UNA STUDENT FILMMAKERS GEAR UP FOR COMPETITION

Jan. 28, 2009

By Holly Widick

UNA Student Writer

FLORENCE, Ala. — Lights, camera, action! University of North Alabama students are filming for the second annual Leo Awards, kicking off the 2009 George Lindsey UNA Film Festival the first week of March. The Leo Awards is a popular student-produced film competition that showcases short films of all genres by UNA students.

The award show atmosphere of the Leo Awards is a celebration of student creativity and accomplishment. In addition to screening student entries, the night will feature prizes in categories for Best in Show (group and individual), Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Use of the Elements, Best Cinematography and the People’s Choice Award.

A unique twist to the competition is that each of the films submitted must incorporate specific elements. The elements consist of an object, character and catch phrase that will be distributed before filming starts.

“It’s so funny to see how students can take a simple idea, or even a word, and come up with dozens of ways to incorporate it — no matter how irrelevant,” said Winn Brewer, UNA Student Government Association president and co-coordinator of the event.

During the inaugural Leo Awards in 2008, entries included titles such as “UNArnia,” a “Chronicles of Narnia” spoof; “The Warelion,” a story about a student-turned-lion; and “SGA Superheroes,” a heroic tale of Student Government Association officers saving their campus from alien invasion.

“The Leo Awards is one of the most exciting student-run events I’ve ever seen at UNA,” said David Shields, UNA vice president for student affairs. “Showcasing the talent of our students is a fun way to kick off the George Lindsey UNA Film Festival and encourages student involvement throughout the festival.”

This year, student organizations and individual contributors are encouraged to submit short films in any genre they choose by Feb. 23. The Leo Awards will take place at 7 p.m. March 3 in the Guillot University Center Performance Center on the UNA main campus.

This is a free event, hosted by the UNA Residence Hall Association and the George Lindsey UNA Film Festival. For more information, contact Holly Widick, Leo Awards coordinator, at leoawards@una.edu 256-765-4223.