2025 Lander Film Festival and Short Film Competition

AGENDA

*February: 27 Short Film Competition Kickoff Workshop 4:30-6:20 pm BH 126

While at the kickoff workshop, High School, College, and Open Division participants will receive a unique line of dialogue that they are required to use in their five-minute film. Filmmakers will then have 10 days to produce, edit and perfect their submission. All participants must attend the workshop to be eligible to compete.

SHORT FILM APPLICATION

*March 9: Deadline to submit 5-minute short film via published link is 5 p.m.

*March 10-16: Judging

FILM FESTIVAL WEEK

*March 18: Dr. Dan Harrison, Sociology professor, will present and discuss a short, older “Southern” film 6:30-8pm BH 126

This session will feature a showing and discussion of the film-noir classic, The Big Sleep (1946, directed by Howard Hawks, and starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall). Dr. Daniel Harrison, Lander University Professor of Sociology, and founder of the Greenwood Film Society, will host and moderate the event.

*March 19: Dr. Walter Iriarte, Media and Communication professor, will present on “Drones and Film” 4-5:30 BH 126  

“Dr. Iriarte will present on drone cinematography.  Specifically, his presentation will demonstrate how camera technology began as an artistic/creative endeavor in contrast to drone tech harnessing political, tactical, and algorithmic calculations.  Dr. Iriarte’s continued work in using drone films continues to challenge and, possibly, reverse the usage of drone cinematography as a way of bringing the innovation of cameras back to its creative roots.”  

*March 20: Dr. Misty Jameson, English Professor, will present: “Monster Culture, Drive-Ins, and Roger Corman.” 5:30-6:30 BH 126

Dr. Misty Jameson’s presentation, “Monster Culture, Drive-Ins, and Roger Corman,” will discuss the rise of monster culture and drive-in theaters in America and explain how these two cultural phenomena intersected with the early career of filmmaker and producer Roger Corman (1926-2024). Through examining Corman’s films such as It Conquered the World (1956) and Attack of the Crab Monsters (1957), along with later selections such as The Wasp Woman (1959) and X: The Man with the X-ray Eyes (1963), her presentation will look at how Corman’s films participated in the new monster culture of the time, helped shape the drive-in aesthetic, and also helped set the standard for independent science fiction and horror to come.

*Gui Agustini will present on Voice Over acting for XMEN ’97 March 20 6:30-7:30 BH 126

Agustini, an actor, director and producer who attended Lander University, will present his experiences and knowledge on filmmaking, acting and voice-over acting. He will primarily focus his discussion on his recent role as “Sunspot” in XMEN’97. “Gui’s performance adds a dynamic layer to the timeless saga, promising audiences an unforgettable journey into the heart of heroism and resilience.” (pop-culturist.com)

March 22 4:30 – 6 pm *Short Film Screening and Reviews Lander Cultural Center Auditorium

As part of the 15th Annual Lander Film Festival, Lander University is pleased to present the Short Film Competition. This popular event provides high school, college and open division filmmakers an opportunity to push their storytelling boundaries while showcasing their love of cinematography. A required kickoff workshop for entrants will be held on Thursday, Feb. 27, at 6 p.m. in BH 126 on the campus of Lander University.

Any questions about the Lander Film Festival should be directed to the Festival Director Dr. Robert Stevenson

The program is supported by South Carolina Humanities, a not-for-profit organization; inspiring, engaging and enriching South Carolinians with programs on literature, history, culture, and heritage. SC Humanities receives funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom.

The Lander University Film Festival is an annual event that celebrates film and encourages all aspects of filmmaking.

Objectives

  • To showcase the storytelling power of film
  • To celebrate film history and innovation
  • To provide opportunities to learn from academics and industry professionals
  • To provide opportunities for aspiring filmmakers of all ages to experience the craft from concept to creation to the audience experience
  • To connect the college classroom to the wider arts and film communities

Description

Founded in 2010, the original intent of the Lander University Film Festival was to provide outstanding film-related opportunities to Lander students. This goal has expanded to include the Greenwood community and the Southeastern arts and film communities. Our strong collaborations with professionals and academics in the film industry have allowed us to bring top-notch presenters to Greenwood and to create unique opportunities for our filmmakers to use lines of dialogue provided by longtime members of the Screen Actors Guild. Our long-term goal is to continue to enhance the study and growth of filmmaking in this underserved area of South Carolina.

Short Film Competition Rules

After submitting Application, visit the Entry Fee page to submit your entry fee.

By submitting this application, you confirm that you have ownership or legal right to submit on behalf of the owner/creator to this juried competition. You agree that all content is original and, to the best of your knowledge, free of copyright or likeness infringement. You also agree to allow Lander University and Lander Film Festival to use submitted work for promotional use. You agree to release Lander University employees, representatives, or students of liability.