The University of Central Arkansas’s graduate film thesis screening is set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 7, at the Reynolds Performance Hall. The screening is free and open to the public.
Thesis film screening events are a requirement for students seeking their Master of Fine Arts degree in the digital filmmaking program. Students may choose any topic to base their thesis on but must receive approval by the thesis committee before beginning to shoot.
“Directing a thesis film is vital to the growth and success of our graduate students once they graduate,” said Dr. Bruce Hutchinson, associate professor of digital filmmaking and the director of UCA’s graduate film program. “Developing a creative vision, turning that vision into a reality and leading a group of collaborators along the way are all skills that will help make them highly competitive in the film industry.”
Three MFA candidates will present their thesis films this semester: Allison Hogue of McGehee will show Still Life; Sarah Jones of Cabot will present John Wayne’s Bedroom and Christy Ward of Little Rock will show Tree.
“The MFA thesis screening is a great opportunity to see films by some of the best up-and-coming filmmakers in the state,” Hutchinson said.
The week following the screening, the MFA students will defend their thesis films before a three-person faculty committee. The students’ graduation depends on the outcome of their defense.
For more information, contact Hutchinson at (501) 450-3419 or bruceh@uca.edu. – Gavin Douglas Glenn
