University of Northwestern presents 8th Annual Five16 Film Festival

ST.PAUL, MN (03/26/2014)(readMedia)-- University of Northwestern – St. Paul will roll out the red carpet for the eighth year this spring to showcase student films at the Five16 Film Festival on Monday, April 14, 2014, at 7 p.m. in Maranatha Hall (3003 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul, MN 55113).

After festival-goers enjoy a selection of original, student-written and produced comedy, drama, music video, documentary and animation films, emcees will announce a winner for each category as chosen by a panel of Northwestern faculty, alumni and film professionals from around the country.

"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 nearly 1,000 students, faculty, family and friends supporting their favorite student filmmakers.

Sophomore Matthew Abeler first attended the festival as a high-school student and was inspired to pursue filmmaking for the purpose of glorifying God. As an Electronic Media Communication major, Abeler has been supported in this goal. "The words of Jesus in Matthew 5:16, 'Let your light shine before men,' are not just the motto of a festival," Abeler said. "They're the core vision of many students in the UNW film program."

Additional details and links to the previous years' winning films are available at five16filmfestival.com

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University of Northwestern – St. Paul (formerly Northwestern College) is a Christian university in St. Paul, Minn. Providing students an invaluable integration of faith and education, UNW offers 70+ areas of undergraduate study, six master's degrees, and online and early college programs, all from a biblical worldview. Northwestern Media, a ministry of the university, operates 15 Christian radio stations and reaches over 1,000,000 listeners throughout the Midwest. Visit unwsp.edu for more information.