Camarillo, Calif., Nov. 1, 2004 -- For the third year in a row, California State University Channel Islands has been selected to host the annual CSU Media Arts Festival, to be held November 5-7. The 14th annual event will feature works in film, video, and new media from students throughout the CSU system.
The festival will showcase the best work of students, as well as offer a number of seminars aimed at assisting CSUCI and other CSU students in making the transition to working professionals in the media arts fields.
Screenings of student works will be shown on Friday, November 5, at 6 p.m. in Conference Hall 1. Categories include narrative, animation, music video, experimental, documentary, TV short-forms, TV long-forms, and interactive media. The awards ceremony will be held on Saturday, November 6, at 7 p.m. Both of these events will be free and open to the public.
This year, six CSUCI students are finalists for festival awards, more than any other CSU university. They are: Mohammad Afshar, for "The Real Terrorists," Apisak Phetprasit, for "Human Rights," and Jennifer Bennett, for "Coastal Cleanup Day,” all in the TV short-form category; Jennifer Bertrand, for "Jennifer Bertrand-Portfolio," interactive media category; and John Weckworth, for "Chip Off the Ol' Block," and Michael Miller, for "The Atomic Age," in the experimental category.
“CSUCI is extremely proud that so many of our students have been selected as finalists and are being considered for awards,” said Jack Reilly, CSUCI professor of art and chair of the Art Department. “It's especially gratifying to see their dedication and hard work in the area of digital video/film and multimedia come to fruition. I know it's a real thrill for the students to have their work screened before a large audience made up of fellow CSU students as well as members of the University community.
“This year, the competition and standards for excellence are higher than ever. Our students' work represents a broad range of artistic concepts and digital techniques. There is no question that these talented students are on their way to becoming outstanding professionals.”
Winners of each category will receive $500 and a “Rosebud Award.” In addition, $250 will be presented to the campus department of each winning entrant. A grand prize of $1,000 will be awarded to the winner of “Best in Show.”
The seminars, open to CSU students only at $20 per person, will be taught by CSU faculty and professionals from the entertainment industry. Topics include advice on directing, pitching scripts, careers in animation, cinematography, writing for film and television, producing, funding and grant writing, working with actors, and representation for directors and writers.
For more information, contact Joanne Bartok, director, Media Arts Festival, and assistant director, CSU Summer Arts, at 562-951-4065 or jbartok@calstate.edu.
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About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands(CI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research. CI has been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is committed to serving students of all backgrounds from the region and beyond. Connect with and learn more by visiting CI's Social Media.