The future of filmmaking takes center screen with the 2023 F&MAD Spring Showcase

Details: Written by: CFA Staff; Created: May 03, 2023

Department of Film & Media Arts

Calling all movie buffs, cinephiles, and anyone looking for a captivating evening out - mark your calendars for Sunday, May 7th! The University of Utah's Department of Film & Media Arts is hosting the F&MAD Spring Showcase, featuring selected student films. This year’s showcase will be held on the UofU campus in the FMAB Auditorium.

The event kicks off with the Silent Theater program at 5:15 pm. This program features films that explore human connections and invite introspection and meditation. The shorts will be played in a dedicated area near the main theatre, allowing audiences to enjoy them while wearing headphones in a single-person setting. The perfect opportunity for some me-time.

At 5:30 pm, it's time for the Black Carpet event. Come dressed to impress and walk the carpet like the star you are. At 6 pm, the Main Theater event begins! This program focuses on the power of motion pictures in exploring storytelling as a collective experience. You won't want to miss out on the opportunity to see some of the best student films on the big screen.

After the films, there will be a Q&A session with the filmmakers from both the Silent Theater and Main Theater programs. This is your chance to ask burning questions about their creative process and inspiration. Afterward, there will be a meet and greet with the filmmakers and the audience at the Student Commons. Refreshments will be provided so you can relax and chat with the filmmakers and other film enthusiasts.

The event wraps up with the Awards Ceremony at 8:15 pm. An audience award will be given to the film that receives the most votes from attendees. Please join us for this exciting event and support the next generation of filmmakers!

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The Department of Film & Media Arts takes pride in exposing our students to professional practices, and these folks were incredibly generous at sharing feedback to all films. The guest judges for this year's showcase include:

Dania Trapp

Dania Trapp is an Executive Producer at Cosmic Pictures - a wildly curious, award-winning production and post facility focusing on high-quality commercial, feature, episodic, VFX, and new digital mediums. Beginning her career as a journalist, Dania has a passion for capturing stories of people and places through film. While she loves producing both scripted and non-scripted TV series, she has also found an appreciation for working with advertising creatives to produce high budget and innovative commercial campaigns.

Dakota Noot

Dakota Noot is a Los Angeles-based artist and "human paper doll." He has exhibited in galleries and institutions throughout the Los Angeles area, including Charlie James Gallery, Shoshana Wayne Gallery, and the Torrance Art Museum. His work has been featured in Hi-Fructose Magazine.

James Mackenzie

James Mackenzie is a graduate of Loyola Marymount's School of Film & Television in LA. His MFA thesis, Audrey Makes a Mixtape, was recognized on the US BAFTA Student Awards shortlist, and as a member of the Film Independent Incubator Lab, he helmed his award-winning first feature, American Zealot. He recently brought his web series Tough Love to the Tribeca N.O.W. Creators Market and premiered Three Men Named Mantas, an international co-production shot in Lithuania, at the Atlanta Film Festival. He currently teaches at the University of North Georgia.