2025 Lander Film Festival and Short Film Competition
SAM THOMAS TRIBUTE
2025 Short Film Winners
OPEN DIVISION
1st place: Joey Plyler Garbage Day 5:00
“It’s garbage day!”
2nd place: Winston Cely Mill on floss p5:00
“If I were you, I’d be really mad at me right now.”
3rd place (tie): Blaine Hicklin Obsolete 5:00
(Extended version) “A beautiful sunrise is a good omen.”
3rd place (tie): Nick Stevenson Slumber Slam 5:00
“You think you know the answers, but we are just getting started.”
Jadyn Sopha Make The Cut 5:00 https://youtu.be/OkE77U3WO74
“You really tried hard but it’s not going to work. “
Ashley Gary Wait don’t answer that 5:00 https://youtu.be/zDUsZBLaDws
“What’s the worst that could happen… wait, don’t answer that.”
Chris Wideman The Black Hat Slinger Slasher 5:00 https://youtu.be/AYjcN0pfaHU
“Guys … I found the treasure”
OUTSTANDING DOCUMENTARY
Shawn Vazquez The Love of Storytelling 5:00 https://youtu.be/rDydLB_Tb1c
“I know them, I’ll never forget their faces.”
College Division
1st place: Killian Cook Me and my Genie 5:00 https://youtu.be/bnlSDUIlugk
“I wish you could come with me.”
2nd place: Josiah Ingle Portrait of Josiah
Ingle 5:00 https://youtu.be/qCLbjI8EwcM
“The fact that you won’t answer tells me everything I need to know.”
3rd place: Ashley Potter First Arrest 6:31 https://youtu.be/uSpEGnonjDg
“It is ironic that we are here together.”
Tyler Shenal Last Words 5:00 https://youtu.be/rg01H__IYUQ
“He never says the right thing at the right time.”
High School
1st place: Alana Douglas, Through The Door 5:00 https://youtu.be/5YjN0RDd0Pw
“There’s a key that unlocks every door.”
2nd place: Isaiah Hartzell, Slushie 5:00 https://youtu.be/CM0AzG5ApuY
“Did you hear that sound?”
3rd place: Jet Turner Unlucky 6:53 https://youtu.be/tLdVnUuKwcY
“I don’t care if you believe me, I know what I saw.”
Aiden Kneece, Lonesome Death 5:00 https://youtu.be/hnyK2Bjvs3M
“It is so comfortable with you; I am glad you came along.”
Brett Winchester The Perception of the Eye 3:14https://youtu.be/xNk_PtyPnYY
“The fact that you won’t answer tells me everything I need to know.”
AGENDA
*February 27 4:30-6:20 pm BH 126
Short Film Competition Kickoff Workshop
While at the kickoff workshop, High School, College, and Open Division participants will receive a unique line of dialogue that they are required to use in their five-minute film. Filmmakers will then have 10 days to produce, edit and perfect their submission. All participants must attend the workshop to be eligible to compete.
SHORT FILM APPLICATION
*March 9: Deadline to submit 5-minute short film via published link is 5 p.m.
*March 10-16: Judging
FILM FESTIVAL WEEK
*March 18: Daniel M. Harrison, Lander University Professor of Sociology, will present and discuss the classic film noir, The Big Sleep (1946)
This session will feature a showing and discussion of the film-noir classic, The Big Sleep (1946, directed by Howard Hawks, and starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall). Dr. Daniel Harrison, Lander University Professor of Sociology, and founder of the Greenwood Film Society, will host and moderate the event. 6:30 – 9:00.
Early-birds are welcome to join members of the Greenwood Film Society for dinner at 5:30in the Lander cafeteria. Pre-film conversation will begin at 6:30 in Barratt Hall room 126. The film will start at 7:00.
*March 19: 4-5:30 BH 126
Dr. Walter Iriarte, Media and Communication professor, will present on “Drones and Film”
“Dr. Iriarte will present on drone cinematography. Specifically, his presentation will demonstrate how camera technology began as an artistic/creative endeavor in contrast to drone tech harnessing political, tactical, and algorithmic calculations. Dr. Iriarte’s continued work in using drone films continues to challenge and, possibly, reverse the usage of drone cinematography as a way of bringing the innovation of cameras back to its creative roots.”
*March 20: 5:30-6:30 BH 126
Dr. Misty Jameson, English Professor, will present: “Monster Culture, Drive-Ins, and Roger Corman.”
Dr. Misty Jameson’s presentation, “Monster Culture, Drive-Ins, and Roger Corman,” will discuss the rise of monster culture and drive-in theaters in America and explain how these two cultural phenomena intersected with the early career of filmmaker and producer Roger Corman (1926-2024). Through examining Corman’s films such as It Conquered the World (1956) and Attack of the Crab Monsters (1957), along with later selections such as The Wasp Woman (1959) and X: The Man with the X-ray Eyes (1963), her presentation will look at how Corman’s films participated in the new monster culture of the time, helped shape the drive-in aesthetic, and also helped set the standard for independent science fiction and horror to come.
*March 20 6:30-7:30 BH 126
Gui Agustini will present on Voice Over acting for XMEN ’97
Agustini, an actor, director and producer who attended Lander University, will present his experiences and knowledge on filmmaking, acting and voice-over acting. He will primarily focus his discussion on his recent role as “Sunspot” in XMEN’97. “Gui’s performance adds a dynamic layer to the timeless saga, promising audiences an unforgettable journey into the heart of heroism and resilience.” (pop-culturist.com)
*March 21: 5 – 6:30 pm CC 250
Shelley Reid and Grainger Hines on their feature film: “Long Shadows.”
Shelley Reid will give a presentation on the craft of screenwriting and his journey from script to screen with the feature film, “Long Shadows,” which is scheduled for a theatrical release this Summer. Greenwood native, Grainger Hines, who starred as “Sheriff Wesley Tibbs” in Long Shadows, will also be on hand to answer questions about the movie and screen acting in general.
*March 22: 4:30 – 6 pm Lander Cultural Center Auditorium
Short Film Screening and Reviews
As part of the 15th Annual Lander Film Festival, Lander University is pleased to present the Short Film Competition. This popular event provides high school, college and open division filmmakers an opportunity to push their storytelling boundaries while showcasing their love of cinematography. A required kickoff workshop for entrants will be held on Thursday, Feb. 27, at 6 p.m. in BH 126 on the campus of Lander University.
Any questions about the Lander Film Festival should be directed to the Festival Director Dr. Robert Stevenson
The program is supported by South Carolina Humanities, a not-for-profit organization; inspiring, engaging and enriching South Carolinians with programs on literature, history, culture, and heritage. SC Humanities receives funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom.
The Lander University Film Festival is an annual event that celebrates film and encourages all aspects of filmmaking.
Objectives
- To showcase the storytelling power of film
- To celebrate film history and innovation
- To provide opportunities to learn from academics and industry professionals
- To provide opportunities for aspiring filmmakers of all ages to experience the craft from concept to creation to the audience experience
- To connect the college classroom to the wider arts and film communities
Description
Founded in 2010, the original intent of the Lander University Film Festival was to provide outstanding film-related opportunities to Lander students. This goal has expanded to include the Greenwood community and the Southeastern arts and film communities. Our strong collaborations with professionals and academics in the film industry have allowed us to bring top-notch presenters to Greenwood and to create unique opportunities for our filmmakers to use lines of dialogue provided by longtime members of the Screen Actors Guild. Our long-term goal is to continue to enhance the study and growth of filmmaking in this underserved area of South Carolina.
Short Film Competition Rules
After submitting Application, visit the Entry Fee page to submit your entry fee.
By submitting this application, you confirm that you have ownership or legal right to submit on behalf of the owner/creator to this juried competition. You agree that all content is original and, to the best of your knowledge, free of copyright or likeness infringement. You also agree to allow Lander University and Lander Film Festival to use submitted work for promotional use. You agree to release Lander University employees, representatives, or students of liability.
