From www.taylor.edu - Taylor University, integrating faith and learning

Sundance Winner Will Highlight Envision Film Festival

04.15.2009

April 15, 2009 – Sundance Film Festival-winner Michelle Steffes will be the guest of honor at Taylor University’s Envision Film Festival on Friday, May 8th. Steffes left her mark at this year’s Sundance film festival, producing the festival's Best Short Film. A Taylor alumna, Steffes received the award for her role as producer for the film "Short Term Twelve."

“Having Michelle join us for this event is a great joy and honor,” says Festival Co-Chair Kathy Bruner,  “The film festival is an opportunity for our student filmmakers to learn from professionals in the industry, so this is a perfect fit.” Steffes will also host a free workshop on film writing/directing on May 8th at 3 p.m. in room 002 of the Modelle Metcalf Building.

The Envision Film Festival will honor aspiring filmmakers whose visual storytelling explores the range of human experience with hopeful vision, artistry, truthfulness and integrity. The event begins at 7 p.m. in Mitchell Auditorium at Taylor University, showing the festival’s top film submissions followed by an awards ceremony.

Official sponsors, including Apple Computer, have donated several prizes. Festival Co-Chair John Bruner said, “We’re very excited that Apple Computer is an official sponsor. We use Apple hardware and software in the production of our films, so it’s a great partnership.” Other sponsors include The Visual Story Network, the Los Angeles Film Studies Center, the Windrider Forum and Priddy Brothers Productions.

Other special guests scheduled to appear include Producer Vinnie Manganello, the festival’s original founder, Jeff Sparks, CEO of Heartland Truly Moving Pictures and the Heartland Film Festival, and filmmaker Ben Bays, director of The Horseman.

Taylor senior Eliza Dhonau said, “The festival will be a great chance for student filmmakers to share their creativity and passion for film with their peers.”

Tickets for the festival go on sale April 20th and cost $4. Tickets are available at the Rupp Communication Arts Building box office or by calling 765-998-5829. Prospective students are encouraged to attend for free.

 

About Taylor University: Founded in 1846, Taylor University is an interdenominational liberal arts university of evangelical faith located in Upland, Ind. The 2010 U.S. News and World Report survey America's Best Colleges ranked Taylor the number one Baccalaureate College in the Midwest. It marked Taylor's third straight top ranking following ten straight years of being ranked in the region's Top Three.
 
Taylor University is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).