Tuesday, April 8, the College of Liberal Arts, Movie Gallery and the Department of Communication and Journalism sponsored the 11th Annual Jay Sanders Film Festival and Movie Gallery Student Film Competition.
The event was held at the Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center.
The festival is named for professor emeritus Jay Sanders, who was the first professor to teach film and mass communication at Auburn.
Throughout his 33-year career, he directly impacted the lives of more than 19,000 Auburn students.
Movie Gallery proudly co-sponsored the event alongside the University.
“Movie Gallery is proud to be part of the (festival) and to see it grow to what it is now-a spirited competition that brings in the work of young talent from across the country,” said Joe Malugen, chairman and chief executive officer.
After a welcome, the high school category began. Three of the films were narrative and one was animation.
The high school entries varied greatly in genre, from an animated story of billy goats to a satire on the complex lives of young children to a memoir of a father who lost his son.
There were five entries from the university level. These films were also varied and included animation, narrative and documentary.
These films included topics such as a meditation on war, the struggles caused by immigration, love, race and faith.
Auburn students were impressed by the wide range of films at the event.
“I thought it was a great opportunity for young film makers to present their work,” said John Griffin, a sophomore in flight aviation management. “It showcases essentials of filmmaking.”
