The inaugural LPU Arts and Film Festival, hosted by Life Pacific University’s Media and Communications Department, was a tremendous success as 11 student films were screened to a packed audience in the LPU Chapel. The event provided both novice and seasoned filmmakers with a platform to display their original work, all centered around the theme of transformation.
One of the festival’s key highlights was the presence of the creators of “Bigfoot and Jeff,” a new comedy web series that sponsored the event. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with both the series’ creator and star, who offered valuable insights on developing successful crowdfunding campaigns and enhancing filmmaking skills. Their involvement added a dynamic layer to the festival, enriching the students’ learning experience and inspiring them to pursue their own creative endeavors.
In addition to showcasing student films, the festival also featured the premiere of the LPU Spring Film, “Matches,” which was created by and starred LPU students and faculty. Watch it here! The film’s debut added a special touch to the event, celebrating the university’s commitment to fostering artistic and professional growth within its community.
Andrew Hawksworth, MFA, Chair of Media & Communications, expressed his pride in the students’ achievements, saying, “This kind of event allows these students a chance to see themselves in their future careers as filmmakers and storytellers, and our students really showed up with some incredible work and represented themselves well! As the field of media and communications continues to evolve, it is more important than ever to empower the next generation of leaders to utilize new technologies with timeless storytelling craft. These LPU students are embracing this new paradigm and positioning themselves to engage the field in some really exciting ways!”
The festival concluded with an awards ceremony that honored the following standout films:
- Best Picture/Design – “I Like… Like You” by Angelique Crees
- Best Script – “Shoes” by Phillip Hanna
- Best Direction – “The Echoes of Silence” by Nyree Brady
- Best Editing – “The Hike” by Chandler Sargent
Reflecting on the festival’s success LPU’s Dean of Arts and Sciences Carissa Hawksworth, MA, added, “It was incredible to see our students networking and having the opportunity to ask questions and gain inspiration from a successful production team. We are blessed to provide our students not only with a quality education but also with the chance to engage with professionals in the marketplace to discover possible options for their future careers!”
The LPU Arts and Film Festival was an inspiring and unforgettable experience, marking the beginning of a promising tradition that will continue to support and celebrate the talents of LPU’s media and communications students for years to come.
