MayDay Film Festival originated in May 2009 at the University of Southern Indiana. It was created by a group of student filmmakers, collectively from the USI FIlmmakers Club. Year one was about showing off student films at their event to the student body, hosting an all night event.
MayDay envolved over the years by bringing in non-students films to the university, allowing USI student filmmakers to network with other filmmakers. MayDay turned into the event that joined a lot of actors and filmmakers over the years and brought the community of artist together.
In year 4 was the last year for the MayDay Film Festival at USI. It also brought the new logo a life, the flaming reel that is still today, signifying a new beginning. Year 4 brought in its first guest ever to the event, Victor Miller, the emmy award winning and writer of the original screenplay for Friday the 13th. It was the first year as well that MayDay showed multiple screens as the submissions into the festival greatly increased. Also the first year it added the vendor and booth setups, along with panels.
For year 5, it was the first year going outside the university and held their event at the Evansville Arts Museum. MayDay brought in several films for an all day event that showcased tons of local and U.S. films along with their first international film. MayDay brought in a fun aspect by inviting the Star Wars 501st group. They look over the event with Darth Vader and stormtroopers. The group posed for pictures with all the attendees. It brought a fun element to the event.
MayDay evolved further in year 6 by holding the event at the Showplace Cinemas South, a local theater company. MayDay brought back the multiple screens and hosted panels. MayDay brought in Jake Lloyd, who is known for his work in Star Wars as Anakin Skywalker and Jamie in Jingle All the Way. MayDay played the most films it ever has shown. Running a 2 day event for the first time ever for the festival.
For year 7, MayDay is being held at Showplace Cinemas South. It is the largest amount of films ever to be shown at the event for days. MayDay had a huge turn out of over 500 people over the span of 2 days for the event.
This will be the 9th year for the event that is still being held at Showplace Cinemas South location for its 3rd year in a row.
Best Picture- Feature
Best Picture- Short
Best Foreign Picture
Best Animation
Best Actor- Feature
Best Actor- Short
Best Actress- Feature
Best Actress- Short
Best Cinematography
Best Sound
Best Editing
Best Screenplay
Audience Choice