Short Cuts

Almost everyone has participated in the experience of the Midnight Movie at the Gallagher at one point or another; the usual rowdiness and excitement will now be coupled with clips or complete showings of student films before the late night feature flick begins.

As Richard Busch, the University Activities Board Films Committee chairman said, "This is a great way for media arts students and any other student filmmakers to get out there and show their stuff off to other students."

Many students, especially media arts students, take great pride in the films that they have produced. Unfortunately, their films are typically screened once, usually in a classroom setting, and most times the public isn't aware of the viewing. This is a chance for such filmmakers to have a real audience, and possibly even get honest critiques about the quality of their films.

Any film, or clip of a film, is eligible, if it clocks in at under five minutes. The Films Committee is looking for either 16mm or 35mm films, but not 8mm. The committee will screen all films submitted in advance, to ensure that each film meets a professional standard.

The first "Short Films Before Midnight" experience was before last Thursday's showing of "Silence of the Lambs." The crowd of about 200 seemed to respond well.

"The Film Committee's 'Short Films Before Midnight' movies will expand the film community, as well as create a cult-like status around the midnight viewing, and it's a hell of a lot of fun," said Jeremy Adams, media arts junior, and viewer of last week's short films.

The Films Committee's short films will only have one more showing this semester, on April 29-30 at 10 p.m., before "Stand By Me," the last late night movie of the semester, although that's not your last chance for some real exposure. The Films Committee is hopeful about continuing the program throughout next semester and semesters to come.

Space is still available for the April 29-30 screening. Contact UAB Films Committee Chairman Richard Busch in Room 101 of the Memorial Student Union, or call 621-0768 for more information.