Emily Labbe – Contributor
Have you heard about BUFF? The annual Bishop’s University Film Festival is back, offering what some students might consider a good rival to Cannes. This winter is your time to release your imagination and make a movie. Dr. Steven Woodward started this festival back in 2015, when students asked for more film opportunities on campus. This year marks the 12th anniversary of BUFF.
Graphic courtesy of Emily Labbe
You might be thinking, “I’m not a film major, can I still make a film?” Of course! Registration is open until Feb. 6. You don’t need to have an idea just yet because the deadline for submitting your movie is much later—Apr. 6, to be exact. You can sign up using the link on the Instagram page, which leads directly to the registration page (@bufilmfestival). If you want to peruse our collection of past student films, movies are posted on the BUFF YouTube channel.
If you’re still not convinced, and you’re thinking: “I don’t know how to film” or “I don’t have any ideas for my film.” We’ve got you covered! Throughout the semester, the BUFF team will host workshops that will help you with creating your film. The library also lets students borrow equipment, like microphones, to help the process (but never be afraid to use your iPhone camera to shoot your film). We’ll also be running workshops and special events with filmmakers and BUFF alumni, who will share insights on what it takes to make a movie.
If you need inspiration, look no further than the brand-new Good Movie Club, founded by Jonathan DeGooyer and myself-we would love to see you there on Friday nights, where we know you’ll find tons of inspiration in movies like Labyrinth, Blue Velvet and maybe even Twilight. Or, for filmmakers with moderate aspirations, join us on Monday nights to find inspiration from Bad Movie Club.
Submissions can be any genre as long as they fit the six-minute time limit. Try your hand at horror, or even a documentary. Personally, I’m rooting to see music videos or romance films. Or, for you brainiacs, submit your video essays or poetry films.
So, what’s the point of making a film as a novice? For one, it’s a fun experience you can do with your friends. More importantly, though, you can show off and win. We’ll be handing out awards like best narrative film, best sound, best acting and more at the BUFF gala. We will also select one lucky winner to be represented at the Festival du Nouveau Cinema in Montreal in October, as well as at the Knowlton Film Festival in August. The theme this year is Oscars 2035: think bright lights and futuristic style. The gala will be happening in Bandeen hall this year in early April, so keep an eye out for the biggest event of the year. Make sure to dust off your best suit, and we can’t wait to see you there!
The Campus 