2016 Fault Line Film Festival to be held on Nov. 9 and 11

Student filmmakers from across the heartland will showcase their short films at the seventh annual Fault Line Film Festival at Southeast Missouri State University on Nov. 9 and 11.

An awards ceremony will take place at noon Nov. 9 in the Donald C. Bedell Performance Hall at the River Campus, with a 90-minute red carpet gala screening occurring for award-winning films at 7 p.m. on Nov. 11 in Rose Theatre.

According to Fred Jones, TV and film professor and organizer of the event, 15 films were submitted from Southeast students with more than 30 entries collectively from Southeast and students from neighboring states such as Iowa and Arkansas. Jones, who entered several film festivals as a student at the University of Utah, said the festival's goal is to get the students' work out to more people.

"I remember it being an overwhelmingly great experience to have people watch your work," Jones said. "The most fun I have is watching students tell their story and get their voice out there. The best thing is seeing it shown on a big screen with the students in the audience and their reactions to that atmosphere."

Jones said students outside of the TV and film majors are getting involved with the films as well.

"The filmmakers bring in all kinds of talent on campus," Jones said. "You think about all of the people getting involved -- theater students, other acting talent comes in. We love to see non-film students getting involved too."

Stephanie Salyer, a senior TV and film major, is entering again this year after receiving an award for Best Comedy and the Cape Air Audience Choice award in last year's festival for her first-ever film, "Be Persistent."

Her entry for this year, a dramedy titled "Over and Over," has been produced with adjustments after her first film presented difficulties during filming.

"I got started a little bit earlier and left time for things to go wrong," Salyer said. "Last year I had a lot of people with scheduling conflicts. One of my people always said, 'If something can go wrong, it will.' That's true."

Salyer added that she enjoys watching people express emotions during her films.

"I like seeing people laugh and cry, but I'm not too happy to see people frightened at things," Salyer said. "Knowing that you can cause an emotion in someone else by giving them just a few minutes of extra stuff is pretty cool."

Awards for the films include $1,000 and Best of Festival as the top prizes, with categorical prizes as well, including Best Drama, Best Animation, Best Other and so on. A $250 prize will be awarded to the winner of each category.

According to Jones, a committee made up of professionals in filmmaking and advertising industries outside of Southeast will judge the films based on the compelling nature of the film, its authenticity and technical aspects of filmmaking.

"If I was a student and saw a $1,000 cash prize, that's definitely significant, and I think it encourages them," Jones said. "They come here, think they can get an award and possibly try another festival."

Jones added that he hopes other students and the community will come support the films.