The Jay Sanders Film Festival is coming to Auburn, Ala., on April 15, 2010. The festival, named for Auburn University professor Jay Sanders, is an opportunity for both college and high school students around the nation to have their films reviewed and judged, and to hopefully win some cash on the side.

Jay Sanders was the first professor to bring media classes to the university in 1953, then known as the Alabama Polytechnic Institute. He taught at Auburn for 33 years, touching the lives of an estimated 19,000 students.

Because Sanders' impact was so profound, the College of Liberal Arts began partnering with Movie Gallery 13 years ago to hold a film festival in his honor. The Movie Gallery Student Video Competition allows students to showcase their talent and compete with students from across the country.

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Dr. Deron Overpeck, assistant professor in the Radio, Television and Film program, serves as the director for the Jay Sanders Film Festival.
“We have entries from students across the nation,” said Overpeck. “Occasionally there will be one or two from Canada and Mexico.”

Last year the festival drew between 50 and 60 entries, with only a handful coming from Auburn students.

The entry fee is $25 per film submitted, and students are allowed to submit as many films as they desire. Accepted genres include: abstract, experimental, animation, documentary and narrative. Films are judged based on originality, production skill and creativity in execution. First, second and third places in each category are awarded prize money. The deadline for submissions is February 19, 2010.

Though there are many other student film festivals across the country, the Jay Sanders Film Festival has several unique concepts.

“Ours is unique in its size,” said Overpeck. “Smaller films that might get lost in the shuffle have a better chance of getting screened. We also have a diverse selection of films and the prize money is large in comparison to other festivals.”

For entry forms and more information on the Jay Sanders Film Festival, click here.