Lander University has announced the timeline for the Short Film Competition, part of the 14th Annual Lander University Film Festival. This competition provides today’s filmmakers an opportunity to push their storytelling boundaries while showcasing their love of cinematography.

A required kickoff workshop for entrants will be held on Tuesday, March 12, at 4 p.m. on the campus of Lander University. While at the kickoff, participants will receive a unique line of dialogue that they are required to use in their five-minute film. Filmmakers will then have eight days to produce, edit and perfect their submission. All participants must attend the kickoff to be eligible to compete. This will provide competitors with the information they will need to create their films and allow them to discuss their passion with professionals in the filmmaking business. The workshop will be streamed online for those who cannot attend in person. There will be three divisions of competitions, which include a High School, College and Open Division. The registration fee is $20 for the College and High School Division and $25 for the Open Division.

“The filmmakers never fail to impress me with their creativity and execution in producing a quality short film in such a short period,” commented Dr. Robert Stevenson, professor of media and communication at Lander and chair of the festival. “I anxiously look forward to screening the films with the larger community.” Stevenson has been involved with Lander University’s Film Festival since 2010.

Selected films will be shown on Saturday, March 30, at the Lander University Film Festival, allowing filmmakers to showcase their films to the public. First place winners of each division will receive a cash prize of up to $200, with smaller cash prizes for second and third place. Filmmakers interested in participating can visit the official Lander University Film Festival website for detailed guidelines and to sign up: www.landerfilmfestival.com.

Support for the 14th Annual Lander University Film Festival comes from a grant from South Carolina Humanities. For more information, please visit www.schumanities.org.