
15th Annual Pitch Fest Student Film Competitions
Join us for our student filmmaking competition that showcases the next generation of storytellers. Student filmmakers from a consortium of colleges and universities across the southeast present original film projects to a panel of industry professionals for feedback and evaluation. Cash awards of $1,000 (First Place) and $500 (Second Place) are presented to the outstanding pitches.

Animation on Screen: A Conversation with UNCSA Animation and Forsyth Tech Digital Effects and Animation Technology
Delve into the craftsmanship and innovative approaches that embody contemporary animation and digital effects. Panelists will discuss training, emerging tools, and career opportunities in the animation filmmaking industry.

Behind the Lens: BIPOC Voices in Documentary Film
What does it take to build a sustainable career as a BIPOC documentary filmmaker in the American South? In this dynamic panel conversation, three documentary filmmakers will share candid insights from their journeys working across the region.

How to Navigate Independent Film Distribution
This discussion offers filmmakers and cinephiles a practical, insider look at today’s evolving distribution landscape. Industry professionals will break down traditional and alternative pathways; share strategies for festivals, sales, and self-distribution; and discuss how to position a film for the best possible release.

The Art of Makeup and Wig Design: A Conversation with Dean and Starr Jones and UNCSA Design and Production
Explore the artistry, research, and technical skill behind creating memorable characters for film and television. Panelists will discuss the collaborative process of makeup and wig design, from concept to execution, and how these crafts shape storytelling—defining a film character’s identity, personality, and emotional state.