16th Annual Lander Film Festival to Begin with Short Film Competition

Start: Thursday, February 26, 2026 4:00PM
End: Thursday, February 26, 2026 6:00PM

Lander University’s College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences is kicking off the 16th annual Lander Film Festival with a short film competition workshop. This workshop will take place Thursday, Feb. 26 at 4 p.m. in Barksdale Recital Hall (CC 250). Those interested in entering the competition are encouraged to sign up by visiting www.landerfilmfestival.com. During the workshop, entrants will receive a unique line of dialogue that must be incorporated into their five-minute film. This will provide an interesting challenge for the participants, who only have ten short days to write, produce and edit their submissions. “The required line of dialogue is a unique component of the Lander Film Festival,” said Dr. Robert Stevenson, chair of the Lander Film Festival and professor of Journalism at Lander. “Our filmmakers have to think outside the box, and in many cases completely re-work ideas they may have been considering.” All are welcome and encouraged to participate, regardless of prior experience in filmmaking. There are three divisions for the short film competition: High School, College and Open Division. The registration fee is $20 for the College and High School Division, and $25 for the Open Division. This can be paid through the day of the kickoff workshop. “We are excited to once again welcome filmmakers of any skill level to join us, whether for their first time or for the 16th time,” said Stevenson. “Our festival continues to be an excellent learning opportunity for our Lander students, as well as our greater community.” Cash prizes and trophies will be given to the first, second and third place winners in each division. Filmmakers interested in participating can visit the official Lander Film Festival website for detailed guidelines and to sign up: www.landerfilmfestival.com A full week of exciting lectures and events will take place beginning Mar. 17. The festival will culminate with the short film screening and award ceremony on Saturday, Mar. 21 at 4 p.m. in the Abney Cultural Center Auditorium. Please visit www.lander.edu/events for updates and to confirm event times and venues. For questions, please contact the College of Arts and Humanities at 864-388-8323, or email hass@lander.edu. To make a gift to the College of Arts and Humanities, please visit www.lander.edu/give.