Black Bird Film Festival 2025
Anderson, Ind. — The ninth annual Black Bird Film Festival will be held at Anderson University on April 23, 2025. Sponsored by the cinema and media arts 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.
“The Black Bird Film Festival is a tent pole event not only for our cinema and media arts majors but for the university as a whole,” said Jack Lugar, professor of cinema and media arts at AU. “It’s a great way to end the school year by gathering students, staff, and faculty from across campus at a red carpet celebration with high-quality entertainment.”
This year’s lineup will include narrative short films, music videos featuring original songs by Than Williams, Holly Henke, and Sam Woods, and special projects highlighting AU sports, theatre, and more.
“The festival gives our students the opportunity and reward to see their work on the big screen and experience real-time responses from a live audience, said Lugar. “It’s the ultimate thrill for a creator to share their work and receive instant feedback.”
The festival is free and open to AU students, faculty, staff, and friends. Put on your best red carpet fashion, watch some great student films, and see who wins the coveted Squawkies and adorable Squeakies.
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, 20 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult and graduate 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.