WILMINGTON — The UNCW Visions film festival isn’t just for students – it’s a chance for anyone interested in film to see what the next generation of filmmakers are up to, including those have worked on big name productions like “Black Panther,” “Baby Driver” and Netflix’s “Stranger Things.”
The festival got its start in 2006, but has since grown into an international event. According to Professor Shannon Silva, associate chair of UNCW’s Film Studies Department, the event is peer-reviewed by undergraduates, but offers an opportunity to meet up and coming artists and see their work.
“It’s for anyone – if you’re interested in film, then this event is for you,” Silva said. “It’s a chance to come and geek out over film.”
Silva said an important component of the festival is its focus on young filmmakers.
“All of our panelists, including our keynote speaker, are between 28-35. We’re hoping young people interested in film can look at them and say, ‘OK, I literally can be them – I can see how they’re doing what they’re doing and take that path,” Silva said.
The two-day festival kicks off Thursday afternoon with a screening and question-and-answer session with Shaofu Zhang, a 2006 UNCW graduate. Zhang worked as an animator for Sony Imageworks and then Disney, before leaving to start TAIKO Studios with a staff of Disney veterans.
Zhang will present TAIKO’s debut short film, “One Small Step,” which – according to UNCW, is “about a young Chinese American girl who dreams of being an astronaut.”
Other panelists will also discuss their work and industry experience.
“If you’re getting started in film, or just want to know how it works, this is chance to ask, ‘how’d you get your first job,’ or for other tips,” Silva said.
Another highlight, Silva said, is the “film race” on Friday. The idea – a one-hour start-to-finish, one-take filmmaking challenge – was presented by UNCW students. Silva said she was initially slightly skeptical of the idea, but has come to see how well it works.
“It’s a great way for filmmakers, students, and just the general Wilmington public to get together – we make the teams, so you’re gonna to make five new friends very quickly,” Silva said.
Other events include film screenings and student research on film. You can find the full schedule here.
UNCW’s “Visions 8” kicks off on Thursday, April 5, at 4 p.m. and runs through Friday, April 6. Badges – which include access to all screenings, as well as refreshments – are available here.
Visions 8 will be held in Lumina Theater, inside of the Fisher Student Center on the UNCW Campus. For directions, map and parking information, visit Vision 8’s parking and travel page.
