Written by: Eva Resz
The Wild Winter Film Festival is an annual event at Southern Adventist University that highlights the work of film students in the School of Visual Art and Design (SVAD).
Organized by Nathan DeWild, an SVAD instructor, the festival will be held this year on Dec. 18, 7 p.m., at the SVAD Art Annex. According to DeWild, though the event is mainly for SVAD film students and their friends, others are welcome.
Now in its fourth year, the festival celebrates the work of students.
Now in its fourth year, the festival celebrates the work of students involved in the film program and features a compilation of short films, documentaries and other projects created during the year. The films are grouped into a one-hour presentation, then screened before peers, faculty and guests.
After the screening, SVAD professors present awards to students whose films stand out in different categories: Best Documentary, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Editing and Best Production Value. Students also receive additional awards, including the High Hopes Award and Best Original Short Screenplay Award.
The Best in Fest Award is determined through an audience vote, allowing attendees to choose their favorite film after the screening.
Jephter Moura, a senior film major, said the festival helps strengthen the film community within the university.
“It’s more of a place to showcase people’s best work,” Moura said. “You submit your films, and there are people who decide what gets in based on which works are the best but, in the end, most films get shown.”
In addition to awards, the festival also recognizes contributions to the film program. Moura has received the Nick Pie Award, an honor given for being a helpful and supportive member of the film department.
“I’ve won the Nick Pie Award, which means you’ve been a good help to everybody, a nice person and you’ve showcased what you’ve worked on,” Moura said. “It’s more of an appreciation gift than anything.”
Sophia Schwartzrock, junior film major, said she loves seeing the variety of work shown at the festival.
“The creativity is very inspiring,” she said, “and the diverse range of projects really helps encourage me to keep exploring the film industry for opportunities.”
“I will be submitting my work from [SVAD’s] Directing the Documentary class this year,” Schwartzrock added. “I don’t know if my submissions will be accepted, but last year my cinematography final made it into the show lineup!”
The Wild Winter Film Festival benefits students in the Adventist community.
According to Moura, the Wild Winter Film Festival benefits students in the Adventist community who want to tell stories through movies or shows. He said it also displays the growth of Southern’s film program.
“It’s nice to have a place to put all of our work and share it with others,” Moura said.
Swartzrock added, “It’s definitely motivating to see the work of my classmates, and it’s a fun opportunity to hang out with the SVAD community before winter break.”
