ST.PAUL, MN (03/25/2010)(readMedia)-- The Five16 Film Festival, an event that began as a small showcase for electronic media communication students at Northwestern College, has grown out of its original venue and is looking forward to the talent that the festival will bring this year.

The 2010 festival will be held April 19 at 7 p.m. in Maranatha Hall on the Northwestern College campus. Last year more than 300 students, staff and community members came to see the top student film entries, and many others had to be turned away because the venue had met capacity.

"The purpose of the festival is to showcase student-produced films," said Holly Johnson, a student participant and event organizer. "It allows people from any major to explore film making and submit their work for an audience to see and enjoy."

Each film is less than 10 minutes long. The top four films in each category (comedy, drama, documentary, music video, and animation) will be shown the night of the festival. This year the panel of judges features a handful of professionals in the film, television and theatre industry including: local actor Nick Freeman, filmmaker and director Greg Winter of Blue 60 pictures, Heidi Stokes of Aaron/Stokes, casting director Barbara Shelton, and Northwestern College alumni. Winners will be announced for each category, and the audience will have the chance to cast their vote for their favorite film overall.

"I am thrilled that the student body is getting involved," said Ann Sorenson, MFA, assistant professor of communication and festival organizer. "We hope our students and community members see the festival as an opportunity to try something new, develop their talent, expand their creativity or just come and enjoy the work of others."

The Five16 Film Festival drew its name from Matthew 5:16. Johnson said, "The verse suggests that anything we do can be for good and reflect God. The verse says, 'In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.'"

Some of last year's entries as well as promotional videos for this year can be viewed on the festival's YouTube channel at youtube.com/five16filmfestival. The festival is free and open to the public.

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About Northwestern College

Founded in 1902, Northwestern College is a private Christian liberal arts college in St. Paul, Minn. offering more than 50 undergraduate majors, two master's degrees and several associate degree and certificate programs. More than 3,000 students representing 31 states and 28 countries are enrolled in Northwestern's traditional undergraduate and graduate and continuing education programs in North and South America. Northwestern College exists to provide Christ-centered higher education equipping students to grow intellectually and spiritually, to serve effectively in their professions, and to give God-honoring leadership in the home, church, community, and world. Visit www.nwc.edu.

Posted Thursday March 25, 2010 at 08:01 pm by University of Northwestern - St. Paul