Black Bird Film Festival Set For April 27
2 MIN. READ
Anderson, Ind. — The sixth annual Black Bird Film Festival will be held at Anderson University the evening of Wednesday, April 27. Sponsored by the cinema program in AU’s Department of Communication and Design Arts, the festival showcases the work of student filmmakers. Short narrative and documentary films will be featured.
The event is scheduled to take place in the York Performance Hall, with doors opening at 6:15 p.m. for the “red-carpet experience” associated with a traditional movie premiere. The screening of the films begins at 7 p.m.
Jack Lugar, professor of cinema and media arts at AU, said that films by college students in cinema programs often can get shelved and “never see the light of day.” In contrast, he noted, the Black Bird Film Festival was established to “encourage our students to create work that is shareable. That’s why you make a movie—to actually share it for others to see.”
“This is just a big opportunity for students to see their work on the big screen in front of a live audience that will give an instant reaction to the work they’ve produced,” Lugar continued. “For students to be able to see something they created get laughter or gasps from the audience—that interactive experience is something we can’t put a dollar value on. In some senses, it’s a priceless, valuable part of the learning experience for them.”
An annual highlight of the film festival is the awarding of trophies affectionately known as “the coveted Squawkies.” The awards are modeled on Hollywood’s Oscars but are derived from Anderson University’s Raven mascot. Awards are given in categories such as best picture, best director and best screenplay. Another set of awards, known as the “Squeakies,” will be given to the entire crews of award-winning films. Trophy costs are underwritten by Lugar Real Estate in Fishers.
Lead sponsor for the film festival is the Folgate Agency, which is owned and operated by Steve Folgate, associated with Allstate, and located on North Broadway Street in Anderson.
More information is available from Lugar, who may be reached at jrlugar@anderson.edu and 765-641-4343.
Anderson University educates students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 50 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 18 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult, graduate, and online programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized for excellence in business, computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, music, nursing, psychology, and teacher education programs. Established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God, the university remains committed to its Christ-centered mission.