Big Lens Film Festival to showcase new works by Wright State students

New short films by 12 Wright State motion pictures students will premier at the annual Big Lens Film Festival on Friday, Oct. 16.

The festival begins at 7 p.m. at the Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park North.

In addition to film screenings, the festival includes a reception, Q&A sessions with the filmmakers and an after party.

The films examine such topics as mortality, addiction, terminal illness and coming-of-age. One work is an experimental dance film, while another is a documentary.

Writer/director Aubrey Keith looks at the framing of a scene in her film “Oak” while cinematographer Haley Shepard adjusts the camera.

“The films this year offer a range of work that represent a diverse group of people and influences. Some of the highest quality films I’ve seen from the department yet are coming out of this group of films,” said Steve Bognar, an award-winning filmmaker and lecturer in the Department of Theatre, Dance and Motion Pictures.

Advanced tickets are available for $9 through the Wright State theatre box office or by calling 937-775-2500.

Day of show tickets will be sold at the Dayton Art Institute for $10. Tickets to the Big Lens Film Festival usually sell out. Advanced tickets are recommended.

Works by Wright State film students have been nominated for Student Academy Awards and Student Emmys and have premiered at top film festivals, including the Sundance Film Festival.

A female dancer in “Anesthesiaphobia,” one of the films featured at the Big Lens Film Festival.