Studio Collective’s first film festival, titled “Invasion,” in 2016 was such a success that the organization is excited to present its second film festival this year with a new spin. The theme for the 2020 Studio Collective Film Festival is “Far From / Home.” The theme can be interpreted in a variety of ways. The organization is looking for original short films under 15 minutes in length that could present local ideas and/or “far out there” ideas. The film can be of any genre, but must be made within the last three years (from February 7th, 2017 to present) and appropriate for all audiences.

Studio Collective is a student-run organization in the School of Architecture and Design at Virginia Tech. The organization highlights different aspects of design through a design journal produced each semester. The Studio Collective Film Festival is our attempt to educate a broader audience and to make the different aspects of design accessible to our community.

Studio Collective is partnering with the School of Visual Arts at Virginia Tech to bring together film, art, and design and to give back to the community.

Awards & Prizes

A number of films will be recognized and featured at our local theater, “The Lyric,” in downtown Blacksburg on Friday, April 3rd, 2020. There will be an award ceremony directly after the films are shown, recognizing the 2020 Studio Collective Film Festival finalists. During the ceremony, Studio Collective will give out 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place monetary prizes and Laurel Awards.

Rules & Terms

Any genre is acceptable for submission; however, films with nudity, drug use, strong violence and/or excessive use of strong language will not be considered as the festival is catered towards students as well as the families in the town of Blacksburg.

Films may be no longer than 15 minutes in length (including credits).

Initial submission deadline is February 7th, 2020. Submissions may also be made before the extended deadline: February 28th. These submissions must be accompanied by a $10 late submission fee.

All films submitted must be completed after February 7th, 2017.

Online submissions only. Each submission must be accompanied by a brief synopsis (200 words max) of the film’s plot and/or meaning. Please also include the title and the runtime of your submission (ie. 12:34, 12 minutes and 34 seconds, etc) in your summary.

Films will be judged based on visual and technical strength, as well as originality/creativity in regards to the festival’s theme.

Selected filmmakers will be notified of their selection via email prior to the event. First, second and third place winners will also be notified in the same fashion after the festival commences.