Many others and I attended the fourth annual Clemson Film Festival on April 12. Apart from the well-organized event and fun experience, I was amazed at the jump in quality in the films selected for the festival. On top of the quality and polish shown off at the festival, new genres were present that weren’t present before, including documentary and animated shorts.
As a world cinema major, the heightened craftsmanship and expertise displayed almost scared me, as it motivated me to step up my game. The quality and quantity of filmmaking at Clemson should be a source of pride and something that every Clemson student needs to be aware of.
The Film Festival was featured in a video segment by Fox Carolina. It was covered in an insightful article in The Tiger by Matt Herrick, giving deserved publicity to the Clemson Film Club and the Clemson world cinema program.
The world cinema major is one of the fastest-growing majors at Clemson University and is facilitating the implementation of new courses and areas of involvement for its students.
For film majors and minors at Clemson, there has been an increase in the quantity and quality of internships and abroad opportunities. Internships at the Trilith Institute in Atlanta, Georgia and a feature film being produced on campus over the summer for academic credit are two examples. Both include collaboration with and guidance from professionals in the film industry.
There are opportunities to get involved for those who don’t major or minor in film, of course. The Film Club is open to anyone interested in film and is responsible for orchestrating the Film Festival. Film Club holds meetings every Thursday, so feel free to check it out.
Another opportunity for those wishing to contribute to the University’s film community is the student-run organization Reel Dialogue, which enables the creation of Clemson student media, such as films and literature. Reel Dialogue just released the Spring 2025 Volume 3 edition of its magazine this past week, showcasing film reviews, analyses, industry interviews, photography and more works by Clemson students. I recommend submitting work for their next edition.
The Student Film Showcase today, April 24, is a great place to start if you’re wondering where to see current film offerings from Clemson film students. The showcase will screen three short narrative films and six short documentary films from hands-on courses in filmmaking.
There are opportunities everywhere to contribute to the burgeoning student film community at Clemson University. I’ll facilitate its success, and I hope you will, too.
