Northwestern College presents 7th Annual Five16 Film Festival

Free public showcase of the year's best student films

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Film students on their way to Sundance in January 2013

ST.PAUL, MN (04/03/2013)(readMedia)-- Northwestern College will roll out its red carpet for the seventh year this spring, showcasing student films at the Five16 Film Festival on Monday, April 15, 2013 at 7 p.m. in Maranatha Hall. After festival-goers enjoy a selection of comedy, drama, music video, documentary and animation film submissions, a panel of Northwestern faculty, alumni and film professionals from around the country will announce the winner for each category.

Five16 Film Festival

"This is a great opportunity for students to produce creative and engaging videos and receive feedback from professionals in the industry," said Ann Sorenson, MFA, associate professor of communication and festival director. "As the festival grows, so does the level of quality and professionalism in the films that the students are producing."

Last year, the Five16 drew an audience of 950 and received rave reviews from attendees. Named in homage to Matthew 5:16, the festival awards films for storytelling and production, as well as the portrayal of Christian values:

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

When Sorenson came to the film department in 2007, she had a vision to build the program and empower students to tell their best stories with what she calls the "everything art."

While a successful film festival is one goal fulfilled, Sorenson took another stride in January when she brought Northwestern students to the Sundance Festival for the first time for a week of industry exposure in Park City, Utah where the team of seven blogged their experiences live.

Laticia Mattson '15, film major and Sundance attendee, is just one reflection of the creativity Sorenson and other film faculty have endeavored to cultivate in their program:

"I've always had a passion for storytelling and entertaining others through filmmaking." she said, "It's cool to have an idea and make it come to life on the screen, whether it's a short film or a feature-length. I really enjoy my major and I can't imagine doing anything else."

About Northwestern College

Founded in 1902, Northwestern College is a private Christian liberal arts college in St. Paul, Minn. offering more than 70 areas of study, five master's degrees and several associate degree and certificate programs. More than 3,000 students representing 33 states and 19 countries are enrolled in Northwestern's traditional undergraduate and graduate and continuing education programs. Northwestern Media, a ministry of Northwestern College, operates 14 listener-supported radio stations throughout the Midwest. Visit www.nwc.edu.