UAT Digital Video Festival - Date and Livestream Link!

The 2014 edition of the UAT Digital Video Festival will be held on Thursday, November 6th at 7 pm MST in the UAT Campus Theatre.

University of Advancing Technology is located at 2625 W. Baseline Road, Tempe AZ 85283

For those not local to Arizona, we will also be hosting a Livestream of the Festival.

Hope you can join us!

UAT Digital Video Festival: 2014 Official Selections!

This year's Official Selections:

(Out of Competition)

The Adventures of Barty and the Pirate - Mark Chavez

Modieval - Bryan Ribeiro

Snake Eater - Andreas Olenberg

I Need My Monster - Howard Cook

Focus - Matt Chesin

Ocean - Stephanie Maxwell

(In Competition)

To Judge a Thief - Luke Lowder

Into Nether - Paul Lopez

Films designated as "In Competition" are competing for the Grand Prize, a full-tuition scholarship to University of Advancing Technology's award-winning Digital Video Program. Films that are "Out of Competition" aren't eligible for the Grand Prize but are still eligible for our Audience Award.

Our 3rd Annual UAT Digital Video Festival will take place on our campus in Tempe, Arizona, during the first week of November, coinciding with our annual "Technology Forum." The screening date is still TBD.

Congratulations to all our selected filmmakers!

DV Student Blog: Gwyneth Christoffel's Trip to Croatia!

by Gwyneth Christoffel

Without a doubt, I can say my time spent at the Four River Film Festival in Karlovac, Croatia, was one the best experiences I have had in my life.  I was extremely fortunate to attend the festival with the support of the University of Advancing Technology.

My newest animated film, The Last Leaf, was screened at the Four River Film Festival. The Last Leaf is about a cute little caterpillar who runs into big trouble trying to get the last delicious leaf on a tall tree. I began the film in November 2013 and finished at the end of January 2014. This was my first go at traditional animation, so I learned a lot during the process.

I fell in love with Karlovac as soon as I stepped off the bus. Even though I had just endured fourteen hours of flying and an hour bus ride, I was excited to get started. A festival volunteer picked me up at the bus station and took me to the base for the festival: the Zorin Dom Theater. The dorm building, which would be my home for the next few days, was a five minute walk away. After settling in and claiming my bottom bunk I headed back to Zorin Dom. As a part of a group of young filmmakers, I took part in some introduction activities and then we made our way to the River Kupa for the opening ceremonies.

Karlovac is known as “the town on four rivers”. Each night, we would attend an outdoor screening on one of the rivers: Kupa, Dobra, Koranam or Mrežinica. The mosquitos and chilly weather didn't stop us from having a great time while we watched the ceremonies. An introduction to the staff and jury members of the festival was followed by a warm welcome from the mayor of Karlovac. After watching a few films, each of us lit a lantern and sent it into the sky to officially begin the festival. This definitely appropriate for the festival's slogan for 2014: “Why keep your talent in the dark?”

After a sleep we were all ready to tackle the first full day of the festival. Three screenings preceded a night on the River Korana. The filmmakers whose films were screened that day got the chance to strut their stuff on the yellow (not red!) carpet. We watched some more films and then gathered around to cheer on Croatia as they won their FIFA game against Cameroon!

Our next day began much like the one before. A couple of screenings took place at Zorin Dom. Each of us then had the opportunity to choose a workshop or lecture to attend for the afternoon. Being an animation lover, I chose “Documentary Animation”. Lead by two filmmakers from Sweden, a group of us learned how documentaries can be effectively driven with just audio and animated visuals. Our teachers had interviewed citizens of Karlovac the day before, asking the question, “What is a utopia?” We were split into five groups and each group was given a thirty second section of audio. It was our task to create a stop motion to illustrate our clip. The three hours of workshop time sped by and then we had to hop on a bus for the river Dobra. This time we socialized, viewed another screening and even had a small birthday celebration for a couple of the filmmakers! By the time we got back to our dorm room we were all exhausted. It had been quite a long day!

When I woke up the next day I had mixed feelings. I was happy because I was having so much fun with my new friends, sad because my time at the festival was almost over, but also nervous because The Last Leaf would be screening that morning! I am happy to say that the screening went incredibly well. The audience laughed in all the right places and I was given some touching compliments. I also got the chance to speak on stage after the screening and answer a couple of questions about my film. The afternoon continued with us splitting off to continue our workshops from the day before. My group finished our section for the documentary animation. I cannot wait to see the final product!

The Closing Ceremony was that night, but due to the rainy weather, we were not able to visit the river Mrežinica. Instead, we sat in the comfy chairs of the Zorin Dom Theater and cheered on our fellow filmmakers who received awards. To end the night, we celebrated and enjoyed each other's company. Just like myself, I think everyone was trying to ignore the fact that our time together was almost at an end.

In the morning I made my way to the Zagreb airport to prepare myself for a 23 hour travel day back to Arizona. This opportunity given to me by the Four River Film Festival and UAT has taught me so much. I learned about myself by traveling to Europe on my own, I learned new techniques from watching my peers' films, but I think the main lesson I learned was about networking. It is an extremely valuable skill for a filmmaker (or any other professional) to acquire. I know now that introducing yourself to as many people as possible, committing to conversation and handing out business cards can go a long way. I now have contacts from over 10 countries with whom I could possibly work in the future. I have already been asked to create animated titles for a fellow filmmaker's upcoming short film!

I am very thankful for the opportunity to attend the Four River Film Festival in Karlovac, Croatia. The trip is definitely something that I will never forget!

UATDV Student Gwyneth Christoffel to Attend Four River Film Festival in Croatia

UAT Digital Video student Gwyneth Christoffel has been invited to attend the 7th Four River Film Festival in Karlovac, Croatia, for a screening of her film "The Last Leaf."

"The Last Leaf"A cute little caterpillar runs into big trouble trying to get to the last delicious leaf on a tall tree in this short animated film by Gwyneth Christoffel.

The objective of "The Last Leaf" was to create a joyful short film to showcase a fun, but gluttonous caterpillar character. With the help of this cute little crawler, the film aims to communicate that one should think twice before giving in to greed. It explores, in a concise and entertaining way, the ideas of conspicuous consumption and conservation.

The 7th Four River Film Festival will take place from June 17-21 in Karlovac, Croatia. Students from more than 30 countries will attend.

"In addition to numerous great films in Karlovac, we offer our participants diverse workshops, performances by young music bands, field trips and lots of networking - all in all, a great time for all young filmmakers!"

Here's their website (http://www.hfs.hr/hfs/festival_777_e_home.asp) and a video about the festival:


Four River Film Festival / Filmska revija mladeži - Totally different from the others from Kinoklub Karlovac / KKK on Vimeo.

UAT DV Festival Call for Entries Now Open!

Our 2014 Call for Entries is NOW OPEN! Tell every high school and middle school filmmaker you know!

Grand Prize - a FULL TUITION scholarship to the Digital Video Program at the University of Advancing Technology.

Our categories: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Fan Films, Science & Technology, Animation, Visual Effects, Innovator (for non-students) and Students & Alumni (for UAT folks not eligible for the Grand Prize).

Deadlines will be May 15 (Earlybird), July 15 (Regular), September 15 (Late), and October 3 (Extended).

The festival runs in November (actual date TBD) on the UAT campus in Tempe, Arizona, as well as streaming online.

Submit today! We've switched from Withoutabox to the new film festival submission site Film Freeway!

https://filmfreeway.com/festival/UATDigitalVideoFestival

'Flight of the Melvin' Selected for 2012 Aliens to Zombies Film Festival!

Our family-friendly comedy sci-fi adventure "Flight of the Melvin" has been selected for its 9th film festival, the 2012 Aliens to Zombies Film Festival in Los Angeles! In addition, the film has been awarded "Runner Up, Best Special Effects."

The Aliens to Zombies screenings will be held on the evenings of Monday, October 29 (9-11 p.m) and Tuesday, October 30 (9-11 p.m.) at the W Hotel in Hollywood.

More info and tickets: http://www.alienstozombies.com/

Great Review of 'Flight of the Melvin'

Arizona film blogger Hal Astell has been reviewing UAT films for a while and today he published his latest post, a wonderful review of our sci-fi adventure comedy "Flight of the Melvin," which he caught at Phoenix Comicon.

It's a family friendly affair, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's some sort of soporific Disney picture with cutesy singing candlesticks. It's so much better than that.

Read Hal's full review on his blog, Apocalypse Later. While there, you can also check out his stellar review of Professor Paul DeNigris' thesis film "Parallax."

'Flight of the Melvin' Selected for Dragon*Con

Our sci-fi family adventure film "Flight of the Melvin" has been selected for its 8th film festival - the 2012 Dragon*Con Independent Film Festival in Atlanta, Georgia! From the Dragon*Con site:

Dragon*Con is the largest multi-media, popular culture convention focusing on science fiction and fantasy, gaming, comics, literature, art, music, and film in the universe!

This year, Dragon*Con will be held Labor Day weekend (August 31 - September 3, 2012) in Atlanta, GA.

Film festival info can be found here: http://filmfest.dragoncon.org/ We'll post the screening schedule for "Melvin" as soon as it becomes available!

'Flight of the Melvin' Official Selection, Gen Con Indy Film Festival

Our sci-fi comedy "Flight of the Melvin" has been selected for this year's Gen Con Indy Film Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana, August 16-19! This is the 45th year for this venerable convention of gaming, sci-fi, and geek culture. From their site:

Gen Con Indy is the original, longest running, best attended, gaming convention in the world. For over 44 years, Gen Con Indy has been setting the trend and breaking records. Last year, more than 120,103 turnstile and 36,106 unique attendees experienced Gen Con Indy. The biggest complaint we hear is that there is simply too much to do, see, and experience. Get lost in a phantasm of art exhibits. Stare at jaw-dropping costumes, or better yet, wear one of your own. Meet the movers and the shakers in the gaming industry. Check out the newest games and get a sneak peek at the latest editions.

 Learn more about Gen Con at their website!

'Covet' and 'Melvin' Selected for Phoenix Comicon!

Two films produced by UAT Digital Video will screen at the 2012 Phoenix Comicon Film Festival! First up is our supernatural cop thriller "Covet," produced for last summer's IFP/Phoenix 48-Hour Film Challenge.

"Covet" screens Friday, May 25 at 8:55 p.m. in the Phoenix Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency in Downtown Phoenix.

Next comes our sci-fi adventure comedy "Flight of the Melvin." Having screened at Sedona and Arizona International Film Festivals recently, "Melvin" will be making its Phoenix Metro Area debut!

"Flight of the Melvin" screens Sunday, May 27 at 10:58 a.m., also in the Phoenix Ballroom.

More information about Phoenix Comicon - including their incredible lineup of guests (including practically the entire cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation) - can be found on their official website at http://www.phoenixcomicon.com/

'Melvin' AZ Film Fest Update - Honorable Mention, Comedy Short!

Arizona International Film Festival announced its award winners this evening, and our intrepid "Melvin" took home the "Honorable Mention, Comedy Short" award!

The complete list of award winners can be found here.

Don't forget, there's another chance to see "Flight of the Melvin" tomorrow at noon!

'Flight of the Melvin' One of Arizona International Film Festival's 'Best of the Fest'

Our high-flying family adventure "Flight of the Melvin" makes a return appearance at the 21st annual Arizona International Film Festival as part of their "Best of the Fest" screenings on Sunday April 29th at 12 noon.

The "Best of the Fest" series highlights audience favorites and award winners from the previous 16 days of the festival. Award winners will be announced this evening.

For more info about the "Best of the Fest: screenings, go to Arizona International Film Festival's website.

'Fallout' Selected for Fright Night Film Festival

Just when we thought our festival run for "Fallout" was all wrapped up, the folks at Fright Night Film Festival in Louisville, KY, contacted us and asked to screen the film. One of their programmers apparently caught the film at the Terror Film Festival last October and thought it would be a good fit. So "Fallout" rides again on the big screen this summer. Check out the festival's official website here!

'Melvin' and 'Parallax' Screenings at Arizona International Film Festival

UAT Digital Video's family-friendly sci-fi comedy "Flight of the Melvin" will be screening at the Arizona International Film Festival in Tucson, Arizona, as part of their "Shorts for Youth" program.

Shorts for Youth
Saturday, April 21st @ 3 pm
The Screening Room
127 East Congress Street
Tucson, AZ 85701

Buy Tickets Here!


Professor Paul DeNigris's Thesis Film "Parallax" (winner of "Best Arizona Short Film" at the 2012 Phoenix Film Festival) will also be screening at Arizona International. The film was produced by an all-star crew of UAT DV students and alumni.

Arizona Shorts
Wednesday, April 18th @ 8 pm
The Screening Room
127 East Congress Street
Tucson, AZ 85701

Buy Tickets Here!

'Parallax' Wins Best Arizona Short at 2012 Phoenix Film Festival!

At the 2012 Phoenix Film Festival awards ceremony last night, Professor Paul DeNigris' Master's Thesis Film "Parallax" was awarded the Copper Wing for "Best Arizona Short." The film was produced with the participation of an all-star team of UAT Digital Video students and alumni who volunteered countless hours to make the compelling and realistic Iraq War drama. A huge contingent of UAT students, alumni, faculty, and staff also contributed to the film's budget on Kickstarter, so "Parallax" truly was a community endeavor.

UAT Digital Video won this prestigious award last year for the sci-fi action thriller "Fallout." This year's Arizona Shorts competition was tough, with lots of great entries in what many festivalgoers have described as the best batch of Arizona Shorts to ever play the festival. So "Team Parallax" is especially gratified to have won when pitted against such a great group of films! Congrats to everyone involved!

'Parallax' and 'Covet' at Phoenix Film Festival this weekend!

Professor Paul DeNigris' Master's Thesis film "Parallax" will be screening twice during the 2012 Phoenix Film Festival's opening weekend. The film was produced by an all-star team of UAT Digital Video students and alumni who came out in force to help their prof!

"Parallax" - part of "Arizona Shorts"
Saturday, March 31 @ 10:40am
Sunday, April 1 @ 4:25pm

Click here for tickets for "Parallax"

And "Covet" - a multiple award-winner at last summer's 48 Hour Film Challenge, produced by many of the same folks who worked on "Parallax" - will also screen at the Phoenix Film Festival.

"Covet" - part of "Arizona Shorts Showcase"
Saturday, March 31 @ 9:05am

Click here for tickets for "Covet"

'Flight of the Melvin'- Official Selection, 2012 Arizona International Film Festival

"Melvin" continues to soar! We've just gotten word that our sci-fi family adventure "Flight of the Melvin" has been selected for the 21st annual Arizona International Film Festival in Tucson, Arizona! The 2012 edition of the festival runs from April 13th thru the 29th.

Rumor has it there will also be an event at the Arizona International Film Festival honoring the films selected for the Arizona Centennial "AZ100" Independent Films. Our previous sci-fi epic "Fallout" is one of those 100 films.

'Flight of the Melvin' Screens at Sedona Film Festival This Saturday!

UAT Digital Video's sci-fi comedy adventure "Flight of the Melvin" screens as an Official Selection of the 2012 Sedona Film Festival this Saturday, February 25th, at 9:00 am.

"Melvin" is paired with the family adventure feature The Lost Medallion and will be screening at the Sedona Rouge Theatre, in the Sedona Rouge Hotel and Spa, 2250 W. State Route 89A in West Sedona, Arizona.

Click here to see the schedule and purchase tickets!

EXTRA CREDIT: Volunteer for the Phoenix Film Festival

Can you believe it’s that time of year already?! The Phoenix Film Festival is looking for fun, energetic volunteers to make this year’s festival the best one yet! PFF 2012 will be held Thursday, March 29 – Thursday, April 5, 2012 at the Harkins Scottsdale 101 and will feature the finest in independent film from around the world, as well as celebrities, seminars, and parties all week long!

We have scheduled two (2) New Volunteer Orientations to go over the specifics of volunteering at the festival and answer any questions you might have. This will also be an opportunity for new volunteers to sign up for shifts.

Orientations will be held on Saturday, March 3rd and Saturday March 17th. Time and location are still TBD, so stay tuned for more information!

Volunteer positions are available in Ticketing, Merchandising, Theatre Operations, Seminars, Educational Outreach, Silent Auction and Events. This year we are even introducing a Floater position!

In exchange for a commitment of at least 24 hours, volunteers will receive a festival t-shirt and a full festival pass ($150 value, excludes the opening night screening). If you are unavailable to commit to 24 hours then we encourage you to attend the festival as a patron; however, we will be unable to accept your application to volunteer.

If interested in being a volunteer, please email volunteer@PhxFilm.com

EXTRA CREDIT FOR DV STUDENTS WHO VOLUNTEER. SEE YOUR INSTRUCTOR FOR DETAILS.

'Parallax'' and 'Covet' Selected for 2012 Phoenix Film Festival!

We've just gotten notification that two films created by our faculty, students, and alumni have been selected for the 2012 Phoenix Film Festival!

First up is Professor Paul DeNigris' Master's Thesis film, the Iraq War drama "Parallax." Shot in April, the film involved a massive crew of UAT Digital Video alumni and current students who volunteered to help Paul complete the requirements for his Master's Degree. The film tells the story of a wounded U.S. soldier who is cared for by an Iraqi civilian and his son, which forces the soldier to re-examine his own prejudices and undergo a life-changing shift in perspective. The genesis of the story came from a presentation at UAT Inservice by former Student Government President Alexander Snyder and UAT Student Services staff member Hiba al-Fatle about their own experiences during the Iraq War. The entire UAT community supported the production of the film in one way or another! "Parallax" will be part of the "Arizona Shorts" competition group at the festival.

Next is "Covet," an entry for the IFP/Phoenix 48 Hour Film Challenge last July which was co-produced by UAT Digital Video, Professor DeNigris' Locked Horns Productions, and Steve Wargo's SWAT HD (a frequent employer of UAT DV interns and a co-producer of "Parallax"). "Covet" won 4 awards in the 48 hour challenge and will now be part of the "Arizona Showcase" group of shorts at the festival!