Campus MovieFest Southern Regional Grand Finale March 28-29

Did you know that Campus MovieFest is the world’s largest student film festival? Did you know that it was started in 2001 by Emory students David Roemer, Dan Costa, Vijay Makar and Ajay Pillarisetti? Did you know that they’re offering free tickets to this weekend’s finale blowout?

Every year, CMF rolls onto campuses nationwide with Apple laptops, Panasonic HD  camcorders, AT&T phones and training (all provided by AT&T) for participating teams to create their short masterpieces. On Sat., March 28, more than 64 of the region’s top films will screen at Center Stage alongside performances from the area’s top student bands. (Oh yeah, did we mention CMF launched a Battle of the Bands last year, too?)

Sunday night, March 29, is the official (optional) black-tie finale at Atlanta Symphony Hall featuring 14 of the best shorts, music and more than $50,000 in prizes. Adam Ferrara (“Rescue Me,” “Comedy Central Presents: Adam Ferrara”), Emma Stone (Super Bad, House Bunny), and a “surprise presenter” will also be around. As if all of the hoopla weren’t enough, “the top movies this year earn over $400,000 in cash and prizes, plus exposure in-flight on Virgin America, on AT&T phones, at a CMF Grand Finale in Cannes, and at the Campus MovieFest International Grand Finale at Paramount Studios in June 2009.” Phew.

I’ve attended past finales and the quality of the student films, in terms of both production and story telling, is impressive. Plus, it’s a big ol’ party complete with serious door prizes, including an Apple computer and iPod touch, among other things. Can’t spare the $5-$12 for a ticket? Enter the code CMFCOMP when you buy your ticket online and you’ll get the ticket free, while supplies last.

(Photo courtesy Campus MovieFest)