Campus Movie Fest premieres

It is not often students get the opportunity to exhibit their personal work for a panel of professionals. Campus MovieFest offers this rare occasion for Oregon State University students.

This year's Fest promises to exhibit some of the best film work by OSU students. The contest allows students one week to create an original short film of no more than five minutes in length. After turning in the films, the work is turned over to a panel of judges, who ultimately decide which film team takes the grand prize: a trip to Los Angeles.

"When we won, it was a really amazing feeling that all the tireless efforts of my team had paid off. June of last summer, everyone who was part of the cast and crew piled into a sedan and took a road trip all the way to L.A. for the finale," said Evan Gütt, ;last year's CMF winner. "It was incredible to go from creating a small, fun student film, to visiting L.A. and being face to face with well-known professionals right on the back-lots where movies are shot."

Gütt's film, "Hatch," was the product of several weeks of hard work and has ultimately opened many doors for him in the film industry.

"The first year I did it, I didn't really know what to expect going into the competition. There were a lot of people who have had more years of actual college courses in film making than me so it was tough to know where I stood among the other filmmakers," Gütt said. "I have to say there were a lot of really great films, despite our school not being a major film school."

For students looking to see the glamour of Hollywood a little closer to home, Friday night's screening and gala will be a noteworthy event. The event, which takes place at LaSells Stewart Center, will be a full-blown red carpet event.

The formal event will be open to the public and will feature a showing of the top-16 student films. Students should arrive for the festivities at 7 p.m. and be prepared for a night of film, prizes and glamour.

"I would say just come out to the finale and support the students," said Trey Kenyon, a sophomore in new media communications and CMF coordinator, of student opportunity for participation.

What makes CMF truly unique is the fact that you don't have to be a professional filmmaker to take home a prize. Participants range from friends looking to have fun to Greeks looking to get their word out. Of course, there are also aspiring professionals that are not to be ignored.

"You don't have to have a background in film," said Laurel Thompson, a junior in merchandising management and CMF coordinator.

CMF offers a great opportunity for those looking to nab a great job or simply have a great time. From Corvallis to Los Angeles, CMF is an event not to be missed.

Kenyon said, "All it takes is a good idea!"

Camille Jacobson-Ingram, staff reporter

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