PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (October 16, 2020) – Prairie View A&M University’s (PVAMU) official film festival is coming to a screen near you this fall. From November 12-14, the 4th Annual Festival on The Hill (FOTH) will showcase young filmmakers and writers. It will feature workshops and panel discussions with leading industry professionals.
Terésa Dowell-Vest
“We are excited to provide a mix of student filmmakers with professional filmmakers in the categories of narrative short films, documentary shorts, animated shorts, music videos, movie trailers, and micro-movies,” said Terésa Dowell-Vest, assistant professor of communication, director of Film & Television Production, and FOTH producer. “Due to COVID-19, the festival will be a virtual experience this year. The benefit of presenting the festival virtually means a more extensive audience may view the work and participate in the workshops and panel discussions.”
A major component of the FOTH is the opportunity for networking. Students can interact with industry professionals, create contacts, and build connections. Dowell-Vest works closely with Tony Clomax, FOTH director, to design the festival’s programming and coordinate participation from PVAMU alumni and industry professionals. The festival team also includes four student interns who develop film screenings, workshops, and discussions.
“Since most of the world has moved to a virtual existence, people have gotten more comfortable with Zoom and similar technology,” said Clomax, an assistant professor of communication. “Potential speakers have been more accessible because they’re at home. With the industry opening back up in late August, scheduling has become challenging with professionals. However, the motivation to connect and share knowledge is still strong, so we are capitalizing on that. It’s all been a learning process that we’ve embraced.”
Tony Clomax
This year, the festival will include the round table discussion, “Breaking into the Business,” featuring prominent PVAMU alumni in TV, film, and media. Speakers will share their experiences and expertise with students looking to transition into the industry after graduation.
“My focus for the festival is about finding the relationships and sponsors to aid in the festival’s longevity,” Dowell-Vest said. “We also want to create a celebratory event for our alumni to reconnect with the communications program. We value our alumni, and we don’t celebrate their achievements frequently enough.”
This year’s festival audience can expect workshops and panel discussions on a variety of other topics, such as writing for television, indie producing, finding your character, creating content with smartphones, the art of pitching, and “my art is my brand.”
“Under Professor Clomax’s leadership, we can assure participants and audiences a fantastic viewing and participatory experience this year,” Dowell-Vest said.
As the festival moves into its fourth year, Dowell-Vest has bold goals for its future.
“My vision for the festival is to become a premier film festival hosted by a college or university,” she said. “Increasing visibility will impact enrollment, and increasing enrollment will impact resources for developing more robust production courses and competitive professional training.”
Submissions are open to all filmmakers, age 18 and older. Interested participants can submit their films by October 23 at www.pvamutv.org/foth.
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By Kendall Hebert