The First Look Student Film Festival.

A reel learning experience.

The First Look Student Film Festival was founded by Wade Gardner and Josh Weinberg, two film students in Denver, Colorado. The event came about after many beers and rants regarding the number of talented film students who spend a lot of time, effort and money into creating a project and never have the chance to show that project outside of school. Part of the discussion also centered on the fact that some very good projects weren't even shown in school due to politics, censorship or both. But, that's for another night of drunken debate.

Last year's inaugural First Look Student Film Festival was a huge success. We showcased student projects from Colorado Film and Video Institute (Where Josh and I attend), The University of Colorado-Boulder, The University of Colorado-Denver and the Colorado Art Institute. We'll admit, we were unsure as to what kind of projects would be submitted. But, as the deadline approached we received over thirty short subject projects. As Josh and I started judging and programming the festival line-up, what struck us was the quality and entertainment value of the projects we received. It was truly amazing! For an inaugural event, First Look was proud to showcase 33 student projects in a three hour period. Even more amazing was that over 150 people attended and that the majority actually stayed throughout the entire program - even Gennaro the lawyer.

What was really great about that night was that the students from the different schools were blown away by what was being taught at the different film schools. For instance, the Colorado Film and Video Institute students used a lot of digital equipment to create their works and the CFVI instructors were teaching the art of storytelling. Their student projects tended to have a begging, middle and end. While the University of Colorado-Boulder were doing film work on 8mm and the projects were very experimental and poetic. A sure sign of the teachings of Jerry Aaronson and the influences of Stan Brackhage. Finally, the Colorado Art Institute was heavily into animation that was top notch, professional and funny! All in attendance, especially the students from the various schools, walked away with a different feeling and respect as to what was being taught at the film schools in the state of Colorado. We all, and that includes Josh and myself, learned the value of being exposed to different works from other schools.

This year, we hope to expand the night's entertainment with projects from schools outside of Colorado. We are accepting submissions from schools all over the country and hopefully the world. We truly want the festival to grow into an international event.

So, if your a college or university film student or, if you've recently graduated from a film school of any type, send us a short subject project or script for the 2002 First Look Film Festival. The deadline for submission is April 1, 2002. Go to the submission link on this web site and try our paperless submission process. It's easy and innovative. 

If you're someone associated with the film business or a fan of cinema and want to have the chance to have the, "First Look" at the next generation of writers, directors, actors and crew; then mark your calendar for April 19, 2002 and plan to attend the Second Annual First Look Student Film Festival. It's a reel learning experience. This year's festival will be held at The Historic Tivoli Center's newly renovated cinema complex. We hope to see you there. Remember, Support Your Local Film Student.

IN OUR EFFORTS TO PROVIDE STUDENTS WITH INNOVATIVE SERVICES, WE'VE PARTNERED WITH A FESTIVAL SUBMISSION SERVICE. THEIR WEBSITE WILL NOT ONLY MAKE IT EASY TO ENTER FIRST LOOK, BUT IT WILL ALSO BE INVALUABLE TO ANY STUDENT FILMMAKER WHO WANTS TO EASILY FIND OTHER FILM FESTIVALS IN WHICH TO SUBMIT. THEY TAKE A LOT OF THE GUESSWORK AND FRUSTRATION OUT OF THE SUBMISSION PROCESS.

WE'VE GONE PAPERLESS FOR OUR SUBMISSIONS. PLEASE VISIT OUR SUBMISSIONS PAGE OR CLICK ONTO OUR SUBMISSION PARTNER www.withoutabox.com

For further information contact Wade at First Look Student Film Festival. The e-mail address is insofar@firstlookstudentfilmfestival.com