Backlight Student Film Festival is set to take place April 20-21 in Athens at the Tate Theater.
Backlight Student Film Festival is a non-profit that aims to highlight the work of aspiring student filmmakers across the state of Georgia. According to a press release, the festival accepts submissions from undergraduate and graduate students at colleges and universities across the state.
Backlight was founded in 2021. This year’s two-day festival will feature film screenings, a red carpet, an industry mixer and an awards ceremony.
Ten films will play at the festival this year, including seven short films and three mid-length films. The full list of films and filmmakers can be found below. More information about the film festival can be found online.
Short Films
“Bushitoad” – Savannah College of Art and Design
- 3D Animation Lead: Sofia Dubinina
- 3D Animator: Merit Huggins
“Gummy” – University of Georgia
- Director/Screenwriter/Editor/Composer/Sound Editor: Tyler Cook
- Cinematographer: Daniel Pysczynski
- Lead Actress: Ash Veazey
- Actor: Joe Ball
- Additionals: Taylor Shults, Lily Blumenthal, Jonah Eckmann
“Bella Notte” – Georgia State University
- Director: Maria LoPresti
“Life’s Many Doors” – University of Georgia
- Director/Co-writer: Collin Young
- Cinematographer: Lily Blumenthal
- Co-writer/Actor: Spencer Strickland
- Composer: Charlie Enter
- Actress: Katie Ree
- Actor: Robert Loveall
- Actress: Taylor Shults
“The Black Best Friend” – University of Georgia
- Director/Writer: Meli Nunyakpe
- Cinematographer: Jocelyn Peebles
- Editor/Composer: Sanaa Wright
- Actress: Jada Creecy
- Actress: Katie Ree
“Electra Wasp” – Savannah College of Art and Design
- Director/Writer/Editor: Wasan Hayajneh
- Animation Director: Finn Kulers
- Animator: Briana Jones
“Donnie Dies” – University of Georgia
- Director/Writer/Editor/Composer: Daniel Pysczynski
- Cinematographer: Collin Young
- Sound Editor: Joshua Gerard
- Actor: Keith Hulett
- Actress: Ciara Pysczynski
- Producer: Taylor Shults
- Assistant Camera: Lily Blumenthal
- First Assistant Director: Tyler Cook
Mid-Length Films
“Aliens Are Not Real” – University of Georgia
- Director/Writer/Editor/Production Designer: Davis Shaw
- Cinematographer: Leah Francois
- Actor: Justin Williams
- Actress: Nat Skye Mears
- Producer: Amber Combs
- Sound Editor: Corey O’Quinn
“ZiON” – Georgia State University
- Director/Writer/Editor/Cinematographer: Raymond F. Seay III
- Composer/Editor: Raymond F. Seay II
- Production Designer: Julia Seay
- Actor: King Chuff
- Actor: Marcus Leon Riley, Jr.
- Actor: Camron Lewis
- Actor: Mike Johnston
- Actor: Zachary Jordak
“Pizza Time!” – Kennesaw State University
- Director/Writer/Editor/Sound Editor/Actor: Evyn J. Barron
