video, Directed by Parker Bowling
“APOTHEOSIS,” Short, Directed by Ella Price
“Gooey Goats,” Animation, Directed by Ben Young*
*Denotes 2020 graduate
The festival begins at 8 p.m. but gates open at 7 p.m. A suggested cash/check donation of $10 per person can be made at the gate. Patrons are expected to follow COVID precautions while viewing films at the Dixie Twin Drive-In.
Contact this contributing writer at rflorence2@gmail.com.
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