The Aimee’s is one of Life Pacific University’s most beloved Christmas traditions, reflecting our long-standing heritage of creativity, storytelling, and the arts. Named after our founder, Sister Aimee Semple McPherson, this annual short-film competition invites each residence hall floor to produce an original 7–8 minute Christmas-themed film. Resident Assistants guide their floors through the entire process – forming teams, shaping ideas, drafting scripts, filming scenes across campus, and editing the final product. The result is a collection of short films that showcase the unique identity, humor, and imagination of each student community.
Watch this year’s Aimee’s in it’s entirety:
The weeks leading up to The Aimee’s premiere are filled with energy as students balance classes and campus life with late-night filming, creative problem-solving, costume ideas, and shared excitement. For many, it’s an opportunity to try something new—whether acting for the first time, experimenting with editing software, or helping craft a story that blends comedy, heart, and the message of Christmas.
Once the films are complete, the campus gathers for an Oscars-style awards ceremony that has become a signature moment of the fall semester. The event features a red carpet, photo booth, hosts and presenters, themed décor, refreshments, and a lively audience of students, staff, faculty, and guests. For one night, the chapel transforms into a celebration of student creativity and community. A panel of staff and faculty judges evaluates each film across several categories, including Best Overall Film, Best Production and Editing, Most Entertaining, Quality Content and Creativity, Floor Participation, Best Actor or Actress, and the highly anticipated People’s Choice Award voted on by the audience.
What makes The Aimee’s special isn’t just the competition, it’s the way it brings people together. Students from every major and background participate, discovering hidden talents and new confidence along the way. Floors bond through shared planning, shared obstacles, and shared laughter. The event strengthens the fabric of residence life and reminds the campus of the joy, collaboration, and creativity that define the LPU community. And at the center of each film is the story of Christmas, expressed uniquely through the lens of each student team.
As this tradition continues to grow, The Aimee’s remains a meaningful reminder of the creativity and unity that shape the student experience at Life Pacific University. Each year adds new memories, new stories, and new moments of community that bring our campus closer together as we celebrate the Christmas season with purpose and joy.
